Cape Town Food

Cape Town is a food community split along the cultural lines that run through the rest of the city; this is very unfortunate, because with that attitude one will end up missing some of the best tastes and places for a dedicated foodie to enjoy.

One such place is MAMU coffee. While you might be part of the Kloof Street Vida set who simply look down on all coffee unless its served to you by a rugby team of screaming, caffeine induced baristas, its always worth looking for great coffee elsewhere.

And it can be found at MAMU. But you will have to travel north of the Boerewors curtain (if you live in the central or southern suburbs) to enjoy the great coffee that MAMU has to offer. MAMU is at the Tygerberg waterfront, near Zibaldone's, Rhapsody's and Buena Vista Social Club.

Many a lazy afternoon and evening has been spent there with friends, and I can recommend it wholeheartedly. The coffee maitre-d, if she can be called as such, remembers your face, your drink and where you like to sit. It's a place where you can quickly become a regular, no matter how far you drive to get there.

The menu is about coffee, and the baristas products are fantastic, with all the little flourishes you'd expect from a great coffee preparation team; they aren't serving up Starbucks people - this is coffee taken seriously. Besides the multitude of coffee combinations at Mamu there is little else on the menu (don't bring friends who don't like coffee) : there are a few sweet things to see you through, as well as a great breakfast muesli, but if you are looking for something to accompany that great MAMU coffee the best option is to go for one of their signature chocolate bar inspired tarts and cakes. Well worth 19 rand a slice. [Note: Tonight (22 Jan) went to Mamu, the coffee was great as always... but a slice of cake was a bit dry, and WAY too much icing, left some on the plate... hrm! still the coffee was great!]

The ambiance is very chilled out, with a lounge vibe, and the furniture to match. Once you've been there enough times, and are spending a couple of hours in MAMU-ization, ask for them to change the CD and they will : all part of the excellent and considerate service that this coffee experience has to offer.

So if you are looking for somewhere more upmarket at a similar price (if not less) price then the regular mall coffee chains (inc. Vida, Seattle, etc.) then make a little bit of a pilgrimage to MAMU. If you love your coffee you won't be disappointed.