Updated: July 2024

You really cannot talk to me until I’ve had my first cup of Joe. I’m likely to bark something mean and nasty at you but you would have been asking for it cos you just don’t approach a coffee-holic first thing in the morning without a cup of the good stuff to keep things pretty… I know many of you will know what I mean. And you get me right…. of course ya do.

My friends call me a coffee snob. But if that’s what you call someone who is prepared to make an effort to drink the real stuff, not that instant dishwater you keep in the back of the cupboard for emergencies then I will say it loud and proud, I AM A COFFEE SNOB! Sorry for shouting at you. I just wish everyone could appreciate the intense headiness of a well brewed cup. The aroma of freshly ground beans is like a drug, in a good way…. it just transports you to that happy place. I will always go out of my way for a good cuppa so here are some of our fully halaal finds where awesome coffee is the name of the game.

Seattle Coffee Company
One of my favourite coffees is from Seattle Coffee Company. They have perfected their flavour and get it just right every time. At least for me. Find halaal outlets at these branches of Fresh Stops at several Caltex garages. Fresh Stop Doncaster Road, Kenilworth, Fresh Stop V&A Waterfront, Fresh Stop Main Road Kenilworth. Fresh Stop Greenways, Gordons Bay.

Bootlegger, 3 Anchor Bay
Bootlegger Coffee Company has long since been the go to place for those who won’t settle for mediocre coffee. Now we’ll also be able to enjoy their fully halaal coffee shop menu at their Three Anchor Bay store which has been converted into an ICSA certified halaal store. They also have a fully halaal sit-down branch in Kenilworth on Rosmead Road.

Rumi Cafe, Pinelands
Remember those Nutella pancakes from Timbuktu Coffee? If you cried crocodile tears when they closed down like I did, cos no more Nutella pancakes….. you’ll be glad to know about Rumi Café. Run by the same people who had Timbuktu, they have opened this new coffee shop and eatery in Pinelands. Serving Truth coffee, it’s coffee shop fare and light meals in the week and grills on the weekend. And of course, the Nutella pancakes are back!!!

Shift Espresso Bar, Claremont
A suburban coffee shop experience to tantalise the tastebuds, situated within the delightful suburb of Claremont. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, breakfast or lunch set alongside the spectacular Claremont area.

Knead Bakery, Newlands
The first halaal branch of Knead Bakery is located on Dean Street in Newlands. Knead is known for preparing Café Food based on simple, unfussy processes and values. They work with a small store of seasonal ingredients sourced locally and easily available. and they roast and serve their own Bakers Coffee. If you haven’t yet, you must try their Creamy Mushrooms on Toast!

Vida e, Grassy Park & Rondebosch Mediclinic
Grassy Park is not the obvious location for a Vida e Caffé. This popular coffee shop has made it’s brand synonymous with upmarket locations in malls, corporate spaces and trendy hot spots. But Mohamed Bray, who owns this fully halaal branch was convinced that Vida was missing an opportunity and pitched them a new location in Grassy Park on the Cape flats and they have been smiling ever since. The Grassy Park branch is a smaller takeout style store. He has also opened a second location inside the Rondebosch Mediclinic which is bigger with more seating space. More here.

Tell us where your favourite places are for coffee and if we’ve missed any we’d love to try them out.