Earlier this year Nick Hamman stirred up a frenzy when he visited Angamia’s at the Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg. The tiny store is better known for cutlery and homeware including premium brands like Smeg and Maxwell Williams. So having become a destination for coffee was quite unusual.

I finally visited the Oriental Plaza last month. Passing the store I was drawn in by the enticing smells of black gold wafting out of the doors. I decided I had to see what the hype was about. With barely enough space in the store to turn around, and not enough to change to change your mind, it can get pretty crowded. So when I spotted the famous Uncle Ahmed and his fancy coffee roaster in the corner I made a beeline to place my order.

With a range of coffee drinks to choose from we ordered a masala coffee, cappuccino’s and a hot chocolate. While we were waiting I chatted to Uncle Ahmed who was bitten by the coffee bug 20 years ago. He roasts his own beans and packages them under the Angamias brand so you can brew it at home too. He tells me he even makes date coffee from roasted date pits.

The masala coffee I had was deliciously spicy and a well rounded coffee, and my party felt it was the best hot chocolate they have had in a long time.

The range of homeware is extensive. Don’t let the size or appearance of the store fool you. It may look crammed to the hilt, but it is organised chaos. Make sure you ask the assistants if you are looking for something as they seem to have a hidden warehouse in the back of the store. Also don’t expect bargain basement prices just because this is Fordsburg. You’re still paying premium prices as they are premium products.

Angamia’s have been part of the Oriental Plaza from back in the days of segregation due to the Group Areas Act during Apartheid. They have a long history in the area and are an established part of the cultural history of Johannesburg. Don’t pass up this gem if you’re a coffee lover and in the neighbourhood!

Find them at: Shop C 89, Grand Bazaar, Oriental Plaza, Fordsburg, Johannesburg.