Department of Coffee in Khayelitsha Officially opened on July 02, 2012 - , DoC is situated opposite the train station in Ntlazane Street, at the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading building at Litha Park. The first coffee house sitting amongst corrugated iron shacks, dusty roads and informal barber shops of Khayelitsha. Founded by Wongama Baleni, Vusumzi Mamile and Vuyile Msaku, gents who were brave enough to change their circumstances, took a dream and brought it into reality through believing in themselves. Baleni was a seasonal fireman for two years before leaving his job. Baleni worked at a towel making factory and Msaku was a coffee barista and to their luck added experience to their success. With prices that are shockingly low for the quality of their craft, they’re pulling crowds incorporating a coffee culture in “ekasi” successfully. The prices and range from filter coffee for R6.50, medley of espresso-based options, including steaming lattes, foamy cappuccino, macchiato, chococino and iced ‘freezoccino all under R10. That’s a bargain for students like me and so I took full advantage of the opportunity and ordered a latte for R8.50. It was quickly prepared, such a delightful treat of their own Arabica-Italian coffee beans roasted locally, especially for DoC. The latte was served with a beautiful quirky art. I hesitated to drink it I enjoyed the view better for a moment then the tantalizing flavour even more. Young and old from around Khayelitsha chill here, even crowds from around Cape Town just to experience the feel of a “Kasi” brew. In addition they also serve tea, hot chocolate, cool drinks and freshly squeezed juice and sell an assortment of tasty flavoured muffins – blueberry, bran, ginger and double chocolate for a mere R5.00. Oh! I think they forgot to add in a price tag for their warm and friendly service. Customers chill under the orange umbrella shad on tables just outside, there’s no inside seating. The three owners also deliver at no extra charge to a number of venues nearby, including the opposite mall, the Khayelitsha court and hospital. They are open Monday – Friday: 5am – 6pm and Saturday: 7am – 3pm. In an effort to bring people in from the city centre, DoC runs regular open days, animated events that are part party, part open air market, open day dates are posted on the Department of Coffee Facebook page.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 08:56:21 +0000
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