Be a part of us as we drive by way of Poland and discover 5 standout cafés showcasing the nation’s vibrant specialty-coffee tradition.

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Images by Vasileia Fanarioti

As a self-proclaimed specialty-coffee fanatic, there’s nothing I take pleasure in greater than hitting the street looking for specialty espresso. Not too long ago, I launched into a street journey throughout Poland, decided to uncover the hidden gems nestled within the nation’s energetic café tradition.

Each cease alongside the way in which was rigorously chosen, making certain I skilled not solely the wealthy flavors of expertly brewed espresso but additionally the distinctive atmospheres of every café. Right here’s a recap of 5 standout spots I found on my journey.

Kawa

My first cease on my journey was Kawa, an enthralling café only a mere two-minute drive from Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Manufacturing facility Museum within the Zablocie space. The second I walked in, I used to be captivated by Kawa’s Japanese-inspired design, which supplied a tranquil ambiance good for savoring an amazing cup of espresso.

The pleasant baristas have been extremely educated and advised a memorable Ethiopian brew. Kawa additionally boasts a formidable number of specialty espresso from famend roasters world wide, together with an array of Taiwanese teas to discover.

However the expertise didn’t cease with simply the drinks: I used to be pleasantly stunned by the distinctive Japanese sandstone drinkware used to serve the espresso, including an inventive contact to the flavorful brews.

Megiddo

Subsequent on my journey was Megiddo, a specialty café and kosher bakery nestled within the coronary heart of Kazimierz. The inside was trendy and exuded a comfortable vibe. When ordering, I opted for a Flat Brûlée, a implausible mixture of espresso, vanilla-infused cream, and caramelized powdered sugar: a wealthy and indulgent deal with.

My good friend tried the Rimonim Mokka, a drink that includes espresso mixed with chocolate pomegranate ganache and freeze-dried raspberries, bringing a novel fruity twist to the basic mocha. The pleasant workers made the expertise all of the extra gratifying as they guided me by way of the attention-grabbing menu, making certain I didn’t miss out on the café’s standout choices.

I additionally couldn’t resist selecting up a bag of espresso to take dwelling, which was really useful by the barista as her private favourite.

Zaczyn

My subsequent vacation spot was Zaczyn, a Krakow-based bakery and breakfast haven devoted to high quality sourdough and plant-based dishes. Upon getting into, I used to be struck by the dedication to freshness; every little thing is ready on-site utilizing wholemeal flours milled from grains sourced from small farms. The choices at Zaczyn embrace freshly baked baguettes and candy rolls, all crafted with seasonal substances.

I made a decision to attempt their raspberry and almond danish together with a flat white brewed with espresso from native roastery HAYB Espresso. The espresso was excellent, with wealthy, balanced flavors and a clean end. The energetic buzz from the store’s kitchen added to the inviting ambiance, and I felt proper at dwelling among the many café’s earthy tones and pleasant workers. Though I didn’t pattern their savory dishes, the colourful displays of the meals surrounding me promised they’d be price one other go to.

Correct

I continued my espresso expedition at Correct, a comfortable café in Katowice, delivered to life by Polish roasters by the identical title from Bielsko-Biala. Positioned on Staromiejska, this small but trendy venue provided a novel number of beans roasted at their facility. As quickly as I walked in, the plethora of potted monstera and strelitzia crops made it really feel like a lush oasis and set the stage for an gratifying espresso expertise.

I settled on their filter Colombia from the Los Nogales farm, a novel espresso processed utilizing a mix of yeast fermentation and thermal shock, which I used to be attempting for the primary time. It was a pleasant shock to bump into this espresso, particularly since I had met the producer a number of months prior. This brew was really one of the crucial distinctive and memorable coffees I’ve ever skilled.

Kafej

My journey by way of Poland additionally took me to Kafej, a vibrant café situated within the coronary heart of Katowice, proper subsequent to iconic landmarks like Spodek and Superjednostka. With its colourful neon signal promoting Chemex brewing, the espresso store was laborious to overlook. The café’s format, that includes each cozy seating preparations and an enthralling upstairs space, gave it a energetic but relaxed ambiance—an ideal spot for having fun with an informal espresso with mates or a leisurely breakfast.

Along with the distinctive espresso drinks made with their pastel pink Victoria Arduino Black Eagle espresso machine, I used to be intrigued by Kafej’s menu, which included scrumptious home made sweets and modern cocktails. I began my go to with a double espresso, however couldn’t resist attempting their Lumberjack bagel as nicely, a mouthwatering mixture of smashed beef, deep-fried edam cheese, Kafej’s home made sauce, crispy fried onion, and Romaine lettuce.

Different Worthy Mentions

In closing, I wish to spotlight two extra outlets that enrich Poland’s vibrant espresso tradition: La Mano and Serwis Cafe & Pub. La Mano in Zakopane stands out as the primary specialty-coffee store within the space, offering a comfortable ambiance the place patrons can take pleasure in expertly brewed espresso, a number of teas, and pleasant sweets, all served by pleasant baristas.

In the meantime, Serwis Cafe & Pub in Katowice presents a novel expertise with its specialty espresso, Neapolitan pizza, and a formidable array of native craft beers, making it a standout venue within the metropolis. As my street journey throughout Poland got here to an finish, I couldn’t assist however mirror on the colourful specialty-coffee tradition that permeates the nation. Whether or not you’re an area or a traveler, there’s by no means been a greater time to immerse your self in Poland’s ever-evolving café panorama.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a main give attention to the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate folks about baristas and their work.

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