Latte art, for those who don’t know, is a design created while pouring steamed milk into a shot of espresso. These designs can also be created or embellished by simply “drawing” in the top layer of foam.
Raak
If you were impressed with the heart and leaf in your coffee cup, you will be left in awe of the other creative latte art displays from barista Patrick Masano. Coffee art at Raak, the popular spot in Newton Park, ranges from bears, cats and elephants to flowers and feet trails. Masano, who has been a barista for four years, says he likes to decorate coffee because “the customers see the coffee before they taste it”. Visit Raak Monday to Saturday from 7am to 3pm.
Vovo Telo
The trendy but relaxed setting makes Vovo Telo, with its funky coffee art, the ideal place for a get-together with family and friends. Situated in Richmond Hill’s Raleigh Street, the café has latte art ranging from fish and beach waves to butterflies and flowers, hand-crafted by baristas Xolani Cakwebe and Tendai Mponda. The two baristas say some of their art is inspired by designs found online, to which they then add their own creative touches. Vovo Telo is open Monday to Friday from 7.15am to 3.15pm, and Saturday from 7.15am to 2.30pm.
Kaffeine Espresso Bar
With comfortable seating, quirky coffee art and a vibrant atmosphere bustling with activity, Kaffeine Espresso Bar at the Summerstrand Village in Eighth Avenue is a great choice for people on the go. Latte art at Kaffeine ranges from swans and flowers to animals and quirky cartoon faces. Barista Leeto Khoabane, who is new to experimenting with latte art, says his love for drawing makes it easier to create his own coffee art designs. Visit Kaffeine Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 7pm, and Sunday from 8am to 7pm.
Como Caffé
With its decor and menu inspired by New York City’s Little Italy, this Walmer coffee shop offers strong, great tasting cappuccinos with creative animal art, hand-crafted by barista Lovemore Kachidza. The vibrant city-life atmosphere makes you feel as though you are actually having coffee at a café abroad. If a unique coffee shop that also serves light meals is what you are looking for, give Como Caffé at 86 Heugh Road a try. They are open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 2pm.
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Words: Sashika Pillay
Images: Sashika Pillay