When I first arrived in Cape Town, almost two years ago, a friend picked me up to take me out for some coffee. I remember this so clearly because she asked me where I had been and I replied ‘oh I literally just arrived so I haven’t been anywhere’. Her response, ‘well I’m taking you to Origin then, I’m starting you off with the best cup of coffee in Cape Town’. So off we went to her favourite coffee shop, which was situated in the upper part of Cape Town City. Trying to find parking was a nightmare so we ended up parking a few roads away and had to walk. The place itself feels almost hidden, and it’s only when you turn into the little street do you see it. The streets are sloped and slightly cobbled and it has an almost European feel to it.

The coffee menu changes every few months according to the beans that they have, and everything is fresh and locally sourced. The coffee menu clearly states everything you need to know about the coffees on offer; their name, their origin, their taste profiles, etc. once you choose your beans you can then choose how you want the coffee; cappuccino, latte, cortado, French press, cold brew, America, etc. I had no idea what to do so I just told the lady that I liked my coffee quite strong with very little milk. So she brought me a cortado, and from that moment on I have never seen coffee in the same way. Beautiful flavours, delicious and strong. I wanted more immediately. That day we just sampled some of their baked goods to go with our coffee, but I have since been back to eat. Their menu is quite diverse offering breakfasts, bagels, baked goods, burgers, sandwiches and salads. I went for one of Joel’s Famous Cream Cheese Bagels which was delicious and very well priced.

Still one of my favourite places, especially since I herald it as the start of my coffee journey.