A green paradise in Bo-Kaap

Experience luscious green plants with bagels + koesisters at Against the Grain

Locals love Against the Grain in the Bo-Kaap, which is why it had to move to a bigger spot. The plant-filled café, now in Wale Street, makes maybe one of the best koesisters in town and serves some really special Cape Malay dishes, like the masala scrambled eggs. The koesisters sell out by 12pm. Best of all everything is under R100.

Against the Grain offers over 10 different bagel filling options, from savoury to sweet. Bagels price ranges from R40-R95. Image: Against the Grain

ORDER A KOESISTER AND BAGEL

The café is fully halaal with a variety of savoury and sweet options. You’ll find koesisters – made by owner Gesant Abed’s mother – as well as bagels, breakfast bowls and a range of sweet treats on the menu. 

Indulge in homemade koesisters at Against the Grain. Image: Against the Grain

And the best part: Everything on the menu is under R100. The café is super affordable and offers delicious foods and coffees. It’s a great spot for hanging out with friends or grabbing brunch. 

YOU’LL LOVE IT’S GREEN VIBE

If you’re a plant lover, you’ll adore this space. The café is filled with plants between the tables and hanging from above. The aesthetic is green and black, with accents of wood. The decor includes black iron chairs, plush green chairs, wooden tables and industrial lighting. 

Inside you’ll find plants hanging from the ceiling and between tables. Image: Lara van Zyl

The café also houses an aesthetic view: Table Mountain and Bo-Kaap houses. When you walk into the café you can spot Cape Town’s most beloved mountain and the colourful houses right outside the window. 

Against the grain has a new view for customers to enjoy – Table Mountain and the colourful Bo-Kaap houses – perfect for an Instagram post. Image: Against the Grain

COME HERE FOR LOCAL EXPERIENCE

The café first opened at the beginning of 2020 in Buitengracht Street, but has since moved around the corner to Wale Street in the beginning of December 2021. 

Against the Grain has moved to a new location. The café is now situated on 102 Wales Street, Bo-Kaap. Image: Lara van Zyl

Since opening, the café has created a distinct name for itself, both in terms of food and its brand on social media. The owner, Gesant Abed, grew up in the Bo Kaap community. He didn’t want the café to be like any other coffee shop, but rather a cultural hub that showcased the food and culture of the community he was raised in. 

The café moved to Wale Street in order to branch out in space and opportunity, but the menu has not changed. Image: Against the Grain

WHEN + WHERE TO GO 

Against the Grain is open: Monday - Saturday, 7am - 5:30pm; Sunday, 8am - 2pm 
Find it: 102 Wale Street | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town
Contact Against the Grain: Instagram: @againstthegraincoffeeco

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By Lara van Zyl

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