CapeTownMagazine.com

A green paradise in Bo-Kaap

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

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

-


By Lara van Zyl

---

DISCOVER MORE OF WHAT CAPE TOWN HAS TO OFFER

 

Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramPinterest for updates.

Cape Town Events Calendar
September 2023
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Camissa Gospel Tours Listen, connect and sing along at ...

Join a Sunday service with Camissa’s Gospel Tour + connect with culture

Makers Landing live jazz FridaysWinter experiences at the V&A ...

Live jazz, date ideas, themed markets in the Waterfront

Amina Boutique Hotel You can now book out this entire hotel ...

Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Char'd Grill tasting traysSpirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...

Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts

Pear Tree cocktailsHolistic food + drink at this healthy ...

Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view

Pear Tree HermanusUnconventional vegan dishes at this ...

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Milk on the Beach5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...

Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...

Waffle Shack by Milk on the BeachOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike

Ricks Cafe AmericainMonday burger specials + happy hour ...

Enjoy any burger with a free beer at Rick’s Café on Kloof Street

Food Jams cooking partyLaid-back, lekker, and loud team ...

Food Jams is a party where cooking is only half the fun

Festival of YellowThe Festival of Yellow, celebrating the ...

10+ roadtrips to see canola fields. Plus getaway giveaway

GiveawaysTravel Tips