Malay Coffee Company in Cape Town

Stop by for a morning coffee or pop in to grab a Cape Malay-inspired treat at this homely city spot

It was just days before her birthday that Muneeba Allie’s husband, Rayaan Allie, took her to a small property on 214 Loop Street, opened the door and handed her the keys with the words “happy birthday” attached to them. And from that day in August 2015, Muneeba became the fresh-faced owner of Malay Coffee Company, a new café that serves light home-made eats, sweet treats and coffee in Cape Town’s CBD.

“In the beginning I thought he was joking, but it turned out he was preparing the space for months in order to have it ready in time for my special day,” exclaims Muneeba. And now, this unassuming spot with a home-like feel is where this Capetonian resident with an incredibly warm smile serves her favourite Cape Malay-inspired cuisine (as well as other popular dishes) to the city crowd.

Part of the crowd she aims to reach is those working in and around the CBD. Her aim is to fill their bellies with a range of halaal-friendly dishes like rice and curry, salomies, akhni (a dish similar to biryani) and lasagne, as well as on-the-go meals such as smoked chicken tuna sandwiches, samoosas, Malay-style koeksisters, muffins, cake and more. “I absolutely love the kitchen, and so I make anything that I feel like making, or anything that people are looking for.” As a result, the menu will change according to Muneeba’s inspiration as well as the palates and tastes of those that visit the café.

And that’s the kind of atmosphere that Malay Coffee Company brings to the busy streets of the CBD – warmth and friendliness. The décor of the space also adds to that charm; before Rayaan handed over the place to his wife, he worked tirelessly on the décor to bring the place to life. Everything that you see in the store was hand-made or altered by him: the wooden framed menu boards that adorn the walls, the chairs near the counter and the shelves that hold the coffee cups.

In addition, the store itself is perched right next to the Coowatol Islam Mosque, which is one of the oldest mosques in the Western Cape (it was opened in 1883), adding an aura of history and culture to the quaint café.

Ultimately,workers in and around the CBD know it’s not always easy finding a lunch spot that keeps exciting the palate while being kind to the pocket, and Malay Coffee Company may just be a place that ticks both boxes.

Note: Seating at Malay Coffee Company is limited for the time being (until the end of October), but guests are urged to pop in and place an order.

Tip: Those wanting to delight in substantial meals like curry and lasagne are required to place their order the night before so that it is prepared to perfection. Light eat orders (sandwiches and boerewors rolls) can be placed on the day (via sms), and depending on location, can be delivered to your place of work. Also be sure to check the Malay Coffee Company Facebook page to see what daily specials are being run.

The Bill: Prices at Malay Coffee Company are very reasonable. Dishes like curry and lasagne range between R30 and R40, sandwiches ring in at around R14 to R22, and snacks like samoosas, mini steak pies, koeksisters and muffins are priced between R4 and R8. Hot beverages like coffee and hot chocolate cost between R15 and R20.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm (closed on Friday between 12:30pm and 1:45pm)

214 Loop Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 60 390 0057

by Dudu Luthuli

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