Much More Than Just Coffee
Weekend or week day, morning or afternoon, they're always there - a sight that once again reminds us how big of a deal coffee is in the life of this city. It’s pretty clear even to first-time visitors. So much more than just a hot beverage with a caffeine kick, it is a phenomenon, a lifestyle. Going out for a cup of coffee with friends means sipping it for hours, as an excuse for engaging in face-to-face social interaction. On the other hand, if you’re a solo coffee drinker, it serves as a means of spending some quality time with your inner self.
“In spring, the streets of downtown Zagreb become an enormous open-air cafe.” Image credit: Taste of Croatia
The trend of drinking coffee and socializing in cafes first came to us from Vienna, Zagreb’s main role model in the days of the old Austria-Hungary Empire , while they picked it up from the invading Ottomans. The vicinity of Italy, just across the Adriatic Sea, also played an important role. All this means that Zagrebians have long been exposed to good coffee and different styles, and they truly value their beans. As you can see from signs on Zagreb’s countless cafes, most of them serve big brands from Italy, Austria and the local representative, Franck. However, the new trend of specialty coffees is gaining momentum and changing the coffee-drinking scene, making it more exciting.
“Ethiopian single-origin specialty, coffee at Eli’s cafe.” Image credit: Eli’s cafe
There are now several coffee enthusiasts carefully selecting, roasting and blending their own beans, turning an everyday cup of coffee into a whole new experience. The pioneer of this movement is Nik Orosi, four-time barista champion of Croatia and a guy who really lives coffee. Eli’s caffe, his modern and minimalistic place just across Britanski trg, looks nothing like an average Zagreb coffee spot, it’s more like a lab. They’ve just opened a second, bigger version just next door, offering more than just coffee. Eli’s is also an artisan roastery and a brand of coffees that Nik and his team are making from scratch, supplying many other establishments that want to stand out with more than just mediocre coffee.
“The interior of the first and original Eli’s cafe.” Image credit: Eli’s cafe
The other name to watch for is Cogito, a younger but very ambitious roastery started by barista Matija Hrkač and his partner Matija Belković. At first they just roasted and experimented, serving their blends and single-origin coffees in Belković’s cool, bohemic courtyard bar and cafe U dvorištu. Last year they opened a coffee shop in the passage connecting Varšavska and Masarykova, a peaceful, cozy, low-profile place where you can get your kick only by smelling the lovely coffee aroma in the air. Today you can find their coffees in popular bars and cafes like Express Bar in Petrinjska or the hip Dežman Bar.
“Coffee at Cogito cafe, matched with a coffee, white chocolate and cardamom ice cream by Medenko.” Image credit: Cogito
Everything is revolving around specialty coffee at 42 Coffee Co. in Vlaška Street, too. After seving coffees by other artisan roasteries, they have finally introduced their own blend. They’re also known for serving some unusal coffee-based cocktails and smoothies during the terrace season. Quite unexpectedly, one of the best spots on Zagreb’s coffee map is in the heart of Trešnjevka neighbourhood, a little kiosk cafe called Teneo Coffee Shop. The owner is a true coffee aficionado serving freshly roasted cups made from various Latin American and African beans. The wide selection and quality of different styles of coffee served here is impressive for such a small and out-of-the-way place. They even organize coffee workshops or barista courses.
“Ice coffee with mint at 42 Coffee Co.” Image credit: 42 Coffee Co.
If you’re not a picky drinker, in Zagreb you’ll be surrounded by an enormous amount of coffee options all the time, wherever you go. And honestly, mostly it just is an excuse for gathering with friends and taking life easy. Maybe finding a difference between Burundi and Brasil beans is beyond you, but when you want to savour your cup and engage in Zagreb coffee culture on a higher level, leave your comfort zone and give a chance to the rising scene of specialty coffees.
Author: Taste of Croatia