Truth Coffee Roasting, a “steampunk inspired” artisan coffee shop, lies in the heart of my hometown and one of the world’s oldest coffee capitals: Cape Town. A three-storey warehouse building was stripped to its bare bones, exposing beautiful cast iron pillars, pine roof trusses and floors, and original stone and brick walls. Stepping into the coffee shop and cafe, props within are pulled from the Victorian era and the staff are decked out in top hats, leather vests, and peasant blouses with metallic accoutrements. Leather and steel are also used in a variety of seating arrangements – including the intimate dining booths, a seven meter long communal table, and cafe tables. Moreover, the large space with its steampunk concept interior, wouldn’t be complete without a giant blimp in the back of the room.
Voted for three years in a row as the world’s best coffee roastery, the coffee is all hand-roasted in a vintage cast iron drum and anything but your average cup of joe. We begin by choosing our bean: Resurrection, Deep, Dark & Twisted, Single Origin, or Antithesis (a decaffeinated option). Next, we narrow down our beverage type to hot or cold espresso-based drinks. We are simple people and undoubtedly choose a Resurrection flat white and Deep, Dark & Twisted caffe latte. The Resurrection coffee is balanced with smooth and rich flavours, while the Deep, Dark & Twisted features a fuller body with deep flavours and an amazingly approachable low acidity. The barista explains, both the coffee and cup itself are heated and served at sixty five degrees celsius in order to maintain consistent temperature with every sip, and we can vouch evidently.
I should note that there is more to Truth than their coffee – with a fairly extensive menu covering early snacking to hearty breakfasts’ and lunches. The Croissant French toast is a wonderful addition to your mid-morning coffee, served soaked in an eggnog mixture and sliced strawberries, rum and vanilla compote. It’s no surprise that Truth Coffee has made it onto a number of reputable, international ‘best coffee shop’ lists. Their motto: “We Roast Coffee. Properly”, more than lives up to its mantra.
