FOR THE LOVE
MY FAVOURITE CAFE STOPS FROM NADI
If you asked someone 15 years ago where the best coffee shops were, they would probably have said home or McDonald’s.
There were not many coffee houses back then and not much craze for the hot beverage like today.
That has changed in many places. Like Lautoka, which only had one coffee shop 15 years ago.
We will travel from Nadi to Ba and take you to these hot coffee spots.
Chilli Tree
Today Lautoka has four ones, Chilli Tree being the coffee shop.
Now taken over by the sixth owner the place still serves coffee and nibbles.
If you ever have the chance to grab a coffee at Chilli Tree, ask for Samuel Vakacegu.
After much research and cups of coffee it was noticed that none of the baristas in Lautoka have been involved in the coffee industry like the Levuka, Ovalau, lad.
With years of experience and one of the few who has watched five other new owners take over Chilli Tree, he said he could not leave because of his love for coffee.
So, if you are in Lautoka a must go is Chilli Tree which is along Vitogo Parade in Lautoka and operate from 8 am until 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Nice Day Blue Ginger
main oldest
Not too far from them is Nice Day Cake and Cafe, which is located on Vidilo Road.
The café is popularly known for its delicious cakes. For those with a sweet tooth, you need to check out the shop.
Another must see is Blue Ginger. This is recommended to serious coffee drinkers.
The café is placed in Elizabeth Square and targets mostly the civil servants and corporates.
It is a bit up market, and the almost former owner is serious about her coffee.
Beth Kury, who still runs the café,said it is only a matter of days when she will hand over the café to the next new owner.
Although through the exchange of hands she will still be involved in the production and service of their coffees.
Blue Ginger get their coffee beans from South America then it is sent to New Zealand or Australia for roasting.
Ms Kury said they stand out from the rest of the cafes in Lautoka because they carefully mix their own blend.
“Over the 10 years since we first opened, we have been trying to perfect the blend. We have finally reached that stage and that’s what our customers keep coming back for.”
When you visit Blue Ginger ask for Wainikiti Lewaseini. While she may only have two years of experience the 23-year-old has been highly recommended by some serious coffee drinkers in Lautoka.
If you plan to catch her, they open Monday to Saturday from 8am until 5pm.
Gloria Jean’s Coffee
The last coffee shop and wellknown for their coconut cappuccino is Gloria Jean’s Coffee.
They are the easiest to find in Lautoka, located on the second floor of Tappoo City.
There you will meet Jonathan Nobel, their best barista as recommended by their supervisor. Mr Nobel has been self-taught and has grown to love coffee because it is his haven.
The New Caledonian native with maternal links to Rewa said growing up in his community was all sorts of trouble.
“Many of those who grew up from where I’m from have either gone to jail or are now living on the streets.
“I’m grateful to my employer for investing their time and knowledge to help me grow in this industry.
“It is the only thing that keeps me out of trouble and is some where I can go to escape the problems I may be facing.”
He said it was satisfying to see customers come back and ask for their coffee.
“We have a lot of returning customers and its satisfying to see some who come sad and leave with a big smile on their face.
“Coffee makes our problems away.”
South Pacific Coffee Company
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If travelling through the Nadi Back Road you will easily spot the only coffee house that allows you to watch their roasting process.
Owned by the former owner of Lulu’s Bar and the Rhum-Bar in Denarau, Mike Dennis has decided to solely focus on what he loves. Their mission is to provide their customers with the finest roasted coffee in Fiji and coffee inspired products locally.
Recently, the enterprise launched their ready to drink Cold Brew. The drink can be consumed hot or cold. It is an expresso in a bottle.
The South Pacific Coffee Company is working with local farmers in Vanua Levu and others to supply locally grown and harvested coffee beans.
This would make them the first and only local coffee house that grows, roasts, blends and brews their own coffee.
Bulaccino
The 15-year-old family-owned business has become a household name for coffee drinkers.
They own three shops and employ more than 50 employers.
They pride themselves with their experience and having overcome all the challenges put to them. Founder and owner Eileen Chute said we have survived because we never take short cuts.
This may explain Bulaccino’s no-compromise approach when it comes to the quality and freshness of food and ingredients, and the reason why they produce whatever possible in-house including breads and pastries, natural juices, meat patties and sauces. Even the honey comes from the lovely bees on their Bulaccino Garden Farm at Votualevu, near Nadi.
She added another important thing in the industry was knowing
your machine.
“You can have the most expensive beans of coffee but if you don’t know how to treat your machine you are at a loss.”
Her son and managing director Dirk Rodenburg said his love for coffee was inspired by his mother. He said they have seen many coffee houses open and close because they were not honest and passionate enough.
“Many people think running a coffee house is as easy as running a BBQ stall.
“If that’s they way you think you will be shocked. Coffee is more technical than one could imagine.” After much consideration on which coffee beans to choose, Bulaccino have fallen in love with Tana coffee from Vanuatu.
On their menu you will find a few unique drinks that was inspired and created by Mr Rodenburg.
These drinks are Hot Shot, Kavaccino, Niucinno and Tumeric Latte.
MaiLife Café
The last coffee house you will find is in Ba.
Unfortunately, Tavua and Rakiraki have not been exploited enough to brew up a coffee house.
MaiLife Café can be found on the main street of Ba Town.
They are popularly known for their caramel hazelnut hot drink that has a shot of coffee.
Pastry chef and barista Nathaniel Chand said you will not find the drink on their menu but do not be shy to ask for it.
Other favourites are their vanilla chai, turmeric latte, kumquat juice and their refreshing mocktails. The café opens seven days a week from 8am until 10pm.
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