A Beginner's Guide to Ordering Coffee in SA

Walk into any specialty café in South Africa and the menu can feel like a foreign language. Here's the decoder ring.

The classics

• Flat white — double shot, velvety microfoam, small cup. The SA/Aussie favourite.
• Cortado — equal parts espresso and warm milk. Small, strong, smooth.
• Cappuccino — more foam, dusted with cocoa.
• Red cappuccino — a SA original: rooibos espresso with steamed milk.

Black coffee

• Americano — espresso lengthened with hot water.
• Pour-over / filter — delicate, tea-like, lets single origins shine.

Milk alternatives

Most shops on our directory offer oat, almond or soy. Filter by amenities when you search.