Hello! / Howzit!
Can I get a flat white?
standard English
The South African default order
One cappuccino, please
standard
Common order
Do you have filter?
standard
Ask for pour-over or batch brew
Lekker coffee!
LEK-ker
Great coffee! (South African slang)
The default order in Cape Town — espresso with steamed milk and thin microfoam
Widely ordered; sometimes called a 'long black' in specialty bars
Gaining popularity in specialty spaces; batch brew or manual pour-over
South African original — steamed milk with rooibos tea; found at most cafes
Popular; often larger than Italian tradition with more foam
Cape Town's cafe culture is relaxed and friendly — conversation with baristas is normal
Table service is common in sit-down cafes; counter ordering in specialty bars
Loyalty cards are ubiquitous — most cafes have one
Brunch culture is strong — cafes are packed on weekend mornings
Many specialty cafes close early (3–4pm) — plan accordingly
Cape Town's electricity load-shedding occasionally disrupts service — have cash
10–15% is standard and genuinely important — service workers rely on tips given South Africa's wage structure.
R45–R65 for espresso drinks; filter coffee R40–R55 in specialty bars
Did you know? Cape Town's Truth Coffee was rated the world's best coffee shop by The Telegraph — a Steampunk-themed roastery that's become one of Africa's most visited food destinations.