With a string of branches across the island, Café Moka is the original French-style patisserie to get your coffee and pastry fix.
Established over 16 years ago by a Frenchman who loved the Bali lifestyle but missed the home comforts of proper coffee and buttery croissants, the original Café Moka was (and still is) located on Jalan Raya Seminyak. So popular has the lure of authentic continental coffee and baked goods proved, that expats and tourists alike continue to flock to a number of outlets that have sprung up from Uluwatu to Ubud, where a veritable banquet awaits.
Located right on the main drag to Seminyak, the Café Moka here is a charming mix of café, patisserie and grocery shop, brimming with rustic French charm manifested in earthy tones, wicker chairs and terracotta tiles throughout. Surrounding the counter, a series of large glass display cases beckon, chock-full of dreamy cakes and cream slices, as well as croissants, Danish, donuts, Sacristian and pain aux chocolat. Behind that on the counter wall, a smorgasbord of freshly baked breads are proffered, including brown, multigrain, pita and of course, baguette. Over to the other side, and a range of mouthwatering quiches, pies, confits and gratins are just begging to be wrapped up and taken home, or, if you’d prefer, pick up a few of the boutique groceries including muesli, preserves, meats, cheeses and other dairy products to whip up your own homemade meal.
Dropping by for a quick lunch between meetings with a good mate last week, we kick things off with a plate of the Nachos (55k+) from the favourites section to share, along with a couple of orange and mint blended juices (25k+) to cool off. Beautifully arranged, the chips are thoughtfully laid out to ensure even coverage of the guacamole, salsa, cheese and jalapeno peppers. For the mains I went for the huge Grilled Snapper with Lemon Butter Sauce (89k+), while my buddy goes for the famous Café Moka Carbonara (69k+) which comes with generous helpings of bacon and mushrooms, and an egg yolk on top – both of which proved that there’s more to this joint than just coffee and cake. Speaking of which, to end things on an appropriately sweet note I couldn’t resist a slice of the fantastic home made Strawberry Cheesecake (35k+) to go with my post lunch latte.
If you don’t feel like venturing out then take advantage of the free local delivery service available, but it would be a shame to miss the great coffee, free Wi-Fi, comfy furnishings, and European ambience that comes with a visit to this little gem. Watch out for an organic produce market held every Saturday, and don’t forget to check out their range of beautiful birthday cakes, ready to order for that special someone’s big day. Bon apetit! Dan Ashcroft
Café Moka
Jl. Raya Basangkasa, Seminyak
T. 731 424
www.cafemokabali.com
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