For coffee-to-go, a hearty lunch, or an office away from home, Manaka Coffee ticks all the boxes. A large and welcoming cafe at Rand Steam Shopping Centre in Richmond offers speciality-grade coffees brewed to perfection, with an extensive menu of gourmet, locally-inspired eats.

Manaka Coffee's first cafe opened at Polofields Crossing in Waterfall City in 2020. They also have three forecourt stores in various Sasol garages. The Rand Steam Shopping Centre location is the latest addition to the Manaka family, opening its doors in December 2024. (See Manaka's current locations here.)

Breakfasts such as easy avocado toast, power oats, salmon scramble, shakshuka, and omelettes are available all day. Light lunches include the signature Manaka magwinya (vetkoek) – we tried the Cape Malay lamb version with atchar, mint, and lime. It's delicious. Or you can opt for a spicy chicken prego roll, the private school boerie roll, or the house beef burger. The siracha chicken wrap comes recommended by founder Brad Symons. We also tried the halloumi salad and the smoked chicken salad – both of which are generously portioned and filling. 

There's also an assortment of freshly baked treats: take your pick from butter, almond, and Nutella croissants, a selection of muffins, and cakes. The traditional milk tart made in-house is light and lovely.

As for the coffee, your every wish is granted here – from classic espresso and Americano to flat white, cafe mocha, and more. There's also a cold brew or, for the connoisseurs, pour-over coffees (Chemex and Stagg). They also sell ground coffee and beans by the bag. Many other drinks are on the menu too: milkshakes, freezos, dirty chai, fresh fruit juices, and ginger shots. And there's a choice of teas from Twg, an artisanal Singaporean brand. 

We loved the playful section of so-called "Other Stuff" listed free of charge on the menu: compliments, smiles, high-fives, non-professional advice, and photography. (For Manaka's full menu, see here.)

Find Manaka Coffee at Rand Steam Steam Shopping Centre on the corner of Barry Hertzog Avenue and Napier Road, Richmond. Opening hours are from 06:00 – 18:00, while food is served from 07:00 – 17:30.