Rafiki

TROPIC LIKE IT’S HOT AT THIS FRIENDLY SEASIDE CAFÉ

Get your Vitamin C – and Vitamin Sea – at Rafiki

Tucked away at the entrance to Mermaid Beach Surf Club, you’ll find the sunniest, happiest corner in 4218. With arguably the best location like, ever, Rafiki’s breathtaking ocean views are just one reason why locals flock to this cute tropical café in droves. Plus, the simple yet lush menu reflects the café’s salt of the earth style, filled with fresh, colourful, and high-quality ingredients to nourish the body and soul.

Advocating good friends, good times, and good vibes (#howgood), this gem is always overflowing with peeps straight off the beach. Others are meeting friends to shoot the (ocean) breeze over an iced latte, popping in for a refuel after their morning deep burn, or sinking a smoothie with the ankle biters in tow. Plus, a whole lotta folk swing in with their fur babies and yay to that, coz canines and cafes go together like copy and paste.

The outdoor dining area is lined with a handful of picnic bench style tables and seating to accommodate the peeps who want to sit and marinade in Rafiki goodness. With big shady umbrellas for protection, you won’t get a side of sunburn with your soy cap. Those who miss out on a table or are waiting for their grab-and-go can chill on one of the café’s benches, then head over to the golden sands to enjoy their eats/sips. Oh and let’s not forget the bench spot below the instafamous timber Rafiki sign #LemmeTakeASelfie.

Starting off as a hole-in-the-wall, five years on, it has spread its wings and become a power player on the Mermaid/Nobbys café scene. Although it may have grown exponentially in popularity, it hasn’t lost any of its OG appeal, still connecting the

community with happy feels…and happier tastebuds! It’s also a popular location for a bunch of local events for lifestyle and sporting groups from fitness and yoga, to catch ups and farewells. Plus, starting next year doggo parents can join fellow furry families for dog walks on the beach. Pawsome!

The signature dishes here are their insane Açai bowls and it’s the Peanut Butter Acai Bowl for us coz nut-ing compares. Equally sought after are the killer toasties topped with their famous rafiki spice mix and can someone please give us this secret recipe already? Who can say no to a Rueben and certainly not us, or a Moroccan Pesto Chicken Toastie #TotallyEggstra. Otherwise you can sink your teeth into a wrap, smoothie bowl, vegan biscoff crumpet, taco bowl and we could srly taco-bout these all day.

The crowd favourite beverage is undoubtedly the Monkey Madness Smoothie, AKA the holy grail of smoothies, with cocoa, peanut butter, banana, and coconut water. Or perhaps the Sahara Sunset is more your jam, with a blend of creamy mango, banana, coconut milk and coconut water finished with a berry drizzle.

Finally, you may be wondering where the name Rafiki came from? It’s Swahili for friend and that’s exactly what this place is – your friendly café by the sea.

Words by Bianca Trathen

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Happy feels… and happier taste buds!