Café culture in the capital A caffeine addict goes on a café crawl to find the best coffee in Port Vila and discovers there’s plenty to choose from Around two thirds of the world’s population drink coffee. Chances are you’re one of them and when you go on holiday, your coffee addiction goes with you. Port Vila has a number of cafés and restaurants with espresso machines, ready to provide you with your fix. Each establishment has its own personality and atmosphere, and I have been set the challenge to try them all. Or at least as many as I can
Nambawan is right by the water, near the grass waterfront area, and is always a hive of activity, with a market close by. Nambawan is the café of choice for those involved in aid projects around Vanuatu. On their trips into town, they will stop at Nambawan and share war stories about how they managed to rebuild a village in a single day and still had time in the afternoon to recite
handle in one day. Nestled by the water, just outside of town, Chantilly’s has been a Port Vila institution for years. Its secluded location means it requires a fiveminute walk to the north of town but, if you are looking for some peace and quiet with your coffee, it is well worth the trip. Very busy people seem to frequent here, usually with maps and contracts spread out before them. Located by the water, La Tentation is the newest café/restaurant in Vila and has fast established itself as ‘the’ place to be seen. With a curious curved harbour-side frontage, La Tentation ensures every seat is positioned to make the most of its spectacular view. If you like to accompany your coffee with some people-watching, this is the place to be. Located right in the middle of town you’ll find Café Deli. This little airconditioned café is one of the few that is sealed off from the weather so is the perfect place to escape the heat and humidity. Nambawan is a true Vanuatu experience and coffee here is a must.
Keats to the sick turtles convalescing in the sanctuary. Located adjacent to the market, Chill is Port Vila’s only upstairs café. The tinted windows and air conditioning make this newly renovated space a good place to rest after shopping. Au Péché Mignon is a little French delight. Located across the road from the market, It is a fusion of a fine French patisserie with the relaxed atmosphere of the South Pacific. So if you too are a caffeine addict, you won’t struggle to find a coffee house here. Six coffees in one day was a lot even for me but, at the end of it, was I satisfied? Yes! By Daniel Coombes
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Top: Nambawan Café is a favourite with Vanuatu’s aid workers who share war stories about rebuilding villages in a day and then reciting Keats to a sick turtle. Right: La Tentation is ‘the’ place to be seen. Nine out 10 rumours start here. Far right: Chill is upstairs and overlooks the harbour, so you can watch ships loading and unloading their cargo.
PICTURES: Craig Osment
FOOD+DINING
FOOD+DINING
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