San Borja, the new coffee ‘point’? Three specialty cafeterias that seek to achieve it

“We want the first experience to be pleasant and, little by little, they introduce themselves more into its consumption and try other forms of filtering (such as the kalita and V60). This is how they perceive aromas and flavors”, comments Aland (80+ Coffee and Tea).

It was Gerson Díaz (Tunki Katari) who approached Aland Ruiz and Javier Barrientos (Violet Café Lab) to come together and create “The San Borja coffee route” with the aim of promoting the consumption of the drink and disseminating that in the district as well. There are specialty cafes. Between the three of them, they have started to offer some promotions in their stores and more will come throughout the year. “We want to publicize the route and teach specialty coffee even to children and young people,” explains Gerson.

How is it that San Borja can become a new coffee spot? The three agree that there is strength in unity, which is why they encourage other spaces to open in the district. “I would be delighted if cafeterias were set up next to me; It would attract more traffic and it would become more central”, says Javier. “You don’t have to go far to get quality coffee,” adds Aland. Gerson closes the idea by pointing out that in his cafeterias they will find beans from different origins in Peru, instead of focusing on a single point.

DISCOVER THE COFFEE SHOPS

80+ COFFEE AND TEA

Aland Ruiz and his wife are coffee aficionados who, a few years ago, were trained and encouraged to open a coffee shop. Thus, at the end of 2021, 80+ Coffee and Tea was born, dedicated to espresso-based drinks and filtered ones. For the first, they mainly work with a bean with chocolate notes from Chanchamayo (Junín) and, for the second, with beans with floral notes from Cusco, as well as Cajamarca and Lambayeque.

Recommendation:

One of the most popular is the mocha coffee that they prepare with cacao from Amazonas (it also comes out in a cold version) and to complement an apple pie, empanada or chicken and avocado tostón. As the name says, they also have varieties of teas.

Address: Av. San Luis 2889, San Borja.

VIOLET CAFÉ LAB

After making a trip through the coffee growing areas of Cusco and Cajamarca, Javier Barrientos and his wife Violeta were struck by the problems of coffee growers – they saw them sell 1 kg. of coffee up to S/. 2- so they committed to the topic. In 2019, they opened Violet Café Lab specializing in filtrates (chemex, origami, etc.) for those who use nano lots (87 points or more, with fruit and floral attributes) from Chanchamayo, Cajamarca and Cusco. They have begun to roast grains and sell them, under their brand, abroad. This year, they bought a small farm in Cajamarca to work their own grain from harvest to cup.

Recommendation:

Ask for an origami or a V60 and accompany it with a cannelle or carrot cake. If you prefer salty, try the sánguche liberica (chicken breast with avocado and tomato). In summer they also have cold drinks such as toddy (24-hour cold-extracted coffee shot) and cold brew (orange or mojito version).

Address: Av. San Luis 2516, San Borja.

TUNKI KATARI

When Gerson Díaz decided to open the cafeteria, he had a clear idea: to enhance his Huánuco region, specifically Tingo María. That is why he called it Tunki (Quechua for cock-of-the-rock, which is a typical bird from there), highlighted the jungle in its decoration (like the colorful mural on one of the walls) and works with four varieties of grains from the area. Since the end of 2019, visitors have been enjoying cups in different presentations: cold brew, slow bar, and espresso lines.

Recommendation:

For these hot days, we recommend the tunki frappe (they also have flavors like oreo and chocolate) and the cold brew. In winter the most popular is the hot chocolate with 100% cocoa from Tingo María. Accompany with chocolate cake or maracumango pie. For lunch, there are also salads.

Address: Av. San Borja Sur 610, San Borja.