I caught a still morning in Colombo, with light raindrops lining the streets. As the sun came up, I hopped on my bike and headed over to one of Colombo’s best spots for vegan, locally sourced coffee  - Cafe Kumbuk. Tucked away at the corner of my favourite cycling route, Cafe Kumbuk stands out with its bright green wall adorned with plants hanging over the entrance arch. As I walk in, the friendly staff greet me with warm smiles, and I pass by the inviting outdoor seating. I am briefly captivated by an artistic map of Sri Lanka pasted on the wall, sparking a sense of wanderlust.

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Entering the old home that houses the cafe, I am welcomed by the earthy aroma of locally sourced Sri Lankan coffee. A  chalkboard reads “Coffee Lovers: We Use Three Mountains Temple Grounds from Sri Lanka,”  piquing my curiosity about the origin of the coffee. I was delighted to see Cafe Kumbuk’s commitment to using locally sourced beans and offering vegan options. Approaching the counter, I notice the medium roast with tasting notes of toffee, cashew, and orange peel.  It is sourced from Kotmale, Sri Lanka, featuring the S9 Lak Parakum variety. Knowing that this coffee is grown, processed and roasted locally adds to its appeal - it supports Sri Lankan farmers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting beans from abroad. This weekend, the  Meatless Monday team was offering a promotion on plant-based milks, and I was thrilled to claim my plant-based coffee! The offer was part of their ‘Tasting Colombo: A Plant-Based Culinary Tour’ featuring cafe Kumbuk in the morning, Kemara Cafe for high tea in the afternoon, and Ran Bath for a plant-based dinner buffet at night.  

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The choices were a locally sourced espresso, flat white with oat milk, or a mocha with soy milk. I opted for a hot flat white, given the time of  day, and waited patiently for  the waitress to bring it over, along with a bonus local Sri Lankan sweet ‘pol toffee.’

I took a bite of the vibrant green pol toffee, allowing its sweet notes to linger in my mouth, and then took my first sip of the flat white. The coffee had the perfect blend of micro-foam milk poured over a double shot of espresso. The steamed oat milk, infused with air,  created a smooth and velvety texture, adding an extra creamy taste. The barista's precise pouring and steaming of the microfoam made it an ideal flat white. The use of oat milk not only made this drink vegan but also complemented the coffee’s toffee and nutty notes beautifully. Despite wanting to savour every sip, I couldn't resist drinking it quickly before it cooled down. 

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After finishing my coffee, I browsed the food menu and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of plant-based savory and sweet dishes. From the vegan bao bun burger and vegan English breakfast to avocado chocolate mousse, Cafe Kumbuk offers a treat for those seeking more plant-based food options. Their commitment to plant-based and vegan offerings aligns with the growing trend towards more sustainable and ethical food choices, proving that delicious food and drinks don’t have to come at the expense of the planet. 

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As I wrapped up my visit, the Meatless Monday team informed me that the coffee was complimentary as part of a promotion to encourage more ethical, sustainable, and climate-friendly food choices. I snapped a  picture for Instagram,  tagging Meatless Monday Sri Lanka and thanking them for the opportunity to  try  Cafe Kumbuk’s oat milk flat white!  As I stood up to leave the breezy cafe, a beautifully designed graphic poster caught my eye. I was drawn to a cute little curated store selling local lifestyle items such as teas, posters, up-cycled clothing, plant-based detergents, and reusable water bottles. A real gem of a find in Colombo! I couldn’t resist picking up some plant-based laundry detergent, a step towards  detoxifying my lifestyle choices.

Leaving the cafe, I hopped back on my bike and headed  home as the  sun shone brightly. Reflecting on the serene morning, the cozy cafe, the warm drink, and the clear conscience from making an ethical, climate-friendly choice, I felt grateful for the experience. It was refreshing to know that places like Cafe Kumbuk are championing sustainable practices by offering delicious vegan, locally sourced coffee and food, making it easier for all of us to make more mindful choices.  For anyone in Colombo looking to enjoy a great cup of coffee while supporting local farmers and making eco-friendly choices, Cafe Kumbuk should be at the top of your list!