VIBE Coffee Roasters (Wairau Valley, Auckland, New Zealand)

We recently stumbled upon a hidden gem in Wairau Valley called VIBE Coffee Roasters, and I must say, it left quite an impression. As soon as I entered the cafe, I was greeted by a delightful, dried flower garden and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.

One thing that stood out to me was the fantastic selection of Asian fusion food. From the food cabinet to the menu items, everything tasted fantastic.

My wife opted for the cronut (NZ$6.90), and unfortunately, it didn’t meet our expectations. The cronut was chewy and not as freshly baked as we had hoped. It lacked the flakiness and lightness that are characteristic of a well-made cronut.

Nevertheless, she enjoyed her other choices, such as the Chicken Katsu Panini (NZ$12.50). The panini was filled with tasty ingredients and had a generous serving size, making it a satisfying option. For her drink it was a Mocha (NZ$5.50).

Our daughter, being a matcha lover, decided to try the Iced Matcha Latte (NZ$7.00). However, she found that the drink tasted more like a milkshake with just a hint of matcha flavour. She was expecting a stronger matcha presence.

She also ordered the Vibe Shakshuka (NZ$23.00), which turned out to be a simple and decent dish without any standout elements. It provided a satisfying meal, but nothing particularly exciting.

I had the pleasure of trying the Sticky Pork Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl (NZ$26.00) and the Long Black Coffee (NZ$5.00). Let me tell you, the sticky pork kimchi fried rice bowl was a culinary delight. The pork was perfectly braised, offering a balance of sweetness and savory goodness. Combined with the flavourful fried rice and the tangy kimchi on the side, it created a symphony of flavours and textures. It was undoubtedly one of the best meals I’ve had in Auckland, and I was so impressed that I’m planning to recreate the dish at home.

As for the coffee, I opted for a long black, and it was expertly crafted. The coffee had a strong, robust flavour without being overly bitter. It provided a smooth, enjoyable caffeine kick, perfect for those who appreciate a good cup of coffee.

While the food was undoubtedly impressive, VIBE Coffee Roasters also takes pride in their coffee. They offer a variety of beans, allowing you to customize your coffee just the way you like it. I couldn’t resist trying their long black and mocha, both of which were expertly crafted and full of robust flavour. For something unique, I highly recommend their iced canned flat whites—an intriguing twist on a classic beverage.

The interior of VIBE Coffee Roasters is a pleasant space to spend time in, with dried flowers adorning every corner. It’s evident that they take pride in their craft, as the back of the store houses a roasting and packing facility that is open for the public to observe. This unique feature adds to the overall charm of the cafe.

However, no review is complete without mentioning a few minor drawbacks. Parking can be a challenge, especially on busy weekends, and the portion sizes are slightly smaller than expected. Additionally, while most of the dishes were delicious, there were a couple of disappointments.

But overall, VIBE Coffee Roasters is a little cafe with superb food and a welcoming ambiance. Whether you choose something from their menu or the food cabinet, you’re in for a treat. The coffee they roast in-house is excellent, and they even sell their own flowers, adding a touch of beauty to your visit. Plus, their range of merchandise, including t-shirts, coffee beans, and brewing gear, is sure to impress any coffee enthusiast.

VIBE Coffee Roasters
Address: 1/15 Porana Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
Phone: 0800 652 701
Website: https://vibecoffee.co.nz/