Coffee and Café Culture

Coffee isn't just a drink, it's a cherished ritual that the world embraces. It goes beyond the liquid in the cup; it's about seizing a moment to reflect. It’s a pause in your day, allowing yourself a moment just for you.

The significance of cafes dates back to more than 300 years ago in Europe, where they evolved into social hubs for people to gather, exchange ideas, and delve into discussions on philosophy. Coffee, accessible even to the working class in the 17th century, became a unifying force, bringing people together. In Britain, coffee shops became platforms for individuals to voice their opinions and engage in debates, providing an alternative space to the dominating voices of the elite. Parisian cafes, renowned for fostering discussions on philosophy, art, and existential matters, drew in intellectuals like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hemingway. Today, coffee shops continue to serve as meeting spots, transcending social classes. And this trend wasn't exclusive to Europe; it echoed in Latin America as well.

While coffee shops remain social hubs, there's been a shift in focus towards the quality of coffee, artisanal food, and organic sourcing. They've transformed into spaces where you not only meet people but also pause to appreciate the finer aspects of a good cup of coffee and the culinary experience it accompanies.

Coffee’s Health Benefits

There has been a longstanding debate about whether coffee is beneficial for one's health. Well, I am an advocate firmly positioned in the camp that sees it as the antioxidant elixir fueling our lives (and perhaps a tad addictive, but in a positive way). Coffee boasts around 1,000 antioxidants in raw coffee beans, and an additional multitude is unleashed during the roasting process. Your espresso, latte, or cappuccino is essentially a powerhouse of goodness! But, of course, everything in moderation, as coffee can increase cortisol in the body and can make some people jittery if your body is intolerant to caffeine. It can also acidify your stomach if you have a sensitive stomach but you can still enjoy the benefits of this antioxidant by grabbing a decaffeinated coffee or drinking it after eating your first meal to minimize blood sugar spikes.

However, coffee doesn't just benefit the body; it's a self-care practice that is good for the mind as well. Whether you're grabbing a coffee, enjoying it with a friend, or brewing it at home, these rituals bring us joy. Visiting your favorite coffee shop for your drink of choice becomes a wellness moment. This sentiment is amplified during the Christmas season, especially when supporting your preferred coffee establishments.

One of my favorite gifts to share with friends and family includes organically roasted coffee beans from various places I've traveled to, as well as from exceptional local coffee shops. This practice serves a dual purpose: supporting local coffee shops and offering a sustainable gift that will never go to waste.

Top Artisanal Cafés in Geneva and Our Favourite Gluten-free and Vegan spots

My go-to coffee order is an almond milk cappuccino which I also love making myself at home because my husband and I invested in an ASCASO machine during COVID (best purchase!). I also use high-quality almond milks that have minimal additives with simple ingredients: almond, water, salt. Which I highly recommend you prioritize when you can. Some coffee shops are not serving almond milk anymore and I am always a bit let-down for two reasons: oat milk is actually quite hard on the body as its carb-heavy and spikes blood sugar, it’s also not gluten free even if they say the oats are GF. I personally am also grain-free based on my intolerances too so it does not work for me. The other replacement I have seen is “petit pois” or pea milk which doesn’t taste bad and is a good alternative. However, when reading the ingredients, most pea milks are made with additives and oat extract which means they again, aren’t gluten free. Just noting that becuase it does make a difference if you are intolerant. That being said, before, I used to love trying all of the veg-milks and their is definitely something for everyone in our reccomendations below:

Mame Geneve

This coffee shop is new, coming to Geneva out of Zurich and hitting the streets in waves. They roast their own coffee, they have homemade pastries (they have delicious vegan treats too) and serve Brunch. An amazing Christmas gift idea would be a cute box of their sustainably sourced coffee beans in beautiful packages of either 250g or 1kg. Stay tuned for their new location in another famous spot in Geneva. Find them here: https://mame.coffee/

Ogeesa

Not even on Google yet, here are a few photos from the cutest coffee pit stop on your way into town. The coffee shop name comes from what the owner says is one of the words for coffee in Ethiopian. They have the cutest little bench outside and some delicious healthy milkshakes, orange or lemon juice with a ginger shot. Sadly, nothing GF yet but they just opened so we’ll give them some time! Check them out and try and find them in Geneva (hint they are on Rue Des Voisins).

Ou Bien Encore

This delicious café is well-known for its vegan and gluten free options. They have an amazing “plat du jour” each day and the dessert is to die for, specifically the cookies. Their coffees are also amazing but I tend to overdo it on the desserts, that I have no room for the coffee. They also have homemade lemonade and a stunning summer patio! Easy Christmas gifts include their beautiful pottery, little cups, plates and bowl that are perfect for gifting! Find them here: https://oubienencore.ch/

BioFred

This little coffee shop set in the center of the old town in Geneva is so cute, situated on a side street, it even has a little window bench to sit and enjoy your coffee at. The café is ran by a couple who serve only vegan food and also offer gluten free options including amazing vegetable soups, sandwiches and healthy sweets. Their cappucino’s are amazing and then even sprinkle a dash of cacao powder for an added touch. They also have a water filter that is energized with some magic capabilities, an elixir of minerals, that I always use to refuel. Find them here: https://biofred.com/

Boreal Coffee Shop

This café is a Geneva staple, although some say the coffee is a little bit bitter, I really enjoy my Boreal coffees. I am also a big fan of any coffee shop that offers almond milk which for some reason I noticed is decreasing. I don’t often eat here but they do have some healthy gluten-free oat bars and vegan brownies that always catch my eye. Plus I find all the baristas are super kind which always makes my day! Find them all over Geneva.

Alive Vegan Café

The Alive Vegan café serves amazing lunches and desserts, in a beautiful minimalist setting. All their food is vegan and they have tons of gluten-free options as well. I love their mission which is to add superfoods or complements to all their dishes. They have tons of little edible goodies like granola, nut butter and chocolate to gift or grab to go. And if you didn’t know they actually have a back room to bring together larger brunch groups, parties or events such as cooking classes which they host too! Find them here: https://alive.swiss/en/vegan-cafe

Barista Lab

Barista Lab is an amazing coffee shop, they have all types of coffee but they also have sustainable cups and plates made from the shell of the coffee bean (a first!) and they are generally very sustainably-driven which I love. The first time I tried their coffee I was super impressed. I also have never found a place in Geneva that actually marks the gluten, vegan, veg options yet on the menu for brunch. They do!! Try them out here: https://www.thebaristalab.com/

Corde Coffee Shop

This coffee was founded by a Cuban and American lady named Carlina who roasts her own coffee beans in the back. How cool! They are big on community and lots of Eaux-Vives residents love to go work their during the day. They have tons of vegan and gluten-free cake options with unique flavours from Mocha cakes, to Carrot Cakes, Ginger Zucchini and more. They also do whole cakes on order. Find them here: https://cordecoffee.com/en/pages/patisserie

There are tons more amazing cafés in Geneva not mentioned in the above list, but some others below:

Oh Martine - https://www.ohmartine.com/

Ferdinand - https://ferdinandcafe.ch/

La Paire - https://www.lapaire-cafefriperie.com/

Granola - https://www.granola-geneva.com/

Horace - https://horacecafe.ch/

Le Fix -https://lefix.ch/

Filomena - https://www.filom ena-geneve.com/

Birdie Food and Coffee - http://www.birdiefoodandcoffee.com/

Les Petites Artisanes - https://www.lespetitesartisanes.com/

Most of these also have gluten free and vegan options! We couldn’t write about everyone but we love the café culture in Geneva - it’s grown exponentially just in the last few years and we are here for it! Find us jumping from coffee shop to coffee shop this winter to enjoy that pause and the delicious taste of a quality cup of coffee.

The Ritual of Coffee ft. our Favourite Coffee Shops in Geneva (GF and Vegan Options too)