Můj šálek kávy, Prague

Coffee is rejuvenation.

The Karlín district, bordered by the Vltava River and Holešovice to the north, used to be more of blue-collar area but today is one of Prague’s gentrified neighbourhoods with tree-lined streets and hipster types walking their dogs. The one establishment most responsible for this sea change is arguably Můj šálek kávy, a laidback café run by Czech specialty coffee roasters Doubleshot.

Můj šálek kávy, which means “my cup of coffee” in Czech, offers espresso-based beverages, of course, but its focus is on filter coffee, the better to highlight the Fair Trade beans that Doubleshot sources from around the world. But the consistently awesome coffee isn’t the only draw.

Enter and you will be greeted by fresh-faced baristas and a cheerful, bright environment. (Not to mention smoke-free, a rarity in the Czech capital where indoor smoking is permitted in nearly every F&B establishment.) The feature wall is a gigantic mural in faded yellows and blues on exposed brick. The vibe is vibrant, as are the clientèle.

Most of whom, apparently, come here for the food as much as the coffee. In particular breakfast and the weekend brunch. From the usual eggs any way you like it (poached, scrambled, omelettes, etc.) to a rather tasty pulled pork focaccia, there’s something for everyone. Light eaters can opt for the tomato soup or a small slice of quiche. Pastries and pancakes, if you have a sweet tooth.

And if you manage to snag a table outside during summer, be prepared to weather envious eyes. It’s understandable: this would be the perfect spot to read a book, sip your coffee and watch very good-looking Czech citizens walk past. The smart ones will stop by for a coffee too.

Ah yes, Můj šálek kávy is definitely our cup of coffee.

遠離市中心的卡林，曾是布拉格的藍領區。
不過隨著近年來的發展與復興，這裡已漸漸成為了一個熱鬧繁華的區域。
由於遠離景點區，遊人不多見，加上綠樹成蔭的街道，
開在這裡的咖啡館頓時成了當地人愛消磨時間的好去處，
而Můj šálek kávy 便是眾多咖啡館中的佼佼者。

中文翻譯成“我的咖啡” 的Můj šálek kávy 以自家烘焙的咖啡豆為主打，
除了常見的意式咖啡，慢工出細活的手沖也咖啡客的最愛。
而通過公平貿易的豆子自世界各地，讓客人們有多種選擇。
除了咖啡外，也別忘了這的美食，
無論是濃湯還是乳蛋餅，都嚐的到店家的誠意。
難怪雖然沒有富麗堂皇的裝潢與佈置，卻吸引這絡繹不絕的人潮。
如果到訪時是夏天，不妨坐在戶外，
在綠樹下邊享用咖啡，邊看看四周的人流，也是旅途中一抹風情。