Mantra has run a coffee bar in Budapest’s Belváros and roasted its own coffee since 2014. Its line is “A kávé nem keserű, mert egy gyümölcs!”, coffee is not bitter because it is a fruit. The roastery looks for green coffees whose acidity, sweetness and body are in balance, and roasts each one to bring out its own character, leaving the final touches to the baristas at the bar, on espresso and on filter. The current coffees come from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Brazil, Sumatra and Mexico, among them a water-process decaf from Veracruz.

Milk drinks are made with milk from free-range cows, and there are plant milks too. The kitchen side runs to sandwiches, croissants and cakes, with vegetarian and vegan dishes. There are also caffeine-free herbal and fruit teas and hot chocolates. Beans and home brewing gear are on sale.

Next door, Mantra’s training room runs four-hour courses in espresso, filter coffee and latte art, and cupping sessions.

Coffee on the shelf

Photograph: Mantra Specialty Coffee