Diaz Dishes Up Breakfast

One of my favourite things about Lüderitz is its laid back way of life; deadlines are flexible, no one does any work after 7pm, long lunch breaks are celebrated and no one really minds if you occasionally sleep in a little too long. This is the attitude that has been perfectly captured by Diaz Coffee Shop.

Located in the centre of Bismarck Street the Café is a lively little place serving breakfasts and light lunches along with a range of cakes throughout the day and it is here that we decided to stop by for a little breakfast and a review.

The interior of the Coffee shop is comfortable; the walls are painted in earthy reds, oranges and browns which contrast well with the animal print curtains and green topped tables. There are various ethnic sculptures on the walls and several pot plants dotted around the room, giving the whole place a very African feel. But it is the display of revolving cakes by the counter that always grabs the customers attention; Diaz Coffee Shop sells a variety of freshly made pastries and cakes, ranging from lemon meringue pie to chocolate cake, from apple cake to milk tart (it is my personal opinion that Diaz’s milk tart is one of the best in Namibia) and you cannot help but gaze with joy at such a sight.

On this particular morning however, we are not here to sample the array of cake, we are here for a morning meal. The menu offers a range of breakfasts, including the traditional fry up and a ‘health meal’ consisting of fruit, yoghurt and muesli, all for around the N$40 mark. Every breakfast includes tea, coffee or juice and is served in nononsense portions.

Diaz Breakfast, including sausage, bacon, tomatoes, two fried eggs, mushrooms and a basket of toast- I should mention that I am not a morning person- for many years the idea of breakfast would send me running for the hills and it is only in the last couple of years, what with the increased work load and threats from my doctor that I might get diabetes, that I’ve begun to eat in the morning, so when my plate arrives heaped with fry-up food I am a tad apprehensive. However, I discover that the sausage and eggs are cooked to perfection and the bacon is neither too crispy nor too greasy. Likewise the tomatoes have not become soggy, which is always an unfortunate characteristic of cooked tomato, and it is only the mushrooms, which taste slightly like they’ve come from a can, that are not particularly tasty. Overall the breakfast is on a whole new level from the greasy spoon fry-ups that I’m used to back in the UK and sets me up for the day in a way that would make my doctor proud.

Fullhouse Omelette – The first thing I notice is that the presentation is very well done. The second thing I notice is that the orange juice comes from a can, something I’m slightly apprehensive of. Although I must say the taste is quite good. Over to the actual breakfast, the omelette is well stuffed with a variety of vegetables and the egg is well prepared. No brown crispy edges but a well slow fried omelette, as it’s supposed to be. Unfortunately some of the vegetables got a bit soggy. Overall this is a great valued breakfast. Tastes good, looks good and the portion is right.