WORDS & PICTURES: Abi Prowse
Veering away from the sleek minimalism and bright white decor of most Scandinavian haunts, Mokka Kaffi‘s dark, retro interior is a welcome change. If you are not drawn in by the little red house itself, with a wooden chalet-like sign dangling above the doorway, then you will certainly be enchanted by the scent of sugary waffles which escapes onto the street each time a customer steps inside.
The diner-esque feel of this cafe owes itself to the low-hanging lights and brown leather booths, with Art-Deco detailing punctuating the furnishings. Although known primarily for its coffee, Mokka Kaffi is celebrated also for its generously large waffles and range of other sweet treats. Hang your coat by the door and make your way through the narrow aisle of tables to the counter; a glass cabinet proudly displays the selection of the day. Personal touches are everywhere here, with real chocolate flakes adorning their cappuccinos and Nordic artwork brightening the dark wooden walls. Even their sugar shakers seem to transport you back to the 50s: the decade in which this local business was born.
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In a refreshing and unsurprisingly old-school twist, Mokka Kaffi has no Wifi. As Icelandic coffee houses were originally intended for reading, or for intimate conversation between friends, Mokka has not strayed far from this tradition. You’ll find no laptops here, obscuring the concentrated faces of students and remote workers; instead, you’ll find locals quietly flicking through the town paper, or small groups of friends sheltering from the biting cold.
Although only a stone’s throw from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja cathedral, this tiny coffee house seems a haven from the rush of tourists and the crowds of the main street, Laugavegur, as if it were suspended in time.
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