Karibu Cafe: a Linden Essential
2023 update: Unfortunately, Karibu closed in 2023. However, check out this list of my favorite Joburg Cafes instead!
Karibu is one of the best coffee shops in Linden. There is great coffee (even during load-shedding) and excellent food. The vibe is chill and the two adjoining shops with local SA goods will have you shopping even if you didn’t intend to.
Wilhelm and I first visited Karibu while we were still living in Melrose Estate and wanted to bike to Linden for breakfast. It was one of the first cafes we visited on the corner of 7th St and 3rd Ave, which is home to my other cafe favorites like Oregano Bakery and the Cheese Gourmet. This little corner turned out to be my favorite spot in Joburg and was one of the reasons I searched hard to find an apartment to rent in Linden. Now I can walk to these shops daily!
Karibu has cozy indoor seating where there is usually one person hard at work on their laptop. The outdoor seating is covered and has a combo of high tops and table seating.
The food at Karibu
Karibu sources its food locally and focuses on fresh meals. This is clear when you get your plate—the homecooked meal vibe really comes through in the best way.
My favorites dishes from Karibu are the loaded veggie grilled cheese and the shakshuka—and they are the best in town. The shakshuka is so good and spicy that it’s my top pick for the best shakshuka in Joburg.
The loaded veggie grilled cheese is technically a lunch item, but I order it for breakfast all the time. The homemade bread is stuffed with cheese, avo, tomatoes, and onion jam. For me, it’s the onion jam that puts it over the top.
I’ve eaten the grilled cheese twice in a week and still craved it enough to go back the following week. It’s that good and you know I love a good toastie!
Karibu has two unique features that come with many dishes: a coconut chutney (think of the South Indian style coconut chutney you get with dosas) and Kachumbari (a Kenyan fresh tomato and onion salad).
You can head up to the counter to check out the cakes of the day or purchase some ice cream. Additionally, there are beer, wine, and cocktails available but I’ve never gone late enough in the day to warrant a drink…
Look out for the weekly food specials as well like a veg breakfast and coffee for R80 on Mondays, coffee and cake for R60 on Thursday, and a Boerie for R35 on Friday.
Check out the menu.
Shopping around Karibu
There are two shops right next to Karibu. Both have a collection of local SA clothes, shoes, home goods, and accessories.
Co-op Squared moved from within the Karibu building to its own shop on the corner. It frequently rotates new stock so that each time I visit there is usually something new. You can keep up with them on Instagram for their latest stock and sales. I bought gorgeous dresses for under R300 during their sales. Say hi to Lerato when you’re there.
Karibosana sources locally as well as is within Karibu’s building space. I bought my favorite jeans jacket from here as well as several baskets. The shop feels like a mini Linden Market and you may recognize some of the same designers here.
Check out Karibu’s website here.