Things are a little different in the Coffee Box. “Sometimes our customers bring us a little gift,” says Nicole Ugro-Zylberszac. Together with her husband Alex, she runs the small café in Haidhausen, less than 100 meters from Wiener Platz. Cow’s milk, oat milk, lots of foam, little foam: “When someone comes in, we often know their name and what they want,” she says.
So it is perhaps less surprising that guests sometimes give Nicole and Alex Ugro-Zylberszac a small present for their birthdays. “Alex is actually a lawyer, but he’s always loved coffee,” says Nicole Ugro-Zylberszac, who in turn is actually an editor. She was born in Haidhausen, he comes from Israel, where they met during their studies.
The Coffee Box is actually almost square, like the base of a square box. The decor is stylish, with lots of wood details and modern lamps, which are lightbulbs framed by metal cubes. There are no seats inside. However, there are a few small tables with chairs outside the door. There is also an improvised bench that exudes a flair all of its own. Particularly pleasant on warm days: there is enough shade in front of the coffee box even at lunchtime.
Small but stylish: the interior of the coffee box.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
Slightly wobbly, but somehow cute: the improvised bench in front of the store is good for having a coffee and reading a few emails.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
The small café is not suitable for studying for hours or working with books and a laptop, as there is not enough space for that. But that doesn’t matter – the guests come here primarily to enjoy a coffee and maybe have a good conversation at the same time. And if you can’t find a place, you’ll benefit from the location in the middle of Haidhausen: In the surrounding area, it’s also nice to have a coffee to go.
What is there and how much does it cost?
In the Coffee Box there are many little delicacies waiting to be discovered. At least during the week, the selection of dishes is quite limited, but it is more than enough for a small breakfast or a snack. For example, there are various classic croissants, for example with an apricot filling (2.20 euros). A Franzbrötchen costs 2.40 euros, a piece of gluten-free carrot cake 3.60 euros.
Those who like it heartier will be delighted with the antipasti snack with aubergine, peppers, zucchini and cheese (3.20 euros). Especially on weekends, there are also pastries that are mostly unknown in Germany, such as the sweet-filled Israeli specialty Rogalach. If you are looking for a vegan ice cream for in between, you will also find it in the Coffee Box (2.90 euros).
There are many small delicacies in the café. Anyone looking for a cold drink is well served with the homemade ginger-mint lemonade or the pomegranate booster.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
In addition to classic coffee specialties, there are also more unusual drinks such as the espresso tonic (right).
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
Coffee is his passion: Alex Ugro-Zylberszac
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
But what makes the shop special is its wide range of coffee. “We change the varieties almost every month,” says Nicole Ugro-Zylberszac. The couple gets their coffee from the Merchant & Friends roasters in Glonn and La Cabra from Aarhus, Denmark.
Those who don’t like coffee will still get their money’s worth in the Coffee Box. The Chai Latte (3.80 euros) convinces with its unobtrusive and very balanced taste. The homemade lemonade with mint and ginger (3.90 euros) is the perfect way to cool down. And if you don’t want to decide between coffee, food and something cool: an Affogato is available for 3.60 euros.
And who do you meet here?
“Our café has become a meeting place,” says Nicole Ugro-Zylberszac. People who didn’t know each other before would have met here – and would still meet for a coffee in the Coffee Box. For example a group of single people, says Nicole Ugro-Zylberszac. “Now they do a lot together, trips for example. They are totally loyal – and they sometimes bring a cake to our birthdays.” The coffee simply brings people together, no matter how small the room.
coffee box, Steinstrasse 9, 81667 Munich, 089/32608435; Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m