Espresso in Sao Paulo, Brazil

[gabriel]

I'm going to be in Sao Paulo on business for the next 3 weeks, and am hoping that someone can advise where it's possible to get a decent espresso. I would hope that as the home of coffee it's possible to get a decent brew, although I gather from the Rough Guide that the cafe culture isn't rampant.

Any ideas?

[JonathanM]

Unless things have changed in the last few years since I was there last, I would not hold out too much hope. As standard, Coffee was served black, and with loads of sugar. I was working there with an Italian, and one evening after dinner we did try to find an espresso. Thought we had found somewhere when we saw a place claiming to sell Capuchino, only to find that it was made from a brown powder - just add hot water . Not a good thing to do to an Italian !

[steves]

So, Jonathan, you went for Phil's TD then eh? Enjoying it?

[jumper]

not a clue where to drink it but i drink some brasil sao paulo at home so i'd gues there's gotta be some resort there that should be able to do you some good coffee

[mattmills]

The market in Soa Paulo is very good. There are a couple of fantastic shops, with very good coffee. Personally I would check out Santo Grao. The owner is a very nice guy called Marco.

Very good shop, even with different origins, although these have to be brought in pre roasted. However they do roast their own Brazil coffees.

The Brazilian market is one of the fastest growing, especially for the espresso styles, and for quality.

[gabriel]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll let you know what I find.

[gabriel]

Santa Grao is a great place. I had a superb Cup of Excellence espresso (actually I had 3) for R$5 (about £1.25), and the food is very good too. On the off-chance anyone finds themselves here in Sao Paulo I strongly recommend checking this cafe out.

http://www.santograo.com.br/localizacao.asp

[JonathanM]

So, Jonathan, you went for Phil's TD then eh? Enjoying it?

Yes; I'm very pleased with it. I am a surfer no more!