The Ritual Behind Every Cup
In Cartagena de Indias, the heat, the sea, and the cultural vibes make every sip feel like part of a bigger story. Between the colorful streets of Getsemaní and specialty coffee shops, a question pops up: are you team matcha or team specialty coffee?
Both are more than drinks: they’re rituals, identities, and moments to connect with yourself or with others. And in a city where days flow between walks through colonial plazas, sunsets by the sea, and nights filled with music, what you drink also speaks about your lifestyle.
Matcha: Green Energy and Mindful Living
Matcha isn’t just green tea. It’s an ancient Japanese powder packed with antioxidants, calm, and sustained energy. Perfect for those who want a boost without the rush or crash of coffee.
- Flavor: vegetal, umami, with sweet notes.
- Effect: long-lasting focus, calm alertness.
- Ritual: preparing matcha is almost like meditation—a slow moment for yourself.
In Cartagena, ordering matcha feels like bringing a piece of Kyoto into the walled city. Iced matcha is refreshing on a hot day, while a warm matcha latte can pair beautifully with a slow morning at the hotel or an afternoon of reading.
More than a drink, matcha is a statement. It represents a lifestyle centered on balance, wellness, and mindfulness. Ideal for travelers who see the journey itself as a path to reconnection.
Specialty Coffee: Tradition and Terroir
On the other side, there’s specialty coffee—with its character, complexity, and deep Colombian roots. This isn’t just caffeine; it’s about origin, process, and passionate baristas who turn beans into experiences.
- Flavor: from fruity to chocolatey notes.
- Effect: quick energy, creative spark.
- Ritual: precise grinding, brewing methods, aroma filling the air.
Colombia is the birthplace of specialty coffee, and in Cartagena, cafés turn it into liquid art. Enjoying a good espresso or a V60 pour-over among the city’s colorful streets is a plan in itself.
Specialty coffee connects to the nation’s coffee tradition while reinventing itself in modern urban spaces, where baristas act as true sensory guides.
Cartagena, Getsemaní, and the Café Culture
Getsemaní vibes with murals, music, and—more and more—specialty cafés offering new experiences. Here, coffee isn’t served fast: it’s discussed, tasted, understood.
And alongside it, matcha lattes are making their way onto menus, winning over locals and curious travelers. It reflects a city open to trends while staying true to its roots.
A stroll through Getsemaní might start with a Colombian espresso and end with an iced matcha, symbolizing the duality between local and global that defines Cartagena today.
Carta Ajena: Where Both Worlds Meet
At Carta Ajena, OSH Hotel’s restaurant, both options live side by side. Start your morning with a specialty coffee flat white or cool down in the afternoon with an iced matcha.
Each has its moment:
- Coffee to spark conversations and kick off projects.
- Matcha for a lighter, balanced, mindful mood.
Carta Ajena’s brunch menu also offers perfect pairings: pancakes with filtered coffee, or a fresh bowl with matcha latte. Every choice enhances the dining experience and connects to the flow of the day.
✨ Here you don’t have to pick a side—you can enjoy both, depending on your mood and your plans in Cartagena.
Conclusion: More Than Drinks, Lifestyles
In Cartagena, between matcha and specialty coffee, there’s no real competition—just complementarity. One invites conscious calm; the other sparks creative energy.
At OSH Hotel, we celebrate both rituals, because we know that life—and travel—are all about balance. Whether at Carta Ajena’s counter or enjoying the breeze at Ajeno Rooftop at sunset, what truly matters is raising a cup to the present.
FAQ
What’s the difference between matcha and specialty coffee?
Matcha provides steady energy and antioxidants, while specialty coffee shines with its origin, flavor profile, and immediate stimulating effect.
Where can I try specialty coffee in Cartagena?
In Getsemaní and at places like Carta Ajena, where both the bean and the brewing process are carefully respected.
Does matcha have caffeine?
Yes, but less than coffee. Its effect lasts longer and avoids jittery peaks.
Can I find both options at OSH Hotel?
Of course. Carta Ajena serves both specialty coffee drinks and matcha creations.
Which is better for brunch?
It depends on your mood. Coffee powers up your morning, while matcha pairs beautifully with slow or refreshing plans. Both have their place at Carta Ajena.
