I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I heard a new shop had opened in Les Almadies and that they sold coffee drinks and handbags. Part of me was a little ‘what??’ and they other part was a little ‘that’s awesome’.

Turns out that Café Layu is located next door to Layu the clothing and accessories shop. (They have a great website, if you’re still thinking about handbags. Or jewelry. Or a new Tabaski boubou.)

What I love about Café Layu is that they have created a perfect blend of American coffeeshop and Senegalese specialties. The menu, for example, includes lattes and red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting right next to attaya and pastels. They have a wide selection of pastries, muffins, cakes and quick breads (the banana bread looked wonderful) and also coffee drinks, teas, fresh juices, local specialty drinks and even a mango smoothie.

Even the décor is a beautiful mixture of coffeeshop essentials and Senegal. (Just go see it for yourself – I really did a horrible job capturing it in photos.)

And you even have the option of ordering online via HelloFood Senegal and having a little sampling of Layu delivered to your door.

What’s not to love? Unfortunately, the coffee drink preparation could use a bit of work. Sometimes a little burned, sometimes a little weak… All things that are easily fixed with a little training behind the counter. Especially since they are using Cor Coumba coffees, which are great.

Overall, a very welcome addition to Dakar’s food scene and I will definitely be going back! Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Tel: 33 868 13 32
Email: info@ilovelayu.com

Route du King Fahd Palace
Immeuble Numéro 26
Dakar, Senegal