Mexico City is magnetic. It has this pull you can’t resist. Everyone who’s been here says the same. I am lucky enough to call this home although I don’t live here. And yet, I am back every year like clockwork. My Mexican roots are stong and I am proud to be Mexican Every time I am here, I visit new coffee places. This time, Totte para todos was at the top of my list.
I always rave about Mexico City’s specialty coffee scene because it’s unique. Few other capitals can boast such unique access to coffee producers. Many are just a short drive away. This gives roasters direct access to some of the best coffees the country has to offer. Strangely enough, the world is yet to truly discover Mexican coffee. For now, it remains a well-kept secret.
One morning, I wandered from our house in Polanco down Avernida Reforma. This gigantic street is Mexico City’s most beautiful avenue. One part has huge trees, beautiful flower arrangements, art and architecture. The other part is home to the city’s financial hub, hotels and monuments. Somewhere at the point where the two parts meet, there is Totte. Tucked away in a quiet street. I found it while doing research and was impressed by its countless 5-star reviews.
Where Japanese hospitality meets Mexican specialty coffee
Totte looks like it could be in Tokyo. It has the air of a Japense coffee shop, which is no surprise since the owner, Kento Tanaka, is Japanese. It has a small terrace and some limited seating inside. The bar is where the magic happens. Kento opened Totte in 2023 after previously brewing coffee outside his friend’s Japanese restaurant IDE in Polaco.
Then, he got the opportunity to open his own place in Anzures. Totte is cosy and welcoming. Kento extends Japanese hospitality and his love for coffee to everyone who enters. I struck up a conversation with him and he told me about his journey. After working in coffee in Japan for many years, he decided to move to Mexico. He was fascinated by the culture and the food. He even roasts his own coffee on site.
Apart from perfectly crafted espresso drinks, he also makes killer pour-overs. Many people come especially for that. There is a limited offering of pastries too. They come from his friend’s patisserie Madelaine. His ceramics were made by Caleb G L. Kento even speaks decent Spanish despite having been in Mexico only a few years.
His idea behind Totte is to create a space for everyone. That’s what Totte means in Japanese. As I sat there, I met an English drummer who was chatting to a Mexican guitarist. A Polish tourist and a Mexican regular who works down the street. It is always like this. Coffee attracts people indiscriminately of who they are and where they’re from. I love that. ありがとう、ケント。
