If you’ve been following this blog then you’ll know that I’ve been on the hunt for an affordable and filling, yet gastronomically interesting breakfast for some time now. I may have found it at Kopapa, a cafe/restaurant in the Seven Dials part of London’s Covent Garden.

One of the most important parts of any breakfast is the liquid caffeine that has to be ingested so I can face the day with disdainful fortitude. As befitting an eaterie founded by Australians and New Zealanders, Kopapa is one of a growing number of places serving flat whites. A flat white is an Australian version of a latte and, ideally, should be very strong but with a silky smooth, slightly foamy surface and no bitterness. Kopapa’s flat white is certainly strong enough to perk me up, but it isn’t as silky smooth as the version at Berwick Street’s Flat White nor does it have the added sugary, molasses-like tang of the version at Kaffeine. Not bad though (sorry folks, no photo).

Man cannot survive on coffee alone though. I opted for the spiced banana French toast with orange blossom labne, tamarind raisin relish, grilled streaky bacon and orange vanilla syrup. It’s quite a mouthful both to say and to eat, but it is worth it. Although I’m not a fan of crispy, streaky bacon (I prefer tender, meatier back bacon), it does provide a nice contrast here with the soft, buttery French toast. The melange of the zesty and creamy orange blossom labne (a kind of strained yogurt), the tart yet sweet tamarind relish and the addictively sweet syrup come together very nicely, providing several layers of different, intriguing flavours.

Kopaka? Kopala? I can never remember the name right, but that French toast is damn fine.

Service was friendly and efficient, although the plain decor is oddly reminiscent of a green and white corrugated hut and is borderline ugly.

The Verdict

Questionable interior decoration aside, I was immediately impressed by the Kopapa. My breakfast was delicious and was quite unlike any other French toast I’ve had. The coffee was a slight disappointment, but I’ll definitely be back to try more of their intriguing menu, hopefully with the Breakfast Club of the Lensman and the Flame Haired Squelchie in tow. I may even try their lunch or dinner menus too.

Follow-up review

Name: Kopapa

Address: 32-34 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9HA

Phone: 020 7240 6076

Web: http://www.kopapa.co.uk/

Opening Hours: Weekdays breakfast 08.30-11.30; lunch and dinner 12.00-23.20 (last savoury orders 22.45).

Saturday brunch 10.00-15.00; lunch and dinner 15.30-00.00 (last savoury orders 22.45).

Sunday brunch 10.00-15.00; lunch and dinner 15.30-22.50 (last orders 21.45). Phew!

Reservations: probably a good idea.

Total cost for one person: £11 approx.

Rating: ★★★★☆