Review: Meetpoint Coffee

Have you been to The Meet Point Coffee (TMP) in Summertown yet?

If not, you’re missing out on a real culinary ‘meet-cute’: the charming encounter of fab coffee shop and tasty Bengali street food. It opened recently on Middle Way (how apt is that address?), so it seems a little out of the way the first time you go.

Look for the coffee van tucked inside the wide doorway, and you’ll know it’s the right place.

This van signals TMP’s origins as a mobile coffee tuk-tuk out of Eynsham. They certainly take their coffee very seriously, and partner with Missing Bean to roast their own beans. When I visited, I thoroughly enjoyed a flat white brewed with smooth and honey-sweet beans from El Salvador. Though in this new permanent venue, they are doing much more than just hot drinks.

TMP feels like a real family affair, comprising Shaek as the coffee aficionado, Aleks as the baker, and Shaek’s mum cooking up the meals. When I stopped by for Bitten, I also met Josh, the super-knowledgeable manager. We chatted a little before the lunch rush began, and he guided me through the menu before heading over to work the counter and serve up the food dishes. Speaking of lunch, I was there to try the Bengali specials made by mum, so it didn’t take me long to tuck in. Spoiler alert: they were all fresh-tasting and delicious.

I savoured the hand-wrapped veggie samosa made with traditional dough and served with a sticky-sweet tamarind glaze. It was crispy, had just a little heat, and makes a great snack or appetizer. The cheese paratha with home-made coriander chutney was also a delight of gooey, savoury goodness. And I would eat that chutney with almost anything, given the chance.

Not one to skimp on my meals, I tried one of mum’s specials: chicken biryani served with dal and salad. The biryani was perfectly cooked and fragrant with spice, despite being one of those beige dishes that looks quite plain. The accompanying dal was especially aromatic and might have been my favourite dish on the table. The little salad with yoghurt-mint dressing added a nice refreshing touch to the combination. The rice would have been a bit dry without the soupy and flavourful side, but together they made a little magic. Alternatively, just scooping up the dal with paratha bread would make a satisfying lunch dish. I hope it’s still on the menu when I go back.

As a lunch drink, I followed Josh’s suggestion to try the chai, mum’s other labour of love. Proper chai takes care and attention. Thank you, Josh. This sweet, spiced tea was a lovely accompaniment to the food, and I pass on his recommendation to you as well.

Full or not, I’m not one to skimp on dessert, especially when the tempting baked goods are on the counter right in front of me. I ended my lunch with a slice of gingerbread that was pleasantly sticky, and warming with spice. It was a lovely finale to a great lunch. If everything I’ve described sounds like a big meal – it was. But TMP does take-away, and so I was able to take leftovers home with me for later enjoyment. The dal reheats very well.

Overall, it’s a pleasure to welcome TMP to the neighbourhood, and I’m hoping to become a regular for both the food and the friendly vibe. It occupies a heated, sheltered courtyard in front of the Cluster co-working space, so is partially al fresco. However, the supply of heaters, blankets, and hot water bottles will keep you warm in the chilly season. With original paving, old walls and wooden roof, it’s a quirky and relaxed location to hang out in. The staff are super welcoming, and service is well paced. Finally, it’s also very dog friendly. They were quick to hand out dog treats (with permission) to all the four-legged customers who came in when I was there. What’s not to like about that?