Stae Cafe
Stae Cafe is a coffee shop with espresso drinks and diverse brunch options.
Tucked away in a serene residential area, it has swiftly established itself as a destination for coffee enthusiasts seeking a momentary break.
Decorated in soothing sage green and charcoal grey hue, the cafe's contemporary interior is further dressed up with wood accents and ample natural sunlight, fashioning a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
While there's an open concept bar and production area on one side, you can also find a retail space that showcases their collaborations with local businesses.
Their menu embraces seasonal ingredients and modest spices, offering everything from classic bagel sandwiches to Japanese sandos and casual bites.
Each beverage comes with a piece of freshly baked madeleine, like their signature Craft Kola + Espresso ($6) which presents a fusion of spice and fruity notes, thanks to the house made herbal cola composed of 13 distinct ingredients.
Concluding with a pour of medium-roasted espresso, its intense flavour is softened by the layer of fizzy carbonated water.
Crafted with condensed milk, this Spanish Latte ($5.50) has a mild sweetness accentuated by a touch of cinnamon spice. It then seamlessly transitions into a subtle coffee flavour.
Purple Sweet Potato Oat Latte ($6.30) serves as a non-dairy and caffeine-free alternative. The sweet potato syrup gives this winter drink a natural purple colour with a mellow nutty taste.
Lavender Latte ($6.40) brings together the fragrant lavender-infused syrup and bold richness of espresso, all enveloped in a creamy texture and floral sweetness.
Their house special Stae Bagel ($14) is stacked with layers of smoked salmon, arugula, red onion and scallion whipped cream cheese. The addition of maple tamari reduction imparts a hint of sweet-savoury notes that elevates this regular bagel sandwich.
Truffle and Potato Leek Sando ($14) is a crispy pressed sandwich that uses Japanese Shokupan and is packed with creamy oyster mushrooms and potato leek fillings.
Underlined by the umami truffle paste and gruyere cheese, this Asian-inspired creation is served with kabocha squash mash and Korean pickled cucumber.
Topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, pickled onions and dills, this Hummus & Tirokafteri on Flatbread ($10) is amped up by a gentle drizzle of olive oil, delivering a medley of intricate flavours and textures.
Finish off your visit with this comforting Pumpkin Spiced Panna Cotta ($6.50) that adds a fall twist on the traditional recipe. Made with house blended pumpkin puree and spices, this velvety custard dessert is garnished with apple chips, toasted pecans and warm ginger syrup.
Stae Cafe is located at 222 Copper Creek Dr. in Markham.
Fareen Karim