Mofer Coffee is a Toronto source for single origin Ethiopian coffee, freshly custom-roasted before your eyes.

The sign above the entrance reads “The Birthplace of Coffee,” underscoring the significance of the roastery’s name. “Mofer” is an ancient Ethiopian word for the plows originally used to create furrows for planting coffee and other crops.

This tool is pictured in a massive painting on one wall, being carried by a person in its oldest usage before operation by animals or machinery became commonplace.

The rest of the space, while calm, quiet, and modern, is similarly brightened by spots of art and funky handmade shelves displaying intricately hand-painted ceramics.

Five varieties of beans sold here are air roasted on site by a machine in the back manufactured in the U.S.

While Mofer does supply beans themselves to some bigger roasters, the coffee roasted here is available exclusively at this location.

While bags are available at the front for quick pickup, within about seven minutes a bag like this pound of Harar ($12) can be light-, medium- or dark-roasted fresh to your preference right in front of you.

The steep and filter brew method ($3 for a cup, $8.50 for a litre) is highly recommended. Coffee is steeped in water and then poured through an organic cotton filter, which apparently opens up the coffee, enhancing its flavours.

It takes a few minutes so probably better to order if staying in, but it’s a great deal for groups or just plain caffeine addicts. The accessible medium roast Sidama prepared using this method is aromatic, bold and definitely very fresh tasting.

Cold brew is prepared over the course of 24 hours in the cafe’s basement using a cold water coffee dripper and filtered water to produce 7 gallon batches.

The batch I try uses the Djimma beans, slightly on the sweeter, fruitier side but still bold enough to stand up to a dose of cream.

More off-the-wall options include matcha, caramel, chai and turmeric lattes ($4, 25 cents extra for iced) with bold flavours thanks to Genuine Tea.

Their organic loose leaf black, green and herbal teas start at $2.50.

Baked goods like date squares ($2.85) are provided by local standby Circles and Squares.

There are also white cheddar and chive or lemon cranberry scones for the same price.

You can do Ritual pickup from here, and while this might be the only place to get this tasty coffee for now, you can shop online and there are hopes for more Mofer Coffee locations.