Cafe Rhythm, Parnell

If you're like me and like to go food exploring, trying out all sorts of things, then Cafe Rhythm is surely a place you'd want to put on your 'places to try out' list. 
Parnell Village is such a popular spot for both tourists and locals, not only filled with high end products, but here you will also find some of the most iconic cafes and shops, along with the infamous old phone booth. However, all these can be easily seen on the main road of Parnell, thus easily passing, or perhaps not even knowing, about the existence of the hidden treasures located within the area.


Cafe Rhythm is a warm, cozy, and relaxed Korean operated waffle cafe that is very hidden inside the Parnell village, but really worth the effort to going and giving at try, especailly if you love waffles! The cafe provides both indoor and outdoor facilities, so no matter what the weather is like on anyway, the cafe will always have the appropriate place to sit. 

This cafe is a brunch cafe and offers a variety of both sweet and savoury waffles, along with a few other sweet treats (just incase for some who might not prefer waffles on the day), as well as a range of uniquely delicious drinks on the menu.

Full Size Chocolate Waffle

It's quite rare to see chocolate waffles literally made from a chocolate waffle batter. Normally, the assumption of a chocolate waffle would be a traditional Belgium waffle then drizzled heavily with chocolate sauce/syrup and the topped with various chocolate toppings.
As you can see in the photo, Cafe Rhythm's 'Chocolate Waffle' is actually a chocolate flavoured waffle. The waffle is generously topped with a range of fruits and chocolate buttons, then drizzled with chocolate sauce, berry sauce, condensed milk, and served with a sides of a scoop of chocolate ice cream, and whipped cream. The plate looks and sounds luxurious, however, the texture of the waffle itself to me was quite a disappointment. I say this because generally my idea of a tasty waffle is that it's crispy and when bitten is a light chewy texture. Sadly, the chocolate waffle did not bear these characteristics. I felt that the texture of this waffle was quite dry and solid, and serving it with the fruits or ice cream did not really help with the overall texture. This wouldn't exactly be a favourite of mine, nor do I think I would order it again, but it might suit those who don't actually like the chewy texture or the plain taste of traditional waffles.

Honey Bread

'Honey Bread' was actually the item that drew my attention at first and drove me to look for Cafe Rhythm to try out. This item was sweet and very simple. About 5cm thick Quality Bakers Bread (stated on the menu) lightly toasted on both sides, then topped with a large swirl of whipped cream and then drizzles with some Manuka honey and a few shaved almond sprinkle. There isn't much to say about this honey bread other than it is just plain and simple. The taste is no different to average toast. Generally, this item is more aesthetically pleasing, and probably suitable for those looking for a much more filling morning tea.

Small Sized Waffle [Left]: Chocolate [Right]: Caramel and Banana

These are the small sized options of waffles that Cafe Rhythm also provides on their menu. From memory, they have about four flavours you can choose from. As you can see, the small size waffle is only 1/4 of a whole waffle, whereas the full sized waffle would be the entire waffle containing four quarter pieces.
Initially, I had thought that the 'chocolate' flavour for the small size waffle would be a piece of the choclate flavoured waffle. Turned out that it was just a piece of orginal waffle topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with chocolate shavings. 
The Caramel and Banana waffle was delicious!, although that might be due to bias as my favourite flavour is caramel. Both of these waffles were delicious! As they were the traditonal types of waffles, they were crispy with a light buttery scent and the texture was light and chewy! Both came with a side of warm maple syrup, which although that means more sweetness would be impacted onto the waffle, the waffle and toppings weren't exactly that sweet, so for those who have that sweet tooth and can handle more sugar, the syrup is good to have on the side just to give people the option. 

[Front]: Duche de Leche Frappe [Back]: Long Black

[Left]: Duche de Leche Frappe [Right]: Toffee Coffee Frappe

Aside from waffles and breads, Cafe Rhythm also have a wide variety of special drinks. I think some are only available during a particular season, or maybe some wre later introduced. When I went, I tried out the Duche de Leche (Milk Caramel) Frappe, and the Toffee Coffee Frappe. I'm pretty sure these aren't the correct names but I remember the names contained these keywords on the menu. 
If you are a caramel lover like me, you'll DEFINITELY want to try the Duche de Leche Frap! The drink was an iced creamy drink that had a strong salted caramel flavour. The Toffee Coffee Frap was much more sweeter and was more of a chocolate based cream drink with a not too strong coffee taste, so for Mocha drinkers, this is surely one to try out!

Cafe Rhythm not only make delcious sweet waffles and breads, the cafe also provides a range of savoury waffles suitable for brunch, light lunch, or afternoon tea. Along with this they also have a range of special drinks, maybe only available during season, but the cafe surely would have something suitable for everyone's taste all year round! 

Cafe Rhythm is quite hard to spot as it is located and hidden at the back of the main road. I will take a photo of the main road of where their sign is situated, thus making it easier to spot. Before that, here are a few snapshots of the outside of the cafe and the environment around:

I won't specify the prices of the items I've had this time, as in this economy I woulsn't be surprised if prices were subject to change. Luckily, Cafe Rhythm has established a new webiste with a full menu, and other information that you can check. 

Cafe Rhythm is located on:
1/333 Parnell Road
Parnell
Auckland
Phone: (09) 550 6962
Website: http://caferhythm.co.nz
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, Weekends 9am to 7pm, Holidays CLOSED

Thanks for stopping by!

The 'Sweet Tooth' Fairy xo