Stop 1: Sumaq Coffee

Like many markets, Charlotte has begun embracing the next wave of coffee, which heightens the category’s third-place status through global flavors and an experience-driven atmosphere. Last year, the city welcomed Qahwah House and Haraz Coffee House—both based in Michigan and both specializing in Yemeni coffee and coffee culture. (It should be noted that Charlotte represents the first Southeast location for the two brands.)

With the global coffee culture driving this category, South American coffee shops are also offering new and unique flavors and experiences. Sumaq Coffee, a Peruvian-leaning concept, celebrates the country’s Incan roots—its website even translates the brand’s mission into the Quechua dialect. The beverage menu comprises standard espresso-based drinks, as well as the café’s namesake drink. The Sumaq Latte is made with panela (melted brown sugar) and cinnamon, yielding subtle sweetness and just a bit of warm spice. Another signature offering, the Dulce de Leche Latte, capitalizes on South America’s collective love of the extra-creamy, milk-based caramel.

The food menu also highlights the continent’s nuanced cuisine, as exemplified by its turnovers: The Colombian empanadas are fried, while the Peruvian Empanadas (also known as Empanadas Tantán) are baked. Other items are more aligned with traditional café fare, such as the Wallpa Quad (a toasted sandwich with chicken, egg, avocado, lettuce and tomato). The not-quite-savory, not-quite-sweet Sumaq Waffles are served with a choice of maple syrup, Nutella, dulce de leche or guava jam. We opted for on-trend guava, tipping the waffle’s neutral profile into sweet and floral territory.

Feeling a bit of wanderlust? Our Flavor Postcard series spotlights markets around the world for culinary inspiration.