Hija Mia's original cafe has a tiled counter, white stools and just a few tables inside and out. It sits in Manila, a neighbourhood in El Poblado south of central Medellín. Come for a flat white and breakfast, or pick up Colombian beans from the roasting company that started here.
Coffee
The flat white reflects founder Shaun Murdoch's New Zealand background, while the beans come from Colombia. Rebelde, the house blend from Huila, sits alongside seasonal coffees sold by the bag. Ask which coffee is on bar before choosing between espresso and a milk drink.
V60, AeroPress and French press offer alternatives to espresso, and the drinks menu also includes nitro cold brew and coffee lemonade. Matcha comes hot, iced or with strawberry and oat milk.
Food
Breakfast is a substantial part of the menu: eggs Benedict on a croissant, smashed avocado on sourdough, corn fritters and filled bagels. Pancakes and brioche French toast cover sweeter appetites; croissants, banana bread and brownies suit a smaller order. A flat white with eggs or a bagel is a straightforward way to start the day here.
Service & Room
The counter and pavement-facing seats keep the street in view, but there are few tables to spare. Come alone or as a pair, and allow for a wait at busy times. Ask about the retail beans when the bar is quiet; takeaway is the simpler option if every seat is occupied.
This review covers the original at Calle 11A #43B-9. Hija Mia also has Nómada nearby, Primavera farther east in El Poblado and Milla de Oro to the south. They are mapped separately below so that the original's small room is not confused with the other cafes.
Why Filter Notes shortlisted Hija Mia Coffee Roasters
Choose the original Manila stop for a flat white, a full breakfast and Colombian beans to take home. The small room suits a coffee stop for one or two people; larger groups should consider another Hija Mia address.