Parramatta’s booming coffee market makes it easy to find a great cuppa

WITH many cafes scattered around the Parramatta CBD, you don’t have to walk far to find a great coffee.

Chris Eid at his tiny Double Mac Espresso coffeee shop in Macquarie St Parramatta. Pic Stephen Cooper

WHEN Kashmira Chand started Aroma Espresso Bar five years ago, there was only a few cafes in Parramatta.

Now the coffee aroma lingers all morning around the Parramatta CBD, as you can find a place to grab a coffee on every street corner.

Despite the growing numbers of competitors, Ms Chand’s business near the ferry wharf continues to flourish.

One factor is her breakfast options, where people can get a small coffee and a bacon and egg roll or a ham and cheese croissant for $5.

“I used to work around the corner and I know a lot of people around here. I found a vacant space and decided that it would be a good spot for a coffee espresso bar,” Ms Chand said.

Kashmira Chand’s Aroma Espresso Bar is a popular place to grab a coffee in Parramatta. Picture: Justin Sanson

“There is a lot more competition, but we have had regular customers here for the last five years.

“We have had regular deals and we make things on the go as we know people get breaks at certain times.

“With small coffee, I think ours is the cheapest (in Parramatta) at $3.”

Despite Aroma Espresso bar’s success, Ms Chand isn’t resting on her laurels.

The businesswoman says she tweaks the menu occasionally to try some new options to keep customers interested.

From Ms Chand’s Aroma Espresso Bar that offers sit down and takeaway, to hole-in-the-wall coffee shop Double Mac, there is something for everyone in the Parramatta CBD.

The quirky Double Mac, near the corner of Church St and Macquarie St, is so small that if you blink you will miss it. Despite its 6sq m size, customers continue to grab their favourite type of cuppa late into the afternoon.

Aroma Espresso Bar is one of several places to grab a quick coffee in Parramatta. Picture: Justin Sanson