The Lowdown

Alright, let’s talk about Raban, the only place in Poznań where bikes and bistro vibes collide, hard. Tucked away on Nowowiejskiego 12 Street, just off Plac Wolności, we’ve been buzzin’ about them since they opened their doors in late August 2023. It’s got that “more than just a spot to sip coffee” vibe. Nah, this joint’s a café, a legit bistro, and a bike service center. Yeah, you heard right—a place where you can grab a cappuccino, munch down a burger, and get your bike fixed all in one go. But the real question—are they serving up fire on the food side, or is this just another cool concept café trying too hard?

The Chef

We were hyped to try their menu, and Kinga, rockin’ one of the freshest haircuts we’ve seen in a while, recommended a few killer dishes. So here’s what went down…

The Sloppy Joe Burger

Think minced beef drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce, so juicy and messy it’s almost criminal. Add cheese if you’re feelin’ it, and they throw in some crunchy nachos on the side. This thing’s a beast—massive, dripping with flavor, and will definitely leave you stuffed for the next 24 hours. The sauce? It’s got that perfect balance of tangy heat with a touch of sweetness, and the beef’s super tender. If you’re into a burger that makes you work a little while you eat, this one’s your jam.

The Western African Stew

Yo, this one’s a vibe for real. It’s a rich, nutty stew made with coconut milk, peanut butter, veggies, chickpeas, and topped with crunchy nut crisps. Served with either rice or bread (we went rice), and the flavor combo is wild. The coconut and peanut butter bring this silky-smooth texture, while the spices hit just right—not too overpowering, just enough to give you that “damn, this is good” moment. The chickpeas give it that hearty feel, and the nut crisps? Pure genius, adding a crunchy element that just ties it all together.

The BLT Pancakes

But wait—it’s not your typical BLT. Imagine fluffy curdled milk pancakes stacked with their secret Raban sauce, then topped with either bacon or oyster mushrooms with caramelized syrup (we went bacon, duh), fried egg, and chives, served alongside a fresh salad and juicy tomatoes. It’s like breakfast and brunch had a baby, and it’s so right. The sweet maple syrup on the bacon slaps hard, balancing out the savory vibes from the egg and sauce. This dish is everything you want in a chill morning meal but elevated to another level.

The Verdict

So, is Raban more bike or more bistro? Honestly, they’re killin’ it on both fronts. The food? Easily on par with some of the best spots in town. Their vibe? Super laid-back, with enough personality to keep you coming back. It’s not just about the bikes here, y’all—the menu’s short but straight-up fire. Big shoutout to Kinga and the crew with this one! Whether you’re there for a meal, a coffee, or a quick bike tune-up, Raban’s got you covered.