Canegue Café: A Life Well Lived Through Surf and Flavor
In the heart of El Zonte stands a café that has become the embodiment of a lifestyle. Canegue Café, founded by Oli, a Canadian surfer who transformed into a chef, has grown into a gathering place for locals and travelers. It offers exceptional food alongside a story of passion, resilience, and community.
The Journey to El Zonte
Oli's story begins far from the beaches of El Salvador. In Canada, while coaching gymnastics and studying at university, his heart remained fixed on exploring the world. During any break, he would board flights to destinations like Costa Rica, pursuing waves and adventure.
His travels carried him across the globe, from Australia to the Philippines, where he operated his first café. Yet it was El Zonte in El Salvador, a place he initially visited in 2012, that continuously drew him back. After years searching for harmony between surfing and work, he finally established El Zonte as his home in 2019.
Building a Café from Scratch
Oli's vision for Canegue Café was simple: a place to unite his love for food and the ocean. Armed with cooking passion and determination, he took over an abandoned spot at the front of a surf hostel. The early days presented numerous challenges, but Oli's grit and ingenuity transformed the café into a thriving business.
From the beginning, he prioritized quality over quantity. Canegue's menu remains intentionally minimalist, featuring just two dishes daily: one savory and one sweet. This approach serves both practical needs and personal values. With his small kitchen and commitment to fresh, local ingredients, Oli creates meals that reflect the day's rhythm and the best available produce.
Surf-Inspired Flavors
Every morning begins with Oli and his dog, Tubito, heading to the beach where Tubito plays on the black sand while Oli catches waves, a routine that serves as a continual source of inspiration. Similar to the waves he rides, Oli's cooking embraces the beauty of imperfection and the harmony of contrasts.
His savory dishes stand out for their bold, smoky flavors and perfectly charred edges that add depth, crunch, and a slight caramelized richness, offering an earthy complexity that complements fresh, vibrant ingredients. The combination of textures creates dynamic, layered bites as soft meets charred and crisp blends with fresh.
On the sweeter side, simplicity prevails as Oli allows the natural flavors of local tropical fruits to shine, often paired with delicate, handmade elements that balance indulgence while celebrating the region. His sweet dishes offer a lighter companion to the smoky boldness of his savory creations.
No two dishes are ever identical as Oli welcomes imperfection, allowing his kitchen to respond to what's freshest and most inspiring that day, ensuring every visit to Canegue feels unique and personal.
Coffee, Views, and Remote Work
Canegue serves some of the best coffee in El Zonte, hands down. Coffee enthusiasts and digital nomads from across the world flock to the café, drawn by consistently perfect brews and the welcoming atmosphere. The experience extends beyond the cup itself, as visitors sit right next to all the action, watching surfers walk by as they head to or return from the waves.
Oli approaches coffee with the same dedication he brings to cooking. Every shot receives precise weighing and pouring, with daily adjustments for consistency and flavor. The recently added second-floor seating area provides breathtaking views of the ocean, creating a vantage point unlike any other. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rhythm of the town, hearing the ocean while savoring exceptional coffee in a setting that captures the essence of El Zonte.
A Café That Brings People Together
Canegue Café has become a cornerstone for the community, attracting both visitors from abroad and locals alike. Oli employs and mentors local staff, sharing his skills while fostering a sense of pride and ownership among them. The café draws people from all walks of life with its quirky decor, laid-back atmosphere, and incredible food.
For Oli, success means living a life that brings him happiness. His days revolve around surfing, cooking, and connecting with people. He has structured his café's hours to ensure time for all these passions, maintaining a balance that puts his well-being first. "I built this around surfing," Oli explains. "I bake bread and time it so I can go catch waves. That's how I stay happy."
A Must-Visit in El Zonte
Canegue operates Tuesday through Sunday. For current opening hours or weekly specials, Oli recommends checking his Instagram page, which he updates regularly with the latest information. If you find yourself in El Zonte, make time to visit Canegue. You'll likely be drawn in by the food, the coffee, or Oli's infectious passion for life, and leave feeling inspired with a smile on your face.
In a world that often feels rushed, Canegue Café reminds us to slow down, savor the moment, and live fully. As Oli says, "When you focus on what you love, good things happen around you."
