A new book titled 'The Route of Coffee with Milk' explores the historical and cultural significance of traditional coffee bars in Buenos Aires amidst modern coffee chains.
Journalist Martín Paladino and photographer Edgardo Kevorkian have released a new book, "La ruta del café con leche," which delves into the vibrant world of Buenos Aires' traditional coffee bars. This independent edition, published in November 2025, combines an illustrated book with a documentary, mapping out the corner bars in obscure neighborhoods that serve as cultural havens of identity amid the fast-paced modernization dominated by specialty coffee chains and globalized aesthetics.
The book draws upon over a decade of urban explorations, revealing stories through chronicles, interviews, and a carefully crafted visual narrative. Paladino emphasizes how these bars embody a sense of nostalgia and continuity, offering a space where the essence of Buenos Aires can still be experienced authentically. They serve not only coffee but also a sense of community and identity to local patrons, resisting the homogeneity increasingly seen in urban settings.
As the coffee landscape changes, the authors hope their work will inspire appreciation for these traditional establishments. By highlighting the unique culture and history associated with coffee bars in Buenos Aires, "La ruta del café con leche" ultimately aims to preserve and celebrate the city's rich coffee-drinking customs, counteracting the rush of modern trends with a slower, more reflective approach to café culture.
