What started as a casual idea in the unused front of a Berlin agency has turned into one of the city’s most exciting new spots: Café Tonton — a café, creative hub, and community space all in one. Founders Gilbert Ngom and Jonas Soho are deeply rooted in culture, community, and street activation, driven by a mission to bring people together. Along with Domenico Siena, a coffee lover from Cologne, they turned an empty room into an inspired vision. The former office in Mitte was fully transformed into a modular space that constantly reinvents itself. Café up front, office in the back. In between is a flexible zone for events, dinners, brand activations, and storytelling — whatever the community needs. The name Tonton is a nod to their Cameroonian roots. In many African cultures, Tontons (uncles) are natural storytellers, full of humor and wisdom. “Every friend of my dad’s was a Tonton. The kind of guys with wild stories and big personalities.” That’s the spirit of this place: stories, vibes, and real connections. Even the interior reflects the energy — functional and stylish. The counter and furniture are custom-designed and locally built, with a built-in sound system, plenty of outlets, and a modular setup. And then there’s the team (probably the coolest in town). Good music, chill vibes, best service. Besides coffee, you’ll find matcha, special drinks, fresh pastries, and if you’re lucky, Son Le Huu behind the counter (a legend in Berlin’s coffee scene). Calm, precise, full of know-how, and always with a smile. Let the good times roll.

Text: Kira Kim / Photos: Café Tonton

With a background in architecture and exhibition design, Kira Kim designs spaces that bring people together and works on projects with Klub Maison. She is well-known in Berlin Mitte, always up-to-date and well-connected.

Café Tonton, Tieckstr.1, 10115 Berlin–Mitte; map

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