Consider this your morning briefing: Copenhagen’s most revered restaurant, Noma, has transformed its culinary vision into a greenhouse where coffee isn’t just served—it’s studied, celebrated, and reimagined. Perched on a sliver of land between water and sky, the Noma Projects greenhouse is a lab for sustainability, a stage for minimalism, and a testament to how coffee can bridge the gap between earth and cup. Here, the air hums with the scent of roasted beans and the whisper of water vapor from Amager Bakke’s chimney, a reminder that eco-consciousness isn’t a trend—it’s a blueprint.
The space is a masterclass in Scandinavian restraint. Marble-washed cupboards, Modbar espresso cranks, and Hario V60s sit beside repurposed tree trunks and metal stools, creating a sanctuary where coffee feels both intimate and unpretentious. The menu is stripped down: three pourover options—Ethiopian Chelchele, Huila Caturra, and Gesha—each a story of origin, not embellishment. No pastries, no gimmicks. Just coffee, and the quiet confidence of a team that believes the best flavors emerge when you trust the terroir, not the trend.
Carolyne Lane, Noma’s head of coffee, isn’t here to shock. She’s here to honor the craft. “We’re not chasing novelty,” she says. “We’re applying the same principles that have always guided Noma: long-term relationships, minimal processing, and respect for the land.” Her journey from a natural wine bar in Germany to Copenhagen’s greenhouses mirrors Noma’s ethos—rooted in curiosity, guided by collaboration. When Tim Wendelboe, the coffee prophet, encouraged her to roast, it wasn’t a leap—it was a natural evolution. Today, Noma’s coffee is a bridge between fine dining and everyday ritual, a proof that sustainability and flavor can coexist.
The greenhouse isn’t just a space—it’s a philosophy. By sourcing directly from farmers in Chiapas, Mexico, and beyond, Noma uncovers hidden terroirs, revealing coffees that taste like raspberries and cloudy lemonade. It’s about listening, not imposing. The result? A coffee experience that feels personal, not performative. And as seasons shift, so does the backdrop: wild plants, open fires, and the ever-changing dance of light through glass.
How do you engage with sustainability in your daily brew.
What’s your coffee ritual? How do you engage with sustainability in your daily brew?
Questions & Answers
What is Noma Coffee’s Little Greenhouse?
Noma Coffee’s Little Greenhouse is a coffee shop in Copenhagen known for its focus on sustainability and quality. It offers a curated selection of beans and a cozy, plant-filled atmosphere.
Is Little Greenhouse part of Noma?
Yes, Little Greenhouse is a sister concept to Noma. It shares the same commitment to sustainability and coffee excellence, with a unique, plant-based interior and seasonal menu.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
