Fuel Espresso is deeply influenced by Northern Italian espresso culture, crafting lightly roasted blends that let the bean’s natural flavours shine. Their Classic Cuvée follows the Trieste style, highlighting acidity, sweetness, floral, citrus, and nutty notes. Meanwhile, the Dark Cuvée, roasted in the Milan style, offers a full-bodied experience with chocolate, berry, citrus, and spice notes.
A Coffee Legacy Rooted in Porirua
Founder Sanjay Ponnapa grew up in Porirua, with both parents working as doctors in the community. His family’s connection to five generations of coffee farming in India shaped his passion, leading him to start Fuel Espresso in 1996 with Wellington’s first coffee cart. Since then, the brand has expanded to Porirua, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, but its heart remains in its Raiha Street roastery, just around the corner from where Sanjay grew up.
Most Popular? A Perfectly Balanced Espresso
With a strict focus on espresso-based beverages, their flat white is a go-to for milky coffee lovers, while the long black is the top choice for black coffee drinkers. Customers rave about the unmatched consistency of their brews—wherever you go, a Fuel Espresso coffee will always taste the same.
Seasonal Specials & A Porirua News Offer!
- Summer: Iced coffees to keep cool.
- Winter: Hot lemon honey and ginger to fight off the cold.
- Exclusive Porirua News Deal! Until the end of March, mention “Porirua News” to upgrade your coffee size for free—a tall (12oz) coffee for the price of a regular (8oz).
Proud to Call Porirua Home
Relocating their coffee roastery to Raiha Street in 2014 gave Fuel Espresso the chance to introduce their blends to a new set of local coffee lovers. “On the perfect day, you can smell our freshly roasted coffee alongside the aroma of toasted almonds from our roastery and chocolate from Whittaker’s next door—a match made only in Porirua.”
Where to Find Fuel Espresso
📍 Roastery Espresso Bar – 23 Raiha Street, Porirua (opposite Camp Elsdon)
⏰ Monday–Friday: 8 AM–1:30 PM
🌍 www.fuelespresso.com
Whether you’re a long-time espresso lover or new to the coffee scene, Fuel Espresso is a must-visit on Porirua’s Great Coffee Trail!
