Meet Your North End Halifax Neighbour: Claudia Pinto, founder of Cafe Aroma Latino

Claudia Pinto is the proud owner of Cafe Aroma Latino, a charming cafe and specialty grocery store nestled in the vibrant North End of Halifax at 5780 North Street. The cafe is a celebration of Latin American culture, serving authentic dishes that transport patrons to the diverse and colourful regions of Latin America. While the menu doesn't focus on just one country, it encompasses the rich culinary traditions from nearly all of Latin America, offering a taste of home for many and an adventure for others.

Claudia Pinto, founder of Cafe Aroma Latino.

A Flavourful Fusion

At Cafe Aroma Latino, not only are delicious meals served, but the establishment also operates a small grocery store stocked with specialty items that are hard to find elsewhere in Halifax. From exotic peppers imported from Mexico to local produce sourced from nearby farmers, ingredients are carefully selected to craft Claudia's unique recipes that honour traditional Latin American flavours while embracing local elements. This fusion allows the cafe to bring something truly special to the North End Halifax community, blending the best of both worlds.

"We have specialty items that you can't find around here in Halifax, like the peppers from Mexico. I make sauces with local products from farmers, so I combine the two things to be able to come up with unique recipes."

Cafe Aroma Latino specialty grocery store.

A Tradition of Togetherness

For Claudia, food is more than just sustenance; it is an emotional connection that brings families together. Growing up, Claudia's mother ran a business selling chickens, cheese, and eggs, which they would sell at the local market. Food and business have always been a part of her life, shaping her journey in ways she could have never imagined.

Claudia immigrated with her family in 1987 and eventually moved to Halifax from Fredericton in 2003 to pursue her university education. During that time, she worked at a bank, but as technology advanced, her hours dwindled to just 8 hours a week. Faced with uncertainty, she turned to various jobs, including painting houses and building boats in Herring Cove. It was during this period that a chance encounter led her to apply for a cooking position at St. Mary's, marking the beginning of her journey in the food industry.

"It was an office of a lawyer, it was the last job that we had to do the painting, and I said, oh my god I do not have another job to go to. And, the secretary said, you know, there at St. Mary's they're hiring cooks. So, I did apply, and that is when I started getting into the food industry."

Patrons enjoying a meal at Cafe Aroma Latino.

Life threw Claudia a curveball when she suffered a severe spinal injury, forcing her to stop working for three years. Miraculously, she became part of the 1% who recovered well enough to walk again. This experience, though challenging, was a turning point that reignited her dream of owning a business. In 2009, that dream became a reality when Cafe Aroma Latino opened its doors. This past June marked its 16th anniversary, a testament to resilience and passion.

North End Halifax: A Community of Kindness

When Claudia moved from Fredericton to Halifax, she chose to settle in the North End. What makes the North End of Halifax so special to her is undeniably the people. In this vibrant neighborhood, a culture of mutual aid and kindness prevails, where everyone looks out for one another.

"What makes it special to me is the people. Everybody helps each other. That's one of the things that attracts me a lot. If I can help, I will bring the help, and it's without interest. We look after eachother."

This sense of community, where help is offered freely and without expectation, resonates deeply with Claudia. The bonds she has formed here reflect the core values of Cafe Aroma Latino, where the essence of community is not just celebrated but lived.

Watch the full interview with Claudia Pinto, founder of Cafe Aroma Latino, on our YouTube page here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiw5SGcofkc

Special thanks to Keegan & Perry at Jackson Productions for producing the video episodes of the Meet Your North End Neighbour series.

Driving or biking to the North End of Halifax? Find a place to park with our interactive parking map here.