A Family Stop at Cafe Rumba in Bellingham

Yesterday was one of those quietly bittersweet parent-moments: we drove up to Bellingham to pick up our 18-year-old from Western Washington University for the Thanksgiving break. He’s been away since mid-September — how did that happen so fast? — and it felt meaningful to pause for a family meal before the drive home.

Enter one of our favorite local gems: Café Rumba. Located at 1140 N State St in Bellingham. (Cafe Rumba) With the three of us together (me, my wife, our son), the mood was equal parts relaxed and celebratory: college-kid home, family time, and food that doesn’t disappoint.

The Setting & Vibes

From the outside and inside, Café Rumba strikes a friendly, informal note. It has that easy-going Northwestern small-city charm with a dash of Peruvian flair. You can see the menu geared toward flavorful sandwiches (“sanguches”) and vibrant Peruvian sides. (Cafe Rumba)We settled in quickly, ordered, and enjoyed just catching up — the kind of thing we don’t always get when our schedules are scattered.

What We Ate

• I went for the Choripollo sandwich — a sandwich featuring spicy chorizo + rotisserie chicken + roasted tomato + mozzarella + romaine + chimichurri + aji amarillo.

• My wife went with her usual favorite the #4 — something with bold flavor but not too heavy.

• Our son opted for the breakfast option of scrambled eggs topped with red onions and salsa (since he woke up shortly before our arrival).

• To share: we also ordered one of the Especialles: chafe de pollo (peruvian fried rice). I ended eating most of it.

Everything arrived hot and vivid — the sauces fragrant with Peruvian peppers (aji amarillo, aji limo) and herbs. My potatoes were golden, the side salad crisp. My wife’s sandwich hit just the right balance of comfort and spice.

Family Feel & Reflections

It felt cozy and right: our son home for a few days, my wife and I relaxing into the moment. I found myself thinking how hard it is to believe he's been away since September. Time flies. But getting him back — and sitting together for a good meal — felt grounding.What I especially like about Café Rumba is that we haven’t yet had a bad meal there. In a city like Bellingham with such a strong diversity of world-cuisine options, that consistency stands out. (Yes, even for a somewhat picky college-kid palate.)

Why This Place Works

• Peruvian cuisine done well: a mix of bold flavors (aji peppers, chimichurri, salsa criolla), familiar formats (sandwiches, bowls) that appeal across age-ranges.

• A menu that balances indulgence and variety: pulled pork, roasted pork, veggie/vegan options, quinoa — so everyone gets something.

• Atmosphere: casual but purposeful, perfect for a quick stop or lingering catch-up.

• Location: easy to find near Western, so ideal for a meal before or after college-kid transitions.

If You Go — “Rambling Van” Tips

• Plan ahead: If you're visiting around high-traffic times (student drop-off/pick-up), it might fill up.

• Try something a little off-the-mainstream: if you always go pork, maybe next time go for the veggie quinoa bowl or the “Peruano” sandwich.

• Ask about sauces / spice level: Café Rumba lists a variety of salsas (aji amarillo, aji escabeche, chimichurri) so if you’re spice-sensitive or want to crank it up, they’re ready. (Viking Food)

• Dessert or drinks: Save a little room for something sweet or look into their Peruvian-style drinks (like chicha morada) if you want a non-coffee local twist. The menu mentions chicha morada. (Viking Food)

Final Thoughts

Yesterday’s meal at Café Rumba wasn’t just another dinner — it was a marker: our son coming home, a pause in the travel-run-life rhythm, and a reminder of how nice it is when a go-to local restaurant continues to deliver. Bellingham’s world-cuisine scene is strong, but this Peruvian spot remains a consistent favorite for our family.

Here’s to many more such meals — whether between van-trips, parent-kid catch-ups, or just a regular good night out. If you’re ever in the Bellingham area and want a reliably excellent sandwich (or bowl) with world-flavor flair — Café Rumba should be on your list.