The Coffee Collective #09: Brand Ambassador
May was packed with events and June is shaping up to be just as eventful. I’ve got two must-attend events lined up, but before we get into that, I’m excited to share some news:
I’ve officially joined Wawe Coffee as their brand ambassador, and I can’t wait to take you along on this coffee journey with me.
Expect exclusive behind-the-scenes content, brewing tips straight from Wawe’s talented baristas, and of course, recommendations for must-try drinks from coffee, matcha and more.
I’ve always loved Wawe: the coffee, the team behind it, and the vision of the brand. Now I get to share more of that with you. We’re kicking things off with our first event together next Friday, June 6th — a cupping session featuring coffees roasted in France by People Possession. More details in Events below.
The Art of Matcha
The Art of Matcha
Last month, we hosted The Art of Matcha at Brewing Gadgets in collaboration with Aiya Matcha.
It was a hands-on two-hour workshop that explored what makes high-quality matcha, current matcha trends in cafés, a myth-vs-fact Q&A session, and a fun matcha battle between a seasoned pro and a home brewer. We wrapped up with a guided tasting session where everyone got to make their own matcha with expert tips along the way.
I personally feel there’s a lack of education around matcha and more awareness should be made on how to differentiate between green tea and matcha. If you missed out and would like a similar session, reach out and we’re happy to arrange one with the help of the Aiya team.
The Home Barista Show
Photo Credit: The Home Barista Show
If you love brewing at home but still find yourself wondering “Am I doing this right?”, this one’s for you.
The Home Barista Show is a full-day event built just for home brewers. Expect demos from brewers like me, guided tastings, and a chance to meet national champions and passionate coffee enthusiasts. There’s even a friendly competition with prizes worth winning.
This is a community event for you. Come brew with us.
Breakfast Spots
Hoof Cafe – Dubai Mall
Sometimes, you just need something reliable and Hoof Cafe always delivers. Located in the Dubai Mall, it’s become my go-to for pre-meeting caffeine.
I love their all-day breakfast paired with a pour-over of Ethiopia’s Alo Village Peaberry, roasted by Archers. Tropical, sweet, complex.
Featured Café: Drinkit Coffee
Drinkit isn’t just another coffee chain. With 86+ locations globally and 7 in Dubai, it’s a digital-first specialty coffee shop. Every corner of the bar is built for user experience. Think iPads, ambient LED lighting, and a seamless mobile app that connects every location. No over-the-top interiors, just functional, forward-thinking design.
I let Elena, their L&D Leader and QC, walk me through the app and trust me, it’s more intuitive than you’d expect. From single-origin pour-overs to matcha, teas, seasonal drinks, and even food, their menu is massive but thoughtfully curated.
Behind the scenes, Drinkit runs on a powerful data-driven system constantly optimizing how they serve you. I’ll be featuring Elena soon to dig deeper into what makes this brand tick. Stay tuned.
No name. But full of soul.
You walk in through a giant arched glass door and suddenly everything feels alive. Like you have walked into a different world.
Part antique, part modern, it’s like two different worlds stitched together by the smell of coffee. Not one table free, not even the big sharing ones, but I think I got lucky. Landed the best seat in the house by the brew bar.
And then I saw it — The QC. Bright green. Felt like home. Two V60s later, I knew I wasn’t done. I’ll be back because I was told the breakfast at No Name is what they are really known for.
Upcoming Events
Coffee Cupping with Wawe Coffee x The Need for Coffee
What to expect:
Cupping coffees roasted by People Possession.
Launch of the Wawe Coffee Club and perks for members: free workshops, early event access, launch previews, and more
🗓️ Friday, June 6th
🕕 6 PM
📍 Wawe Specialty Coffee, Festival City Mall, Dubai
The Home Barista Show
The Home Barista Show: hands-on demos, talks, cuppings, and competitions tailored for home brewers.
🎁 Win prizes like a Sage Barista Touch Impress (AED 5,299 value) and more.
🗓️ Saturday, June 14th
🕒 3 PM
📍 Cafe Rider, Al Quoz, Dubai
Youth Academy Middle East 2025
Credit: Coffee Knowledge Hub
The Youth Academy is a is a scholarship powered by Simonelli Group and designed for UAE-based coffee lovers aged 18–30 who want to turn their passion into a profession. Led by industry experts, the training includes certified SCA modules on:
Barista Skills
Sensory
Green Coffee
Roasting
Brewing
Sustainability
🗓️ Training begins September 2025
📅 Applications open until June 29, 2025
📝 Apply via the Application form
Only six participants will be selected — don’t miss this opportunity to launch your career in coffee.
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