The Coffee Collective #10: and it begins..
The coffee event season started three weeks ago at the Victoria Arduino Experience Lab with a Colombian coffee cupping hosted by Ally Coffee. This was followed by the drinkit barista competition, which had a special surprise when the 2024 World Champion Mikael Jasin dropped by.
Last week, the much-awaited Home Barista Show made its return, and now every week there’s something happening across the UAE. The SCA competitions in the UAE have also been announced with the UAE Aeropress Championship registrations opening next week, and the Coffee in Good Spirits and Ibrik Championships set to take place at Salon Du Chocolat Dubai later this month.
It’s shaping up to be a busy season for the specialty coffee community, and this marathon of events will keep going strong until World of Coffee Dubai early next year. I am excited, are you?!
The Home Barista Show: Sharjah Edition
Three months later, the Home Barista Show made its way to Sharjah at Archers yesterday. From the start, you could tell this one was different. More hands-on, more technical, and designed to let home brewers practice real skills and get a taste of how the specialty coffee world works.
The event kicked off with Mariam Erin, champion in Brewers, Barista, Cezve, and more, walking us through the must-have tools for making the perfect pourover at home. Coffee carts were set up all around, where baristas took turns brewing or watching others brew. What stood out most was Frederick Bejo, co-founder of Archers, who shared truly unique coffees along with stories from the farm and processing followed by brewing it on the UFO Drippers.
Next came the competition I wasn’t expecting. Home brewers gathered for a cup tasters challenge, where they had to rely on their senses to find the one standout cup. A few drops of APAX Lab were added to make things trickier, pushing everyone’s sensory skills to the limit.
One thing’s for sure, the Brewing Gadgets team knows how to run a great event. But the Home Barista Show is something else and with Andy Anderson behind it, it’s clear this series will keep bringing fresh excitement for home brewers in the editions to come.
Breakfast Spots
A Normal Day
Back in May, the baristas at Mokha 1450 created a special signature drink for a unique pairing menu at A Normal Day.
I missed it then, but now I see why they say A Normal Day is anything but normal. Breakfast? Easily one of my new favorites, and even the simplest eggs are done to perfection.
Coffee? When in doubt, opt for Can’t Decide. The combination always works. A cold brew base with orange juice, orange spice, and rosemary.
The Sum of Us
If I have to suggest one solid place for breakfast, then it’ll have to be The Sum of Us.
If I had to make a list of WFH cafes in Dubai, this would also be in the list.
If that is still not good enough, The Sum of Us is not only a cafe, but also functions as a sourdough bakery and specialty coffee roastery.
Featured Cafes
Homebrew, Satwa
Most of my new café finds happen when I’m between work meetings.
When the new Satwa was being developed, the area felt like it was missing specialty coffee spots and while you could count them on one hand, it still needed more. There used to be another café tucked inside The Muse, with Homebrew now taking over with its quirky seating and semi-industrial vibe.
Behind the bar, Harris and Dre were the real stars, pulling magical shots and pouring eye-catching latte art. It’s a great spot to work from, one of those quiet, airy spaces where you can focus without distractions.
Bocasu
I’ve seen many specialty coffee shops with unique concepts, but this one is truly a first. It’s called Bocasu which stands for BOnsai. CAfe. SUshi. Get it?
The name says it all: part bonsai nursery, part specialty cafe, and serving really good sushi hand rolls and other Japanese bites.
I’m no bonsai expert, but I was told some of the bonsais here are nearly a century old and even older.
The interior is just as impressive. Reminds me of art deco architecture with accent lighting everywhere. Even the private dining room upstairs looks something out of a movie.
Of course, the coffee was on point, but I couldn’t resist trying their signature drinks. The Wasabi Rush has espresso as a base blended with real wasabi with a dash of honey which was unusual but interesting at the same time.
For something safer, the Shibui Citrus combines straight espresso with honey and lime. A familiar combination. And even though I’m not usually a fan of raw fish, the Tokyo Salmon hand rolls, which are seared, is a must-have.
This is a unique experience that hits all the senses that everyone should experience.
Upcoming Events
Coffee Consistency Experience
Credit: Victoria Arduino
Join to explore the latest insights and practices in achieving excellence in coffee quality.
🗓️ Thursday, September 18th
🕕 4 PM
Fresh from Tarrazú: A Coffee Experience You Can’t Miss!
Credit: Victoria Arduino
Get ready to sip your way through microlots from Tarrazú, Costa Rica straight from the mountains to your cup!
🗓️ Tuesday, September 23rd
🕕 3 PM - 5 PM
Cup with Colors
Credit: Scarab Coffee
What if coffee tasting was more than notes and scores? What if it was colors, too? Join Scarab Coffee in collaboration with S3 Cafe and experience a new of cupping coffee.
🗓️ Saturday, September 27th
🕕 11 AM
📍 Scarab Coffee, Dubai
2nd Neighborhood Brewing Competition
Credit: Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is back with the 2nd Neighbourhood Brewing Competition this International Coffee Day – October 1st.
Baristas of all levels will put their skills to the test in an AeroPress throwdown, with the finalists moving on to an exciting V60 finale. Expect free-flowing brews, sponsor showcases, and epic prizes. This will be the place to be on the 1st of October.
🗓️ Wednesday, October 1st
🕕 1 PM
📍 Hotel Indigo, Dubai
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