espresso, espresso con pana, and even
non-coffee drinks such as their refreshing
freshly made lemon-mint drink, perfect for
the hotter months just ahead. One of the
most special drinks at Ministry of Coffee
is the Argentinean Matte Tea. Packed with
antioxidants, the tea is rich in caffeine and
is perfect for the morning to kick-start the
day. The tea is served with all its herbs
loose in the cup, and is sipped with a
special straw that has a filter at the bottom
to prevent any leaves being consumed.
The tea is a great substitute for those
looking to cut back on their coffee intake
but still enjoy a warm drink high in energy.
Creating a small and light, but flexible
food menu, Tariq says the food menu was
created keeping in mind that it has to
be something light but filling and items
customers can enjoy with their coffee. Tariq
says since the café is a smaller operation
than what he is used to at Tariq Pastries, it
is easier for them to experiment with and
create different items for the menu to keep
it fresh and interesting for the customers.
With the help of family members and the
chef at Ministry of Coffee, the menu has
items that can be enjoyed by all such as a
variety of salads that include the delicious
Greek pasta salad made with penne pasta,
feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and olives, or
the traditional tabouleh salad made with a
modern twist fused with superfood Quinoa,
or the Freekeh grain salad with feta cheese
and dates; all of which are rich in taste
and light on the stomach. The sandwiches
served are also made to cater to different
taste palates such as the tuna or turkey
or chicken sandwiches served with crisps
freshly dusted with zaatar, and the halloumi
cheese sandwich or the mozzarella cheese
and tomato sandwich for the cheese lovers,
and the scrumptious Philly steak sandwich,
are all options the customers can enjoy.
The café also has freshly baked goods
everyday such as different types of muffins
and croissants, to enjoy with the hot or cold
drinks. Home to mouth-watering desserts
such as the ever-popular cheesecake with
berry compote topping, red velvet cake,
chocolate mousse cake, pana cotta served
in chic little jars, Affogato for those who
enjoy coffee in their dessert too, among
the others that are being served on the day.
Catering to the morning crowd, Ministry
of Coffee also has a hearty selection of
breakfast bagels with different fillings
such as the fresh labneh and zaatar bagel
with capsicum, cucumbers, and olives, or
their smoked salmon bagel topped with
avocado, capers, and fresh dill on a sesame
bagel. “We made sure our menu is healthy,
light, diverse, and something you wouldn’t
mind having with a cup of coffee or tea.”
Having faced some difficulties along
the way, Tariq says it is inevitable things
will change from concept to execution, but
still happy with how he was able to transfer
his ideas into the space, and achieved
spectacular results.
APRIL - MAY 2017
Perle
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