Ahh…coffee! That quintessential hot brew that most of us can’t live without. From morning pick-me ups and catching up with friends to business meetings and easy date options, coffee has a way of bringing people together.

Bahrain has always embraced the coffee culture, with new local and international brands sprouting everywhere you look, from big global chains to quaint local start-ups, serving up classic brews and innovative creations. Then there’s the island’s growing roastery culture, which is putting speciality coffee in the spotlight and changing the way we enjoy our cup of joe.

In our cover story, we explore this world of coffee, from beans to brewing methods, fun facts and benefits, as well as some of the island’s leading coffee players shaping its social culture and bringing the community together – one cup at a time!

Psst…We even have the inaugural Bahrain Coffee Festival taking place next month, more on that in our December issue – stay tuned!

A WORLD OF COFFEE

Coffee connects people everywhere – from the farmers growing the beans to café-goers sipping the brews. But not all coffee is created equal. Its flavour depends on two things: where it’s grown and how it’s brewed.

Know Your Beans
Almost every cup you’ve had comes from two main species: Arabica and Robusta. The most popular, Arabica makes up around 60% of global production and is generally smoother, more aromatic and slightly acidic – the kind you’ll find in most premium blends. Robusta, on the other hand, is stronger, earthier and packs about twice the caffeine. It’s the bean behind that intense kick in your espresso or traditional Vietnamese coffee.
There are also smaller, rarer varieties, such as Liberica and Excelsa, grown mainly in Southeast Asia. These lesser-known beans make up a tiny fraction of global coffee but add intriguing character and depth to coffee blends.

Coffee-Growing Regions
Good coffee starts with good origins, and the best ones sit along the ‘coffee belt’ – a stretch around the equator, where rich soil, tropical climates and high altitudes work their magic. Ethiopia, often considered the birthplace of coffee, is famous for both rich and citrusy, as well as floral, tea-like Arabicas from regions such as Yirgacheffe and Sidamo. While in Kenya, high-altitude farms produce bright complex beans with grape-like acidity and fruity flavour.
Across the Atlantic, Latin America offers balance and familiarity. Colombian beans are smooth and well-rounded, Costa Rica’s are clean and crisp, while Brazil – the world’s largest coffee producer – gives nutty, chocolatey tones ideal for espresso blends. Latin American origins like Guatemala and Peru bring gentle spice and cocoa hints to the mix.
In Asia, Indonesia’s Sumatran and Javanese coffee is deep, earthy and almost herbal with barely any acidity. Vietnam, meanwhile, has built a unique coffee identity of its own with strong Robusta beans served with sweetened condensed milk – a local favourite that’s gaining popularity worldwide.

Brewing Methods

Once roasted, how the coffee is brewed brings out entirely different qualities.

• Espresso: Blasting hot water through fine grounds under pressure to deliver an intense, concentrated shot.
• French Press: Steeping coarsely ground coffee for four minutes, while the mesh filter brings out the coffee’s natural oils for a richer, full-textured brew.
• Pour-Over (V60, Chemex): Manually pouring hot water over medium-fine grounds in a paper filter. Highlights clarity and subtle flavours.
• Drip Coffee: Slowly dripping hot water over ground coffee in a filter. Essentially a pour-over but automatically done with a drip coffee maker – reliable everyday option.
• Cold Brew: Slowly steeping grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours to create a smooth, naturally sweet drink.
• AeroPress: A portable plunger device that uses air pressure to brew in a couple of minutes. Simple, speedy and versatile.
• Siphon Pot: Uses vapour pressure and vacuum filtration for a theatrical brewing experience and a clean, full-bodied cup.

A LOCAL SUCCESS STORY

Almost eight years after opening in Riffa, 668 Café continues to expand across Bahrain and the region, proving that genuine hospitality and good coffee never go out of style.

What started in 2018 as a 14sq/m coffee shop in West Riffa has grown into one of the island’s most recognised café names. 668 Café first turned heads with its full ‘in-car’ service – a new concept at the time that made grabbing a coffee both easy and personal. The idea caught on quickly, and today, the 668 Café Group operates six branches across Riffa, Al Saya, Saar, Seef Boulevard, University of Bahrain – Sakhir and Abu Dhabi, with plans to open two more by the end of 2025, bringing the total to eight branches regionally.

The group’s next big move is the launch of Aflo Café by 668, coming soon to Bahrain Bay. This new venture – a premium bakery and café concept – takes things up a notch, pairing 668’s signature beverages with luxurious pastries for a more refined experience. It’s a natural progression, but one that brings the same sense of convenience and authenticity that the brand has become known for.

At its core, 668’s charm lies in how it treats its customers. From the moment you arrive, the staff come right to your car to take your order, a gesture that adds ease and a sense of attentiveness. The staff don’t just serve coffee – they remember familiar faces, personal drink preferences, the type of straw you like and even how long it’s been since your last visit!

True to its slogan, Enjoy the Taste, 668’s menu is just as inviting, covering all moods and moments, from handcrafted hot drinks to refreshing cold creations. At 668, coffee is taken seriously. The café serves 100% Arabica beans, handpicked, blended and roasted to achieve a smooth, balanced flavour. The 668 Signature, a blend of special syrup, coffee and ice cream, remains a favourite, while newer additions like the Belgian Hot Chocolate topped with roasted marshmallows or the creamy Matcha Frappe show the brand’s knack for evolving with its customers’ tastes.

Of course, no visit is complete without something from the bakery. From za’atar and honey almond croissants to gooey Nutella and Kinder cookies, everything is freshly baked with the same care that goes into the coffee.

With a warm and welcoming customer-first spirit, 668 Café continues to grow while staying grounded in what makes it special – quality, convenience and a genuine personal connection. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @668CAFE ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BREWING A NEW EXPERIENCE

Caribou Coffee returns to The Avenues – Bahrain with a fresh approach, redefining the café experience and setting a new standard for Bahrain’s coffee culture.

There’s a familiar aroma wafting along Bahrain’s waterfront, as The Avenues – Bahrain welcomes Caribou Coffee once again, marking a new chapter for one of the Kingdom’s most recognisable coffeehouses. The recent relaunch goes far beyond a simple reopening; it’s a fresh perspective and a complete rethinking of what a café can be.

From its stunning new architecture to the thoughtful details in every corner, the new space makes an immediate impression. It’s airy and open, lined with natural textures, warm wood finishes and modern touches that strike a balance between style and ease. Whether you’re dropping in for your morning V60, settling in for a work session or catching up with friends over dessert, the new Caribou encourages you to slow down, connect and find comfort in good coffee and good company.

What sets this new branch apart is how it’s finding fresh ways to shape and elevate Bahrain’s growing coffee culture. The state-of-the-art V60 bar brings the craft of brewing to the forefront, giving coffee purists a chance to appreciate the art of a perfect pour-over. There’s also a ceremonial matcha station for those who welcome a more mindful ritual to every cup.

The new artisan bakery deserves special mention, with freshly baked goods, indulgent desserts and made-to-order sandwiches. Those looking for lighter options can find freshly squeezed juices for an easy midday lift. Every item on the menu complements Caribou’s range of signature coffees. Beans sourced from Guatemala, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Sumatra and Java comprise a delicious selection, including everything from the light roast, floral Daybreak Blend to the medium roast, syrupy-bodied Caribou Blend and the rich, dark roast Cross Fox Espresso. And for regulars who want to bring a little of the experience home, the Grab & Go section stocks signature prepacked beans, stylish mugs and tumblers, as well as a few exclusive items that make thoughtful gifts.

Caribou Coffee’s return to The Avenues – Bahrain isn’t just about reviving an old favourite. It’s about redefining the modern coffeehouse and the way people experience cafés, creating a destination where Bahrain’s coffee culture continues to grow – one carefully crafted cup at a time. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @CARIBOUCOFFEEBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

THE ART OF ROASTING

Speciality coffee is booming on the island, with Bahrain’s roasteries shaping a new coffee culture. These hubs are introducing fresh brews, experimental methods and hands-on experiences that bring the craft straight to your coffee table.

NEW YORK COFFEE

Since opening its first café in Bahrain back in 1999, New York Coffee has been a familiar name for those who take their brew seriously. This homegrown local brand brings an American-style coffee culture to the island – one rooted in craftsmanship, freshness and a genuine love for great coffee.

Every cup begins at the brand’s Bahrain-based roastery, where 100% Arabica beans sourced from the world’s best coffee-growing regions are roasted in small batches and dispatched within seven days, with stores maintaining just 14 days of roasted stock. The result? Coffee that’s consistently fresh and full of flavour.

Beyond its cafés, New York Coffee supplies five-star hotels, fine-dining restaurants and speciality cafés across Bahrain and the GCC. Its offerings also extend to coffee subscriptions, brewing tools and branded merchandise, bringing the full coffee experience to customers’ homes.

Inside the cafés, signature drinks like the Melting Pot and Greatest of All Time pay tribute to the spirit of New York, while expertly trained baristas ensure every customer feels welcome and leaves satisfied. After more than two decades, New York Coffee continues to prove that fresh really does make all the difference. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @NYCOFFEBH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

THE ROASTERY

When The Roastery opened in 2018, Bahrain’s speciality coffee scene was just beginning to take shape. Founded by Sadiq Al Thahaba and proudly Bahraini-owned, it became one of the island’s first roasteries – introducing many to the craft behind a truly great brew. A year later came Roast, a small café concept that brought the experience even closer to the community.

Now based at District 2, The Roastery operates one of Bahrain’s largest roasting facilities. But its state-of-the-art setup isn’t just about production – it’s also designed as a hub to educate, inspire and connect a growing community of enthusiasts.

Sourcing beans from renowned regions around the world, The Roastery focusses on seasonality, traceability and experimental processing. Its anaerobic fermented coffees, including Grape Infused, Tropical and Rose Tea Hibiscus, are favourites among filter coffee fans for their layered and unexpected flavour profiles. Alongside these, is a rotating lineup of single origins, each roasted with precision to bring out the story of its terroir (environmental conditions that affect the coffee’s taste).

With initiatives like its winter ‘Roast Camp’ pop-up at Budaiya Farmers’ Market, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs & Agriculture, The Roastery continues to engage coffee lovers and shape how Bahrain experiences its brew. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @THEROASTERYBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BLACK 22 COFFEE BAR AND ROASTERY

Founded in 2016 as a homegrown brand, Black 22 has become a favourite on the island for anyone serious about their brew. Born from a passion for quality coffee and a mission to bring high-grade specialities to Bahrain, Black 22 has grown into two community-driven spaces in Riffa and Seef, both known for their warm, cosy and casual atmosphere.

Becoming a second home for coffee lovers, the brand has built a loyal following and each visit to its cafés feels personal, thanks to the friendly baristas trained in every detail of the craft.

At its core, Black 22 is all about dedication to precision and quality. This is Bahrain’s first micro-roastery and every cup is made using 100% Arabica, micro-lot green beans, sourced from sustainable farms and roasted in-house. Following Specialty Coffee Association regulations, the approach is meticulous and uses advanced equipment and different roasting techniques to highlight each bean’s unique profile.

Beyond serving great coffee, Black 22 has played a key role in growing the local coffee culture – hosting the World AeroPress Championship in Bahrain twice and offering workshops and cupping (tasting method) sessions for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Whether you’re discovering speciality coffee for the first time or know your beans by origin, Black 22 delivers an experience that’s as genuine as it is expertly crafted. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @BLACK22BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CAF Café

Originating from Kuwait, this social-driven speciality coffee bar isn’t just about caffeine; it’s about genuine human connection. CAF believes coffee tastes better when shared, and every detail of the experience reflects that notion.

Proudly serving across the GCC, Egypt and Iraq, its first Bahrain branch at The Courtyard quickly became known for its inviting atmosphere and signature drinks, such as Conhelado, Dutch Brew and Matcha. Now, with a new branch at The Harbour Row, CAF continues to grow its presence, bringing people together over a shared appreciation for quality and taste.

Every cup starts its journey in Kuwait City, where CAF’s roastery sources and roasts premium beans from around the world. For those who prefer brewing at home, CAF’s signature beans are also available for purchase, including the bestselling CAF Blend, Guatemala Waykan, Colombia Cauca and Ethiopia Aricha Wubanchi. The menu covers all the bases: hot and iced coffee, signature blends, teas, mojitos and a tempting selection of pastries, cookies and light bites to match. They also stock a sleek merchandise range, featuring tumblers, mugs and thermos bottles for the committed coffee lover. CAF Café continues to prove that thoughtful coffee and meaningful connection never go out of style. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @CAFCAFE.BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BREWING UP FESTIVE CHEER

From new blends and bold designs to thoughtful gifts, Nespresso’s latest festive range captures the warmth and creativity of the season.

This festive season, Nespresso brings a touch of wonder to every cup with its limited-edition Magic in the Making collection, honouring the small, joyful moments that lead up to the end-of-year celebrations.

The collection features a limited-edition black coffee and two new flavoured coffees, alongside the new Barista Mixologist Stemmed Glasses and a selection of beloved Nespresso favourites. Each item is wrapped in vibrant packaging designed by Kenyan artist Thandiwe Muriu, whose work is inspired by the coffee flower. The collection comes to life through Nespresso’s Atelier of Wonders, where machines spring to life and a magical conveyor belt sets the festive journey in motion.

This year’s highlight is the Festive Collection, available for both Original and Vertuo machines. The Festive Espresso for Original and Festive Double Espresso for Vertuo feature African Arabica beans from Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya, creating a mix of cereal and fruity notes with woody and caramel notes. Then there’s the Flavoured Sweet Almond and Hibiscus coffee, which pairs sweet almond with floral undertones, and the Cinnamon and Candied Tamarind, which brings together warm spice and a jammy flavour that embodies the essence of the season.

Of course, no festive celebration is complete without gifts, and Nespresso’s beloved Advent Calendars return once again. Designed by Thandiwe Muriu, and available for both Original and Vertuo lovers, each door reveals a daily coffee surprise and a special treat on the final day. New additions also include the Barista Mixologist Stemmed Glasses, ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with recipes, and an embossed Coffee Mug featuring the artist’s signature pattern. There’s even a limited-edition box of chocolates with cocoa nibs.

To make the most of the new blends, Nespresso has also created new festive recipes. The Cinnamon Cloud Latte enriches the Flavoured Cinnamon and Candied Tamarind coffee into a cosy, comforting treat, while the Golden Hibiscus Latte embellishes the floral tones of Flavoured Sweet Almond and Hibiscus. For something livelier, the Minted Coffee Mule offers a refreshing spin on the classic cocktail, combining Festive Espresso with lime, honey and ginger beer.

Nespresso’s Magic in the Making is available online and in boutiques from November 6 for a limited time only ✤

GO: FOLLOW @NESPRESSO ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

WHAT’S BEHIND YOUR FAVOURITE FIX

Coffee is more than a drink – it’s a cultural staple that’s become part of how the world wakes up, works and socialises. From quirky facts to its health highs and lows, there’s plenty brewing beneath the surface.

Fun Facts To Sip On

• Around two billion cups of coffee are consumed every day worldwide.
• The word ‘coffee’ has come a long way – it began as the Arabic qahwah, passed through Turkish kahve, then Dutch koffie, before finally becoming what we call coffee.
• Legend has it that an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee when his goats started dancing after eating berries from a certain tree. Whether that’s true or not, we owe someone a thank you.
• Finland drinks more coffee per person than anywhere else on Earth – about four cups a day.
• Beethoven was so particular about his coffee that he counted exactly 60 beans per cup. Talk about precision.
• The world’s most expensive variety, Kopi Luwak, comes from beans eaten and excreted by civet cats in Indonesia.
• Coffee beans aren’t actually beans. They’re seeds from coffee cherries, which are sweet and edible. Some farmers make tea from the dried fruit.

When Coffee’s a Friend

• Moderate coffee drinking – three to four cups a day (equalling about 400mg of caffeine) – is linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and certain liver conditions.
• Coffee is packed with antioxidants, which help fight inflammation in the body. For many, coffee is actually their biggest source of antioxidants, even more than fruits and vegetables.
• Caffeine acts as a mild stimulant, enhancing concentration and mental performance.
• Caffeine can also boost metabolism and help burn fat, at least in the short term. When Coffee’s a Foe
• Exceeding the daily recommendation of maximum 400mg of caffeine can cause jitters, anxiety and sleep disruption.
• Caffeine has a half-life of about five hours, so that afternoon pick-me-up may still be hanging around at bedtime, keeping you wide awake.
• Over time, the body adapts, leading to withdrawal symptoms like headaches or irritability when skipping a cup.
• If you’ve got acid reflux or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), coffee might make things worse. ✤