FIKA: AUGUST EDIITON

We did a little spotlight on the Yemeni coffee scene this month (check it out here) and I thought, since the middle eastern, hot dusty vibe is one of my all time favourite wavelengths, I’ll just roll it on into this month’s fika too. It’s tasty, and it’s warm.

Eat.

The Middle East has delightfully artery clogging desserts. Here’s one authentic, one fusion, one cheat treat to have with your coffee 

Authentic: Bint Al Sahn

Fusion : Pistachio Slice 

Cheat : Go to your nearest Lebanese, Turkish, Yemeni restaurant and buy some baklava. I’d include a recipe, but c’mon. Who’s got the time for layering two thousand filo pastries or the money for half a kilo of pistachios.. As if. Just buy it.

Drink.

A not so traditional version of traditional Yemeni Qishr (ginger spiced coffee). I think the Liberty Blend with it’s already lightly spiced notes would work really well here!

Read.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Housseini. A beautiful piece of fiction. It was a best seller when it came out, so if you’ve already read it, try his A Thousand Splendid Suns. Or one of his others.

Listen.

Neither of these bands have much, or any musical influence from the region that I know of. But they are jolly good to relax to.

Beirut 

The Middle East