Mustafa and Jihad: Coffee Insurrection Hero Chapter #44

Published by Tanya in Coffee Insurrection Hero · 11 February 2022
Tags: Mustafa_and_Jihad, Interview, Canada, Mokha_Bunn

1- Introduce yourself: who are you, where are you from, where do you work and what’s your job.

We are Mustafa and Jihad the founders of Mokha Bunn Canada and part of the amazing coffee community. We are originally from Yemen and decided to share its treasure with the whole world. Yemen is the birthplace of coffee and was the only marketplace from the 15th century through the early 18th that exported coffee worldwide from Al-Mokha seaport where the famous Mocha drink was named after.

2- When and why did coffee become important to you?

Coffee is part of our culture, and the smell of fresh coffee is part of our childhood great memories. We used to share quality time back in Yemen with our family and friends while roasting and preparing coffee for everyone.

3- Do you remember the first coffee you had that was more than “just a cup of coffee”?

Jihad: This was the first cup of coffee I had in my life which was made with love by my aunt. She has her own special way to prepare the fresh roasted coffee in Ibrik then mix it with fresh milk. That cup of coffee is unforgettable!

4- What’s your favorite thing about going to work in the morning?

We both always discuss how we feel super special because of these tiny, delicious beans that we are lucky enough to offer to the whole world. We are so blessed to be able to introduce this precious side of Yemen and let the people enjoy such unique coffee.

5- What’s your favorite brewing method and why?

We enjoy all brewing methods, but the Ibrik is our favorite. It gives us the sweet and delicious cup we need.

6- Which is the best coffee you ever tasted?

Jihad: Well, I said “This is my best coffee” many times recently but I can say that our Haimi is always giving me a different experience! I love the mix between strawberry freshness and chocolate sweetness it has.

7- Is there a country of origin that you tend to favor coffee from? Why?

Jihad: For me Yemen is my absolute favorite. I couldn’t find the sweetness that I find in Yemeni beans in any other origin. And this was my big motivator to team up with Mokha Bunn here in Canada.

8- Suggest us a roastery to check (not the one you working at/you use at work).

Rabbit Hole Roasters, Ambros Coffee, and Carbonic Coffee. They are all great roasteries who know what they do.

9- What’s the most important things you’ve learnt while working in the business?

Specialty coffee is more than importing and roasting coffee beans. It has a direct impact on everyone in the supply chain starting from the heroes at the farm to the end consumer. Also, perfection is never achievable by one person as teamwork is the key.

10- How your work and the specialty coffee world are coping with Covid and the new challenges for hospitality?

We started Mokha Bunn Canada during Covid so we knew that we should be very patient when it comes to the outcomes. Covid has changed everything in an unexpected way, and this could be very tough on us without the local support we got.

11- How do you see the specialty coffee scene in 10 years?

Mustafa: When I compare today with 5 years ago (when I started) I can say that specialty coffee will be more popular as people are learning and loving the quality and the story behind it.

12- Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Being able to help more farmers in Yemen to be more productive and get a better life. Also, helping the people worldwide to have easy access to the Yemeni specialty coffee.

13- Any last word? Any tips or suggestions you wanna share with someone that want to start this path?

Don’t give up and be patient! We hear it a lot, but we need to believe it especially during this hard time that we are going through since 2020.