By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
How often do you consider the origins of your coffee? Despite being a nation of avid coffee drinkers, consuming approximately 98 million cups daily according to the British Coffee Association, the rich and diverse culture behind coffee is often overlooked.
Yared Markos, affectionately known as 'Markos,' opened Kaffa Coffee in Dalston after struggling to find authentic Ethiopian coffee in London, the birthplace of the coffee bean. Markos shared, "What I believe is that there is something missing culturally. Walking around London, I was searching for something that resonated with my culture, but there were no Ethiopian establishments to be found."
Markos operates Kaffa Coffee with his wife, Almaz Haile. Despite facing significant challenges, including lack of support and living in temporary accommodation, Markos established Kaffa Coffee in 2004. His vision was to create a space that celebrated and recognized the often overlooked history of Ethiopia.
Two decades later, Kaffa Coffee has become a vibrant hub for locals. The shop proudly displays Markos' heritage, with Ethiopian artifacts scattered throughout. "Kaffa is a regional name," he explained. "It was a significant kingdom from the 9th to the 12th century, and the name coffee originates from Kaffa. However, many people in England are unaware of this aspect of Ethiopian history."
Kaffa Coffee offers more than just beverages; it serves traditional Ethiopian cuisine and regularly hosts community events, including traditional coffee ceremonies, live music, and gatherings. Every Sunday, Markos reserves space for those in need of food. "This success is purely through hosting people and sharing our culture," he noted. "People can sense the authenticity here."
Markos uses wild beans to roast his own coffee blend, emphasizing the connection to his Ethiopian roots. Coffee historian Jonathan Morris highlighted that understanding the history of coffee can greatly enhance one's appreciation of the drink. "We tend to get more out of our food and drink when we understand their origins," he said. "Knowing the history and how coffee is grown adds depth to the experience."
Despite being far from Ethiopia, Markos remains deeply connected to his heritage. The coffee he roasts and sells in Dalston is ethically sourced from his family's organic, wild coffee farm in Ethiopia, which has trees over 100 years old. Markos supports his village by providing essential equipment for coffee production.
Markos hopes to continue "blending culture through coffee" and sharing his heritage with London. "Coffee is not just food it's a way of life. It's like human petrol," he concluded.