Our First Craft Cola Making Workshop in Dubai’s Souk
Our journey of crafting unique, homemade cola took a significant leap forward recently, with our very first workshop set in the intriguing backdrop of Dubai’s souk. The buzz about our craft cola spread like wildfire through the language school, catching the interest of our multinational circle of friends who eagerly stepped forward to be part of this fizzy adventure.
Our journey of crafting unique, homemade cola took a significant leap forward recently, with our very first workshop set in the intriguing backdrop of Dubai’s souk. The buzz about our craft cola spread like wildfire through the language school, catching the interest of our multinational circle of friends who eagerly stepped forward to be part of this fizzy adventure.
My name is Sakaguchi. Call me Gucci.
I was a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Japan.
The idea was simple yet ambitious: we wanted to bring together diverse individuals to explore the art of making Craft Cola. But first, we needed the perfect venue. Considering the cultural challenges posed by Ramadan, finding a suitable location took a lot of work. However, KAILASHA-PARBAT, a charming café nestled within the souk, rose to the occasion and welcomed us warmly.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FJHLCPdT5Hnpe4UZ8
Joined by Nakamura, I ventured into the vibrant lanes of the souk to prepare. Although many café owners were initially hesitant due to the busy Ramadan period, the enthusiastic response from KAILASHA-PARBAT was a breath of fresh air. With a venue secured, our excitement was palpable.
On the day of the workshop, our group, buzzing with anticipation, explored the souk for spices that would add a unique twist to our colas. Our multinational team, each member armed with their own distinct sensibilities, selected an array of spices that amazed everyone involved. Our attempts to communicate our needs to the local spice experts in our less-than-fluent English led to some humorous confusion—like being directed to purchase Coca-Cola from a nearby store or being offered barbecue spices!
Among the experts, we met Hubach, a person whose curiosity about our craft cola project shone through. Hubach shared his extensive knowledge of spices, guiding us on which ones would enhance our beverages both in flavor and health benefits. This interaction deepened our understanding and appreciation of the spices we were about to use.
The cola-making began in the earnest back at KAILASHA-PARBAT, under the serene and sunny skies of Dubai. The picturesque Dubai Creek lay just ahead, setting a splendid scene for our creative endeavor. We divided into teams, each tasked with concocting their own version of cola after a brief introductory lecture on the basics.
The results were nothing short of spectacular:
– **Team A**, inspired by their Czech heritage, infused their cola with dried flowers, crafting a delightful ‘Girly Cola.’
– **Team B**, heavily influenced by their Japanese members, combined traditional cola-making techniques with innovative uses of different sugars and a generous dash of cilantro, creating the crisp ‘UTA Cola.’
– **Team C**, a dynamic blend of Turkish and Japanese creativity, added dried mint to their mixture, resulting in the refreshing ‘Mint Cola’ that left everyone wanting more.
Each team’s cola was unique and represented their personal touches and cultural influences. The tasting session was vibrant, with each group proudly presenting their creation as the best.
Reflecting on the day, I realized that it was not just about crafting cola but also about building bridges and sharing cultures. Our workshop was a resounding success, sparking new ideas for future flavors and enhancements. The experience left us all inspired and eager for the next chapter in our craft cola journey.
Thank you for joining us on this fizzy venture, and stay tuned for more updates as we continue to refine our recipes and explore new possibilities in the world of craft beverages!
