Brewing Excellence: Mbonisi Bamala Leads Coffee Innovation At Majlis By Pierre Hermé, Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Mbonisi Bamala, a passionate Head Barista & Coffee Experience Curator, plays a key role in shaping the coffee experience at Majlis by Pierre Hermé, powered by The Espresso Lab. With a career dedicated to education, and coffee craftsmanship, Mbonisi is committed to elevating the coffee program at Rosewood Abu Dhabi while engaging the local community.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Mbonisi's journey into coffee began when he chanced upon a local café while living in South Africa. A barista sparked his curiosity, leading him to discover that coffee is much more than just a beverage - it is a craft, science and a culture. His pursuit of excellence led him to work at Origin Coffee Roasting in Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s premier coffee roasters, where he was mentored by some of the most respected figures in the industry.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Mbonisi immersed himself in every aspect of coffee, from farming and roasting to brewing and customer experience. His expertise extends beyond crafting exceptional coffee, he has honed skills in digital marketing, social media campaigns, team leadership, training, equipment maintenance, and menu development. Aiming to shake up the industry with involvement in campaigns associated with ‘I am not a barista’ empowering baristas to reach their full potential and collaborating with brands such as Milk Lab, and Krispy Kreme South Africa to name a few.

Since its opening in 2024, Mbonisi has been a cornerstone of the coffee program at Majlis by Pierre Hermé. Extending the ‘Architecture of Taste’ philosophy of layering taste to the coffee menu, where he showcases his meticulous approach to quality control and trend awareness. Majlis by Pierre Hermé exclusively offers single-origin beans, embracing the natural variations influenced by climate, temperature and soil conditions. Mbonisi works closely with The Espresso Lab, to source the finest coffee beans that not only align with the distinct flavors of the pastries at Majlis by Pierre Hermé but also meet the needs of their diverse clientele. Signature offerings include Espresso, V60, Chemex, Turkish Coffee and creations such as the Majlis Hot Chocolate, containing 3 different types of chocolate and Moroccan Nights.

Mbonisi plays an integral role in engaging with guests at Majlis by Pierre Hermé through a variety of interactive and educational initiatives. Mbonisi hosts cupping sessions to allow coffee enthusiasts to explore different flavors and deepen their understanding of the complexities of coffee beans. He also offers advice on home coffee equipment solutions, helping locals elevate their coffee experience at home. His infectious enthusiasm and dedication to education set him apart - he is not only passionate about coffee but also about making it accessible and engaging for all.

He believes in inspiring coffee lovers to appreciate the artistry behind every cup and fostering a deeper understanding of the industry. For those who cross paths with Mbonisi, whether over a cup of espresso or through one of his insightful conversations, it is evident that his love of coffee goes beyond the beans. As he continues to refine his craft and ensure every cup of coffee tells a story.