Meet Mohamed Bentaleb, a dedicated barista who transformed his love for coffee into a lifelong passion. Born and raised in a small town in Morocco, Mohamed’s journey began in high school, where his curiosity about the rich, dark beverage started to grow. His journey from taking orders to mastering the espresso machine was fueled by curiosity and determination.
Mohamed Bentaleb
“A house is not a house if it doesn’t smell like coffee in the mornings,”
Mohamed says, echoing his belief that coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s a way of life, a source of comfort, and a means of bringing people together.
For Mohamed, success isn’t about winning championships or gaining global recognition. Instead, success means bringing a smile to his customers’ faces with every cup he serves.
“The joy of receiving positive feedback from customers and seeing their smiles as they enjoyed their personalized cups of coffee was incredibly rewarding,” he shares.
Initially tasked with taking orders, Mohamed found himself irresistibly drawn to the espresso machine. He spent his free time observing his colleagues, asking countless questions, and learning the basics of coffee making. The aroma of freshly ground beans and the sound of milk frothing became the soundtrack to his life.
Driven by a quote from British writer Ernest Hemingway, “Coffee is our most intimate friend, and it’s best to love it wisely,” Mohamed’s dedication grew stronger. He immersed himself in books, articles, and instructional videos, mastering the art of brewing espresso and creating intricate latte art. His hard work paid off as he saw the joy on customers’ faces, knowing that each cup he made carried a piece of his passion and dedication.
One defining moment in Mohamed’s journey was when he perfected the art of latte art. The day he saw his designs—hearts and rosettas—come to life in the cups was transformative. It marked his transition from a novice to a skilled barista, solidifying his passion for coffee. The positive feedback from customers and their smiles as they enjoyed their personalized cups were incredibly rewarding.
Mohamed’s journey was not without challenges. Mastering the technical aspects of coffee making, such as getting the grind size just right, controlling extraction time, and perfecting milk frothing techniques, required immense patience and practice. Balancing work demands with his desire to continuously improve and stay updated with new coffee trends also posed significant challenges. However, his passion for coffee and love for the craft kept him going.
The opportunity to create a comprehensive coffee menu and train numerous baristas brought immense pride to Mohamed. His dedication led him to become a barista trainer in Congo, an achievement that highlighted his commitment to excellence in the coffee industry.
For Mohamed, success in the coffee industry means achieving a high level of skill and expertise while making a positive impact on others. It involves consistently delivering exceptional coffee, fostering meaningful connections with customers, and contributing to a supportive coffee community. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, curiosity, and hard work in transforming a passion into a fulfilling career.
Mohamed Bentaleb’s story is not just about coffee; it’s about the journey of following one’s passion and the profound impact it can have on personal and professional fulfillment. His advice to others is simple yet powerful: “Follow your passion, stay curious, and continuously seek improvement. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and always strive to deliver your best.”
Outside the world of coffee, Mohamed enjoys a range of activities. He loves reading, with “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera being one of his favorites. Music also plays a significant role in his life, particularly the song “Are You With Me” by Lost Frequencies. Exploring new places, trying different cuisines, and finding moments of relaxation and creativity help him unwind and stay inspired.
