In a city so full of hidden gems Manchester’s Finest has dedicated a full series to these discreet destinations, Fiori is definitely one to track down. A specialist Arabic coffee and Middle Eastern cafe, you’ll find it tucked away on Nobel Way, in and among the towering apartments and newly planned neighbourhood of Circle Square, on the former site of BBC broadcasting before its relocation to Salford. Founded by Hamoud Ali Al-Zuhairi, this place is as authentic as they come, with the team having been trained and worked in restaurants and informal eateries across Turkey and beyond.
The menu itself focuses on traditional ingredients imported from the mother lands these dishes and drinks are most associated with. That means Fiori is the place to come if you want to experience a Sahlab, which is the Middle Eastern equivalent of a latte, a creation that dates back several centuries and involves milk, sugar and spices, for a sweet, warming reviver. Rose and pistachio lattes are also available, alongside karak — an Arabic staple made by boiling coffee with cardamom and other seasoning for a rich flavour, usually served in a specific pot called a dallah.
Food here follows suit, so expect to indulge in beetroot borani, batata harra (a Lebanese vegetarian specialty of potatoes, red peppers, coriander and chilli), eggs on simit (circular bread usually encrusted with sesame seeds). And don’t for get Saffron Milk Cake, and Umm Ali (think bread pudding, but from Egypt, with crispy puff pastry, sweet milk, nuts, raisins and coconut). Of course, you’ll also be able to get a proper Full English Breakfast if that’s more your jam. Easily one of the most unique places to start the day or enjoy a standout lunch, with genuine heart and soul pouring into the food and drinks, most of which are as good for your as they taste.