Fahmi Faysel Bets on a New Latte Flavor to Shake Up Addis’s Coffee Scene 

By Dagmawit Zerihun
Published on 11/03/25

Addis Ababa is fast becoming a magnet for global travellers, its skyline dotted with boutique hotels, concept cafés, and cultural spaces that blend local heritage with modern flair. Among the newest names drawing attention in the city’s flourishing hospitality scene is Adorsi Coffee, a café that has become synonymous with innovation, authenticity, and storytelling through taste.

Adorsi was founded by Fahmi Faysel, the son of Testi Specialty Coffee’s owner, a company that has operated for 16 years and is a member of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange, the African Fine Coffee Association, and the Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association. Testi is recognised for its long-standing work with farmers and local producers, supplying export-grade coffee to international buyers.

“I grew up around coffee,” Fahmi says. “My father used to take me to farms and washing stations. Coffee became part of who I am.”

Testi’s philosophy extends beyond trade. Through its Testi Project Direct Foundation, the company has built five schools, brought electricity and water to coffee-growing regions, and established health centres in areas including Yirgacheffe, Sidama, Guji, Keffa, and West Arsi. One of its proudest projects is the Hamisho High School in Sidama — the first of its kind in the area.

“Our relationship with farmers goes beyond business, it’s family,” Fahmi says.

That foundation of trust and community has also helped Testi gain global recognition. The company’s coffees have placed first in various categories — honey-processed, washed, and natural — at Cup of Excellence and AFCA competitions, giving it both credibility and visibility in the international market.

While Testi built its name abroad, Adorsi Coffee represents Fahmi’s effort to bring that same quality home. “I wanted Ethiopians to taste the same export-grade coffee we send overseas,” he explains.

The café’s name, Adorsi, pays homage to three Yirgacheffe kebeles: Aricha, Idido, and Gersi, where his family operates coffee washing stations. Every corner of the space tells a story. One wall features a striking 3D wood carving of Gara Kogne Mountain, made with precision SMC technology, while the interior exudes a cosy, contemporary ambience.

Adorsi also distinguishes itself as an experience-based café, with an experience room, a cupping room, and even a Korean BBQ-style coffee roasting setup that lets customers watch the roasting and brewing process up close.

One of Adorsi’s most talked-about creations is the Ube Latte — a vibrant purple drink inspired by Fahim’s cousin, who studied in the United States. “He introduced me to it during one of our trips,” Fahmi says. “I thought — why not bring something new home? It’s colourful, delicious, and pairs perfectly with our coffee.”

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Everybody loves our coffee, some even call me personally to say how much they enjoy it,” he adds with a smile. “At first, people were hesitant about the Ube Latte, but now many come specifically for it.”

Despite opening only three weeks ago, Adorsi has already earned a steady flow of customers. Behind that early success lies a commitment to quality. Every barista undergoes three months of intensive training before serving customers — a deliberate choice to ensure consistency and expertise.

“It’s still early to talk about the economy’s challenges, but we’ve managed to stay steady despite price fluctuations in construction and supplies,” Fahmi says.

With plans to open a larger branch around Bole, Fahmi sees Adorsi as more than a business — it is a bridge between Ethiopia’s coffee heritage and a new wave of local pride. “With the upcoming diaspora season, it’s the perfect time to showcase what we can do,” he says.

In a city pulsing with new energy, Adorsi Coffee stands out as a symbol of Ethiopia’s evolving café culture — one that honours its roots while embracing global inspiration. For Fahmi, the journey is both personal and purposeful.

“I’m beyond grateful seeing how people love the coffee and seeing the café packed,” he says quietly. “I thank God for that.”Ethiopia, the acknowledged birthplace of coffee, has long woven the drink into the fabric of its daily life. For centuries, the traditional bunna ceremony has served as a social cornerstone — a ritual of patience, exchange, and respect. Yet, as Addis Ababa grows into a modern capital, that heritage is being reinterpreted. The rise of contemporary cafés reflects an urban shift in how Ethiopians experience coffee: still communal, but faster, more creative, and deeply connected to the country’s emerging hospitality scene.

Ethiopia’s coffee story continues to evolve. What remains constant is the spirit behind it, a culture that values connection, craftsmanship, and identity. In this new era, cafés like Adorsi are not replacing tradition; they are extending it, offering a fresh chapter in a story that began centuries ago in the highlands where coffee first grew wild.