COFICAF Café: Hidden gem inside Eastleigh's BBS Mall that everyone is talking about
COFICAF isn’t just a café—it’s a full experience. From the calming design to the thoughtfully curated menu and staff, it offers something unique in the heart of Eastleigh.
On the streets of Eastleigh, where the air is thick with the aroma of spices, warm bread, and the ever-present blare of matatus, I found myself drawn to a café that had steadily taken over my social media feed.
Its desserts, especially the creamy strawberry cups and Dubai chocolate kunafa cake, had become Instagram darlings, so tempting they practically begged to be tasted.
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I gave in to curiosity and headed to BBS Mall on the first floor, where it is located. At first glance, it looked like an island of tranquillity tucked in the corner opposite Taj Bank—understated yet undeniably elegant.
A stylish mix of modern and Middle Eastern design, COFICAF stood out with its earthy pastels, soft greenery, and a warm glow from hanging lamps. A scent of freshly ground coffee drifted through the air as customers engaged in calm conversations. The layout was open yet intimate and shielded from the bustle on the streets.
Arabian lamb, which comes with goat meat and rice, crunchy cashews, fresh coriander, and tender, roasted lamb on the bone. (Ahmed Shafat)
I’ll admit, at first, I wondered who would willingly sit in a mall’s open space with shoppers streaming past. But once I sat down, I forgot all about that. It was peaceful, inviting and had a thoughtful design, from wide entrances to open-plan seating.
Comfort meets culture
What makes COFICAF truly stand out is how it blends café culture with a sense of community. You have options—cosy up with your laptop and headphones inside, or enjoy the buzz of Eastleigh life from the airy outdoor section.
Inside, royal blue bench seating hugged the walls, gold-accented serviette holders hinted at Arabian flair, and minimalist art mingled with patches of greenery. The section facing the street has a more social, lounge-like atmosphere. It is spacious, open, and especially popular with men enjoying Karak tea.
Each table had a charging port perfect for remote workers or those needing to charge their gadgets—and the blend of natural and ambient lighting created a relaxed but vibrant energy.
When I arrived, the place was already buzzing. There was a beautiful mix of people young and old, Muslim and non-Muslim, professionals, students, and couples. It felt like a community gathering place, not just a café.
A feast of flavours
I was greeted by Whitney, a waiter who helped me settle in and handed over the menu. I realised COFICAF wasn’t just serving coffee and cake—this was a full culinary experience. From hearty Arabian dishes to light salads and sandwiches, there was something for everyone.
On Whitney’s recommendation, I opted for the Arabian lamb, which comes with goat meat and rice, exclusive to the Eastleigh branch. It came beautifully plated rice studded with raisins, crunchy cashews, fresh coriander, and tender, roasted lamb on the bone.
COFICAF at BBS Mall in Eastleigh. (Ahmed Shafat)
The accompaniments included a sweet banana, a zingy lime wedge, a bowl of goat meat soup, caramelised onions, and kachumbari. Each bite was a delightful dance of textures and flavours savoury, sweet, crunchy, and spicy. It was the kind of meal you don’t just eat; you savour. I knew, instantly, that I’d return for this.
As I was polishing off the last bites, Abdi Osman, COFICAF’s Managing Director, stopped by. We chatted about the food, and he invited me behind the scenes to watch how they make their iced caramel latte.
A café with heart
Abdi's passion for the café shone through. He told me COFICAF launched its first branch in Eastleigh in 2023 and now has three locations, including BBS Mall and Runda Mall.
“We wanted to create a space that felt welcoming, where people could enjoy good food, great drinks, and feel at home,” he said.
He revealed that the chicken, tomato, and cheese sandwich is a customer favourite. “It’s filling enough for brunch but light enough to enjoy any time. People love it so much, some even ask for the recipe but we keep that one secret.”
For those watching their diet, the chicken Caesar salad is a popular, healthier option. Their vegetable juices, like cucumber and kiwi lemonade or cucumber and basil, are light and refreshing, perfect for Nairobi’s heat. But if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the iced teas, lattes, and milkshakes won’t disappoint.
Tyrone, the barista, was a quiet maestro behind the counter. I watched as he expertly brewed espresso, frothed milk, and swirled in caramel to create my iced caramel latte. The first sip was pure joy—rich coffee, sweet caramel, smooth milk, and ice-cold perfection.
Spiced sips and sweet treats
Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying their famous Karak tea. Abdi described it as a unique blend of tea and coffee, spiced and soothing. And he was right—it was rich, aromatic, and deeply comforting. No wonder people line up for it.
Their slogan, “A Bean at a Time,” isn’t just a catchy phrase. Abdi explained it represents the care and attention poured into everything they do—from the beans they brew to the meals they plate. It’s about crafting experiences, not just serving food.
“Whether it’s a cup of Karak or a plate of lamb, we take our time to do it right. We want every guest to feel seen, appreciated, and at home,” he said.
As a halal café, COFICAF takes pride in maintaining high standards not just in dietary adherence, but in cleanliness, quality, and inclusivity. “It’s about trust,” Abdi shared. “Muslim or not, everyone deserves to feel confident in what they’re eating.”
It is located on the first floor of BBS Mall in Eastleigh. (Ahmed Shafat)
To wrap up, I ordered a Dubai Chocolate Kunafa Cake as takeaway, which Antony, one of the waiters, recommended. The rich chocolate paired with crisp kunafa layers was indulgent but not overwhelming a true crowd-pleaser.
Abdi also mentioned their Biscoff and espresso milkshakes are fan favourites—and I’ve already made a mental note to try them next time.
COFICAF isn’t just a café it’s a full experience. From the calming design to the thoughtfully curated menu and staff, it offers something unique in the heart of Eastleigh.
It’s where you can sip tea, share stories, work remotely, or simply sit back and people-watch. And no matter how you arrive—hungry, curious, or just in need of a break you leave feeling a little more nourished.
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