This July Ta’mini Lebanese Bakery will open their third site at 15 Kensington Church Street, London W8 founded by husband and wife team, Ali and Nermin Khamosia. Whilst Ali is from North Lebanon, Nermin was brought up in Beirut and Ta’mini serves a variety of contemporary Lebanese baked goods and savoury dishes, all cooked using traditional methods.
The first Ta’mini Lebanese Bakery opened in Fulham during the first lockdown in 2020. Offering a welcome pick me up to the ‘stay home’ directive, Ta’mini was warmly received with their daily baked Manakish, Ka’ak, Arabic cookies, lovingly made hummus pots and Lebanese salads becoming must haves for a growing list of hungry regulars.
With their success continuing and C-19 fading, a second Ta’mini opened in 2023 in Bloomsbury. Quickly establishing itself as a favourite for residents and workers alike, it’s fair to say that Ta’mini is now an integral part of its community fabric. Oozing with character and complete with an identity all of its own, Ta’mini is a welcome alternative to other generic high street ‘bakery’ options.
Together, Ali and Nermin run all operations and design the food. Inspired by the flavours of home and occasionally delving into family recipes, Ali and Nermin have added their own twist and flair to everything Ta’mini sells – with all food being baked, not fried.
Open for eat-in or takeaway signature to Ta’mini is their Manakish – a Lebanese flat bread made with a classic vegan dough complete with a variety of toppings. Choose from the signature Feta Cheese and Spinach, or for something more meaty then Spice Cheese and Mortadella is a winning combo, as is Kafta (minced beef and lamb with Arabic spices). Mini Bites are a traditional Lebanese street bread coated with sesame seeds, and again available with a variety of toppings from Spinach Fatayer (Fresh spinach, onion, olive oil, sumac and pomegranate molasses) to Halloumi (Halloumi sticks wrapped in freshly made dough topped with toasted sesame seeds and baked in the oven). The cold deli offers a selection of salads including Tabbouleh (super fresh herb salad, with parsley, cucumber, tomato with an olive oil and lemon dressing), Fattoush (fresh vegetables, romaine lettuce, tomato, onions, bell pepper, radish, cucumber, baked bread, olive oil & lemon juice), and their not to be missed house Hummus. Ka’ak is another traditional Lebanese offered in sweet (pistachio, cream cheese and honey) or savoury (melted cheese and mortadella) versions (to name a few), and their wraps which are freshly made and fairly priced are a signature bestseller too. Desserts are always a good idea and Pistachio Date Bread (everyday freshly baked dough filled with a mix of date paste & pistachio and rose water) and Homemade Chocolate and Vanilla Custard are bestsellers for a reason.
Ta’mini Kensington will be the duo’s biggest location to date. Offering 2o seats it will be a perfect pit stop for weary shoppers, local office workers and tourists alike. Decorated in Ta’mini’s signature sunshine yellow representative of the warming Mediterranean sun, the welcoming environment will be a tempting respite from the bustle of W8. With their handmade oven located at the back of the cafe for all to see, this is the heartbeat of Ta’mini. A stone encrusted furnace, this ensures every baked item is as it should be with every bite worthy of the next.
With London continuing to offer a global dining experience, Ta’mini is no different – serving a true taste of the Levant, this is a bakery for everyone. Still in the throes of building their business, Nermin and Ali remain entirely hands on and divide their time
across all sites and it is their infectious smile and warm welcome that ensures every visit to Ta’mini is as good as the last. A first of its kind for Kensington, Ta’mini continues to lead where others will no doubt follow.
Ta’mini Lebanese Bakery, 15 Kensington Church Street, London W8, @tamini.lebanese.bakery https://www.taminilebanesebakery.com
