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Bahraini mum Reem Al Ghanim is on a mission to reduce teenage obesity across the kingdom by serving up home-style burgers and hot dogs with a twist ... they are healthy.
Rozy Cafe is Um Al Hassam’s new best-kept secret which GulfWeekly felt should be shared. Although it has only been open for two months, the burger and sandwich joint has already started to attract youngsters from around the area.
The cafe was named after her eight-year-old daughter Rosy and the menu was inspired by her 16-year-old brother Mohammed who suffers from hormonal issues.
The 33-year-old from Um Al Hassam said: “When my daughter first started spelling her name her letter ‘s’ looked more like a ‘z’ so I thought that was cute and named the cafe after her, but with a ‘z’. Some of the desserts and burgers are even inspired by Rosy such as the mini Oreo cheesecake. She used to dip her Oreo cookies in my cheesecake when I’d be baking in the kitchen.
“However, my true inspiration for the selected burgers, hotdogs and sandwiches is my brother. The doctor explained to me that he is overweight and was losing hair due to hormonal issues from his unhealthy diet of burgers and hot dogs.
“Most of the teenagers in Bahrain are obese or have growth problems. I want to educate teens on what goes into the food they eat. I figured if my brother was going to continue to eat junk food I might as well make it healthy.
“I use fresh top-side or Angus beef which hardly has any fat in it. I even process my own sausages. Everything is done from scratch and is fried or grilled with healthier alternatives. What better way to get this healthy initiative going than starting in my own neighbourhood?”
Reem has always had a passion for cooking and baking. She started making cupcakes in her teenage years and when she graduated from high school took a tourism management course which put her on the right path to achieving a culinary career. She trained with chefs at five -star hotels including the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa and Gulf Hotel and at the popular Blue Elephant restaurant in Thailand.
The interior of Reem’s cafe exudes her colourful personality with bright green walls, cheery heart-printed tiles and vibrant plates. The two-floor cafe also features a dining-on-the-go experience with bar stools and high tables for those who would like to park their bottoms for non-stop eating or are waiting for a take-away. The tiny eatery also boasts slick state-of-the-art appliances and a home-like atmosphere as Reem aims to make customers feel as though they are in their mum’s kitchen waiting for their grub.
GulfWeekly sure felt at home as Reem joined the kitchen team to personally grill up a couple of juicy burgers and a hotdog. The Rozy combo was a big slab of Angus beef in brown bread, smothered with mushrooms, cheese and turkey ham. Once the burger was assembled Reem asked us what toppings we would like as she has a build-your-own-burger-topping station. Once the monstrosity was completed, it was wrapped up nicely and served on a bright pink plate alongside crispy French fries that were fried in a mixture of soy oil and vegetable oil.
The second burger was made with a blend of Bahraini spices as part of Reem’s Bahraini-style menu. She said: “Aside from educating teens on what to eat I also want to promote Bahraini sandwiches and crepes. I have a whole selection of Bahraini style crepes.”
The hotdog was a big hit with photographer Ryan Bayona who is a huge fan and is always on the hunt for good hotdogs.
Reem has added to the tasty and affordable cafe by putting a PlayStation unit on the first floor for teens to enjoy as they eat, just like at home.
For those working in the Diplomatic Area, get ready for a Rozy experience in three-months’ time as Reem is planning on opening a cafe there too.
Rozy Cafe is open from 8am to noon and 4pm to 11pm and home deliveries will start this month. Reem also offers catering of mini delights fit for any occasion such as mini-burgers, pizzas and cheesecakes. To place a catering order contact her two days in advance on 36370073.
