Starbucks launches evenings menu with sharing plates

Starbucks evenings menu, Cardamom Halloumi Bites. Courtesy of Starbucks.

Starbucks is no longer just a pitstop for the morning caffeine fix and a muffin. With the launch of their new small plates menu this week, the coffeehouse aims to get coffee drinkers through the door for an evening sit-down meal, as well.

The Evenings Menu, first tested in the US market last year, has made its way to the Middle East, albeit with an offering tailored for a local palate.

The Middle Eastern evening menu, which was first launched in Kuwait, will be offered in 30 branches across the country by next week.

The kid-friendly menu has a healthy mix of a Quinoa and beetroot salad and flatbreads served with dippings sauces, along with more indulgent sweet choices like trio of tarts and puddings and banana crepe with Nutella.

While the truffle mac and cheese felt like a misfit on the coffeeshop menu, the halloumi bites did manage to impress not just the adults but kids at the tasting session at the Jumeirah drive-thru outlet, this week.

There is a lot on there for the curious palate, but our selection is:

Red Quinoa, Goat Cheese and Beetroot salad

The sharp flavour of goat cheese cuts the sweetness extended by the beetroot and honey balsamic. The pine nuts provide a crunch and pairs well with one of the deep-toned nutty coffees on offer.

Cardamom Halloumi Bites

The taste of cardamom was lost in the natural salty taste of halloumi, but grilled to perfection and combined thoughtfully with roasted bell pepper and pesto dipping sauces.

Trio of Dessert

Dessert three ways is always a hit when in the mood for mixing flavours without having to order large portions. The mini chocolate pudding oozed more gooey chocolate when broken; the mini pecan pie has a generous amount of nuts and the crumbly pastry of the mixed berry tart was satisfying.

The evening menu is available at selected stores in the UAE from 4pm, from this month. For more, visit mena.starbucks.com