Loading ...Qahwah is Everywhere: The Rise of Arab Coffee Houses and Where to Find Them
By: Monica Haddad / Arab America Contributing Writer
Coffee, or Qahwah, in Arabic, is a drink that for Arab Americans is not only for fueling a busy morning, but an important part of our culture and history. It seems that more and more we are seeing Arab coffee houses popping up everywhere across the United States. These coffee shops serve authentic Arabic coffee, shai, and traditional Arab desserts from varying countries from around the Arab World. There are Palestinian, Saudi, and Lebanese coffee houses but the most common type of Arab coffee house we are seeing are Yemeni.
Arab Coffee History
Yemen is often considered the birthplace of coffee and the first country to brew coffee beans for drinking purposes. Yemeni coffee is aromatic and is often described as having notes of fruit and chocolate. Yemen has a deep and rich history surrounding this beverage so it is no surprise that Yemeni coffee is getting more and more attention in the U.S. by Arab Americans and non Arab Americans alike.
The Coffee House as a Gathering Place
One of the reasons these spots are so popular is that they aren’t just a place to get delicious and authentic Arab coffee, most of these stores are open late which serve an important purpose for Arab Americans. In the Arab World it is a cultural norm to have coffee or tea after dinner with family or friends later in the evening, so these spots provide a little piece of home for many Arab Americans. These Arab coffee houses foster camaraderie and provide a safe space for Arab Americans to gather, socialize, and community build into the late hours.
The Catalyzation of Arab Coffee Houses
In 2017, in Dearborn, Michigan, what could be considered the Arab American capital of the U.S. and the home to over 30,000 Yemeni Americans, Qahwah House was born. Qahwah House is now a now a national brand with its Yemeni coffee houses open for business all over the country. Since then, many other Yemeni and Arab coffee houses have followed in its footsteps.
Below I have provided a list of Arab coffee houses in the U.S. to explore, starting with places that have multiple locations across the country as well as some local Arab coffee houses split up by U.S. region.
***Disclaimer: It is important to note that this is not a comprehensive list of every Arab coffee house in the U.S. nor is this listicle any implication that the places mentioned are better than others.
Coffee houses with Multiple Locations Nationwide:
1. Qahwah House (10 Locations Nationwide)
Opening its first location in Dearborn in 2017, you can try Qahwah house in a number of states all around the country. Give their famous Yemeni coffee blends, Adeni chai, and pastries a try.
2. Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. (Over 14 Locations Nationwide)
Since its first opening in 2021 in Dearborn, Michigan, Qamaria Coffee has now expanded to over 14 locations and more franchises on the way. With beans sourced straight from local farms in Yemen, try their house roasted Yemeni qahwah or their low-caffeine fruity coffee beverage, qishr.
3. Haraz Coffee House (12 Locations Nationwide)
Another spot native to Dearborn, Michigan, Haraz Coffee House boasts coffee brewed from beans grown in village of Haraz in the mountains of Yemen and inventive signature coffee drinks.
4. Sana’a Coffee House (6 locations in California and New York)
With bicoastal locations in California and New York, Sana’a cafe is serving up Yemeni coffee blended with traditional Yemeni spices and aromatics made to order on a Duxtop Stove.
Local/Regional Arab Coffee Houses to Try:
Midwest:
- Shibam Coffee (Dearborn, MI): Yemeni
- Oud Cafe (Chicago, IL): Palestinian
- Nabala Cafe (Chicago, IL): Palestinian
Western U.S.:
- Mohka House (Oakland, CA): Yemeni
- Delah Coffee (San Francisco, CA, Oakland, CA, & Berkeley, CA): Yemeni
- One Million Cafe (Seattle, WA): Yemeni
East Coast:
- Asal Yemen Cafe (Brooklyn, NY): Yemeni
- SHOTTED Coffee House (Washington, D.C.) Saudi Arabian
- Mokafe Coffee House (Astoria, NY): Yemeni & Palestinian
Southern U.S.:
- Arwa Yemeni Coffee (Richardson, TX & Frisco, TX): Yemeni
- Peace Middle East Cafe (Richardson, TX): Syrian
- Mocha House (Edmond, OK): Yemeni
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