At Brooklyns New Yemeni Coffeehouse Elevates Coffee to an Art Form

Table Of Content

• Restaurant Details
• Female-only cafes resist the patriarchal culture in Algeria
• Dearborn
• Former Dearborn Qahwah House employee opens new location in Ohio
• Dearborn’s Qahwah House brings authentic Yemeni coffee to America
• The long shadow of US and UK torture in the Middle East
• Qahwah House in Lombard takes coffee back to…

Alhasbani stresses that he didn’t want to serve “regular coffee in a regular place,” and consciously created an atmosphere that celebrated the drink’s origin story — which, as it happens, is deeply rooted in Yemen. On weekend evenings, there’s typically a line of people out the door waiting to order, as well as people waiting for a place to sit after ordering. The chaos is comforting — frothing milk, the whoosh of the pours, each station in full speed amid the steady stream of conversation.

Restaurant Details

The other part is the sense of relaxation, of taking the time to learn about and appreciate the way the oldest coffee culture in the world meant for it to be enjoyed. Located on the corner of Bedford Avenue and North 8th Street in Williamsburg, from the outside, Qahwah House could pass for just another hip cafe. They have an on-trend outdoor seating area, and the storefront simply says “organic coffee,” but what you’ll find inside is nothing like the overly-fussy brews you get at most of the neighborhood’s coffee shops. After 5 or 6pm, they will shut down because people don't usually drink coffee after that.

Female-only cafes resist the patriarchal culture in Algeria

Its culinary offerings are a blend of old and those new-ish to the area. The fare runs from high-end upscale French fare to classic bar food from longtime hip spot Northern Lights Lounge on Baltimore Street to newcomer and award-winning Baobab Fare with East African cuisine. Or stop in for a coffee and croissants in North End at the recently opened French-inspired Café Noir. Whatcha Wanna Eat houses nine food businesses ranging from a pizza spot to an ice cream shop to a burger joint and more. Adjacent to Corktown is Core City, home to True North, a village of live/work dwellings composed of shipping containers. The area’s culinary community is new, but growing with quality eateries that draw a young, hip crowd.

Dearborn

There are many legends and theories about when coffee was first discovered, including an Ethiopian legend about a goat herder, Kaldi, who noticed his goats becoming energetic after eating from a coffee shrub. However, coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian peninsula, and the coffee bean was first consumed as a beverage in Yemen in the 1400s. Noorehden Alsayidi, who works at the Clifton branch, grew up in Yemen and moved to the US in 2014. He started working at Qahwah House when the Brooklyn location opened after his cousin introduced him to the opportunity. Waell also says Qahwah House has an unparalleled social atmosphere and welcoming environment. “You got one person sitting [at] a table alone and then by the end of the time he leaves, he has 20 people sitting with him,” he says.

Former Dearborn Qahwah House employee opens new location in Ohio

I’d be remiss not to mention the Adeni Chai, Qahwah House’s other signature drink, which can be ordered either hot or iced. As with many of the other drinks on the menu, this milk tea gets its creaminess from evaporated milk, which lends a richer, more concentrated flavor. Pair it with a slice of Khaliat Alnahl, a pull-apart pastry made of cheese-stuffed yeasted dough that comes liberally drizzled with honey.

Dearborn’s Qahwah House brings authentic Yemeni coffee to America

Here at the coffee shop, I use the same recipes my ancestors and family used to prepare the traditional Yemeni drinks. We use spices such as cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon in many of our drinks. People from all over Michigan and the United States come to enjoy our coffee, and many comment that it’s like nothing they’ve ever tried before.

The long shadow of US and UK torture in the Middle East

Qahwah House is in the process of planning its grand opening for sometime in late October. In addition to coffee and tea, Qahwah House also offers cakes and pastries from Zingerman’s Bakehouse in Ann Arbor. One blend of coffee that Alhasbani makes at Qahwah House consists of coffee husks. In some places, Yemeni coffee can be found priced at more than $200 a pound, but Alhasbani will be selling his coffee at a fraction of that at roughly $25. Over a decade ago, Dandia was surveilled by a New York Police Department informant. He then became a part of a class-action lawsuit against the NYPD over the surveillance of Muslims.

Yemen is known for the port of Mocha or Al Mokha, where the shared name of the delicious espresso and chocolate drink gets its fame. "This space reminds young Muslims, young Arabs of our culture," Alhasbani said. "It reminds us where we come from, so they will not forget their culture and their history, and they will work to improve on this history." "That's why I decided to open in this area. I want other nationalities to come together and see what's going on. It's not like what you see on TV. We have good drinks and we have good culture we can share with everyone." Though Qahwah House doesn't serve tea in empty cans of kidney beans, the taste is very much the same and reminds Kaid of home, he says. Kaid recalls cans of kidney beans being emptied out and replaced with hot Adeni chai, which he and other children would then drink.

Restaurant Photos

Neighboring Southwest Detroit is Chadsey Condon, home to two culinary destinations that are worth a visit. 2023 Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Restaurant of the Year Ladder 4 Wine Bar is a newer addition to the area, serving fine, creative New American dishes with a French sensibility and natural wine to boot. Hygrade Deli is a no-frills, longtime corned beef diner known for its meat-stacked sandwiches. For the action-seekers looking to take in the bustling energy that has downtown Detroit abuzz, the Free Press team has already offered a guide for breakfast, lunch and dinner near the NFL Draft activations. The NFL draft and affiliated festivities have football fanatics from across the country flooding downtown Detroit. Yasen told The Arab American News that his experience as a Qahwah House employee has equipped him with both the passion and skills for working in the coffee industry.

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It is said that coffee originated from Yemen’s Port of Mokha in the 14th century, and for nearly 200 years after that, Yemen remained the sole distributor of coffee. In the outskirts of Detroit in Dearborn, Mich., you will find the world’s finest Yemeni coffee. Here, you’ll also meet Ibrahim Alhasbani—the founder, owner, roaster, and barista behind Qahwah House, which means “coffee” in Arabic.

Here is where you’ll find some of the best Iraqi, Lebanese, Yemeni and Syrian staples in the country, like crisp falafel, creamy hummus, tender shawarma, syrupy knafeh and Turkish coffee. With one of the country’s largest Muslim populations, there's also an increasing number of restaurants serving halal meats, including chain eateries and fast food spots. This focus on social connection is present in every detail of the Qahwah House experience, but while the traditions of Yemeni coffee culture might be their guiding principle, they’re also not afraid to try new things. Take, for example, their Yemeni Iced Latte, which might just be the best iced latte I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot).

As its name implies, Greektown’s culinary identity is largely shaped by early Greek settlers. Here, you’ll find saganaki, or flaming cheese, on just about any menu as well as Greek salads, gyros and baklava. Over the years, Greektown has introduced a range of cuisines, from barbecue joints to Detroit-favorite pizza shops, and has developed a bustling nightlife scene. If you’re looking for a lively dinner or a walkable bar crawl just outside of downtown Detroit, Greektown is likely your best bet. Yasen made a point to mention the rich history of coffee within Yemen, sharing that it was the first country to produce and export coffee across the globe. DEARBORN—A cup of Joe is readily available at almost every intersection in the metropolitan area, especially Dearborn, where coffee shops, diners, hookah bars and gas stations all boast a bold and strong coffee.