Interest in Unique Coffee Cultures and Late-Night Social Spaces Spurs Rapid Expansion of Yemeni Coffee Houses Across U.S. – CoffeeTalk

Hundreds of years after Yemen played a pivotal role in the global introduction of coffee, the country now exports its rich coffee culture to the U.S., characterized by a surge in Yemeni coffeehouses. The number of cafes offering Yemeni-style drinks increased by 50% last year, reaching 136, not counting many smaller entities serving Yemeni imports. The appeal of these coffeehouses lies in their late hours, especially during Ramadan, making them social hubs for the 54% of Americans who drink alcohol, marking a historical low.

The rise of the Arab American population, which grew by 43% from 2010 to 2024, contributes to the popularity of these establishments, primarily located in states with significant Arab communities, including Michigan, California, and Texas. However, their reach extends to diverse locations such as Georgia and Maine.

Faris Almatrahi, co-owner of Texas-based Arwa Yemeni Coffee, has designed his cafes to evoke the atmosphere of Yemen, which many Yemeni Americans, including himself, cannot visit due to ongoing conflict. With decor reminiscent of Yemen’s landscapes and cultural symbols, Almatrahi aims to transport customers to his homeland. Interestingly, most patrons are not of Arab descent; instead, they are part of a trend seeking global flavors and authentic experiences, bolstered by social media.

Yemeni cafes offer a variety of unique beverages and foods, such as Adeni tea, qishr, and lattes infused with spices, alongside traditional U.S. coffee options. Peter Giuliano from the Specialty Coffee Association highlights that culturally specific cafes have driven growth in the U.S. coffee sector, alongside Latin and Vietnamese chains.

One customer described Yemeni coffee as refined and flavorful, enhanced by sun-drying techniques that accentuate chocolate and fruit notes. The intricate preparation of these beverages, which often includes special spice blends known as hawaij, underscores the artisanal approach in Yemeni coffeehouses.

Historically, Yemen has cultivated coffee since the 1400s and held a monopoly on its trade for about 200 years. Recent revitalization efforts in Yemen’s coffee industry, led by youth and businesses, have paved the way for the current U.S. coffee boom. Almatrahi emphasizes the importance of showcasing Yemeni culture and hospitality through these cafes, viewing them as ambassadors of their heritage amidst the challenges faced by their homeland.

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