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Writer's pictureEcem Ayhan

The Best Yemeni Coffee Shops in Chicago

Chicago is a flourishing city known for its lively culture and diversified food scene. Among the myriad of coffee shops that line its streets, there is a secret gem waiting to be discovered: Yemeni coffee shops. Yemeni coffee houses are known for their rich history and distinct flavors, and they provide a one-of-a-kind experience for coffee lovers. In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of the top Yemeni coffee shops in Chicago, where you can enjoy the tastiest brews and experience Yemeni hospitality.



Yemeni coffee


1. Haraz Coffee House

Address: 13137 LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, IL 60462 Phone: (708) 608-8760


At Haraz, Yemeni heritage flavors every cup, echoing the birthplace of coffee. Nestled in Orland Park, they honor their roots in Haraz village, cultivating beans atop 3,000-foot peaks. Through pandemic challenges, they remain committed to sharing authentic Yemeni coffee, blending tradition with innovation. From refined roasts to classic Yemeni drinks, their cozy setting fosters rich conversations. Proudly supporting local businesses, they extend Haraz's spirit worldwide, ensuring each sip is a journey through Yemen's heart.





2. Qamaria Coffee Co.


Qamaria Coffee has many locations in the Chicago area. Hatem and Munif were Yemeni entrepreneurs with a passion for Yemeni coffee and a purpose to share it with the world. After eight years of dedicated work, they successfully established a supply chain for Yemeni coffee beans, which are presently supplied by Qamaria Coffee Co. This unique coffee is available from reputable roasters and coffee shops across the United States, making it accessible to connoisseurs worldwide. Beyond business, Hatem and Munif are dedicated to assisting Yemeni farmers and craftspeople, improving communities, and fostering long-term progress.





3. Qahwah House

Has two locations in Chicago suburbs. One in Skokie and another in Lombard. Established in 2017, they are a family business with a single mission: to provide the highest quality coffee devoid of preservatives, artificial additions, and flavors. Their roots go back to Yemen, where they grew up among coffee plantations. Drawing on years of family knowledge, their expertise is rooted in coffee's rich legacy and creativity. With each cup, they celebrate their ancestry and share their great love of coffee with the rest of the world.





4. Matari Coffee

Address: 111 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

Phone : (773) 322-7315


They take pleasure in providing an improved coffee experience, preparing each cup with meticulous care and attention to detail. One of the most contentious issues is the origins of coffee. Since the 17th century, the method of consuming coffee has remained virtually unchanged: cherries are plucked, roasted, and brewed. While they cannot speak for coffee from an early age, they let their Matari coffee speak for itself. Its rich flavor and texture are just as genuine as the first cup ever poured.





5. Kapej Coffee

Address: 1447 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60610

Phone : (312) 291-9022


Kapej Coffee takes pride in its demanding selection of green coffees, ensuring that each bean is of the finest quality and stands out in its class. Committed to supplying their clients with great gourmet green coffee beans, they work relentlessly to find the best options from both farmers and brokers. Beyond providing high-quality coffee, Kapej Coffee supports coffee producers that value excellence, sustainability, and fair labor standards. They are prepared to invest extra in certain coffees to assist producers who share these beliefs. Whether you're looking for premium green coffee beans or real Yemeni coffee, Kapej Coffee is a reliable source of quality and honesty.




How to find a Yemeni Coffee Shop Near You?


Exploring a neighboring Yemeni coffee shop is an exciting trip that offers cultural discovery and wonderful taste. Start your search online. Use search engines or smartphone applications designed to find specialized coffee shops, then filter your results to emphasize Yemeni cafés in your neighborhood. Engaging in online coffee communities or forums may also lead to important recommendations and firsthand experiences from other lovers. Beyond the internet environment, don't be afraid to explore your area, looking for subtle clues or recommendations from other people that will take you to a hidden gem. Embrace the excitement of discovery, and you'll soon find yourself drinking real Yemeni coffee, just around the block.


Yemeni coffee, also known as qahwa, has a particular place in the hearts of coffee experts because of its distinct flavor profile and cultural importance. Here are some important aspects concerning Yemeni coffee.


Historical Significance: Yemen is said to be one of the earliest locations where coffee growing began. The port city of Mocha (from whence the word "mocha" coffee comes) was a significant coffee trading hub in the 15th century, and Yemeni coffee beans were highly valued for their quality.


Cultivation: Yemeni coffee is cultivated at high altitudes in the country's mountainous areas. Coffee trees flourish in these particular microclimates, yielding beans with different tastes and fragrances.


Harvesting and Processing: Yemeni coffee is frequently farmed using traditional methods, with farmers carefully handpicking ripe coffee cherries. After harvesting, the beans are usually sun-dried, often on roofs or terraces, to maintain their natural flavor.


Flavor Profile: Yemeni coffee is distinguished by its diverse flavor profile, which can contain flavors of wine, chocolate, spice, and fruit. The distinctive flavor is ascribed to variables such as the region's terroir, altitude, and unique processing processes.


Preparation: Yemeni coffee is traditionally made using a process called "gahwa." The coffee beans are roasted, pounded into a fine powder, and brewed in a special kettle known as a "dallah." The resultant brew is robust and fragrant, and it is frequently offered with dates or sweets as a show of welcome.


Cultural Significance: Coffee is an important symbol in Yemeni culture, representing hospitality, friendliness, and social events. The "jol" coffee ceremony is an essential custom that draws people together to exchange tales and make friendships.


Ethical Considerations: In recent years, Yemeni coffee producers have encountered difficulties owing to political instability, violence, and environmental reasons. Efforts to assist Yemeni coffee growers and encourage sustainable growing techniques are critical to preserving this old heritage.


Coffee lovers, where do you prefer for Yemeni coffee?

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