Downtown Cleveland’s Public Square has welcomed a unique addition to its late-night scene with the arrival of Ebreeq Coffee House, a café that brings the rich flavors and traditions of Yemeni coffee culture to the city.
From the first step through its doors, visitors are met with the enticing aroma of cardamom and spices—a sensory invitation into a space that blends heritage, community, and craft. Co-founded by Dia al-Baadani, the coffee house is more than just a place to grab a cup—it’s a cultural experience rooted in centuries-old practices.
Honoring a Coffee Legacy
Ebreeq’s menu features traditional Yemeni beverages like mufawar, a smooth coffee infused with cream and cardamom, and qishr, made from coffee husks brewed with ginger and cinnamon. These specialty drinks are complemented by a curated selection of ornate pastries, offering a taste of Yemen’s rich culinary traditions.
Al-Baadani, "İnsanlara Yemen misafirperverliğini yansıtan bir ortamda mükemmel kahvenin tadını çıkarabilecekleri bir yer sunmak istedik - geç saatlere kadar açık, misafirperver ve karakter dolu" dedi.
The café sources its beans from Yemen’s Haraz region, known for its high-altitude terrain and ideal climate for coffee cultivation. Farmers in this area follow traditional, chemical-free growing practices. Cherries are handpicked only when ripe, sun-dried, and ground using age-old methods that preserve the beans’ distinct flavor.
Navigating Challenges from Afar
Despite Yemen’s ongoing political instability, Ebreeq continues to maintain its supply chain through trusted farming families. With limited access to export routes—primarily through the port of Aden—the business has had to adapt. “What used to take a month now takes three,” noted al-Baadani, referencing delays caused by port closures and trade restrictions.
While the well-known port city of Mokha—the namesake of the global mocha drink—remains in a conflict-prone zone, the Haraz region has so far been able to maintain production with minimal disruption, aside from logistical delays.
Gece Geç Saatlerde Kahve Kültürü
Ebreeq’s extended evening hours have quickly made it a go-to destination for late-night visitors in downtown Cleveland. Currently open until 10 p.m., the café plans to stay open until midnight in the coming weeks.
"Bu bizim Orta Doğu'da birlikte büyüdüğümüz bir şey; gece geç saatlerde kahve içmek, konuşmak, rahatlamak. Biz de buraya bunu getiriyoruz," diyor al-Baadani.
Hafta sonu geceleri özellikle hareketli geçiyor, yaya trafiği artıyor ve geri dönen müşterilerin sayısı giderek artıyor. "İnsanlar kahveyi denedikten ve atmosferi hissettikten sonra geri geliyorlar. Bir ziyaretin birçok ziyarete dönüşmesini hedefliyoruz," diye ekledi.
Derin kültürel kökleri, el yapımı lezzetleri ve topluma olan bağlılığıyla Ebreeq Coffee House, Cleveland'ın kahve sahnesini her seferinde bir fincan olmak üzere sessizce dönüştürüyor.
The post Looking for a Midnight Blend? Yemeni-Inspired Ebreeq Coffee House Adds New Flavor to Cleveland Nights appeared first on Qahwa World.
