Keahi Harper (CC ‘28) and Manaia Taula-Lieras (CC ‘28) take a tasty trip to one of the sweetest coffee spots in Morningside Heights.

Yesterday, we went on a short adventure to review a place that holds a dear spot in our hearts: Qahwah House. This little Yemeni coffee spot is nestled between W 111th and W 112th Streets on Broadway, just a couple of blocks down from campus. Since this coffee house has only been in this spot for a little over a year, it was, to us, a vital one to review for 2Girls1Snack. We walked in and were greeted with the familiar aroma of herbs, chocolate, and spices, along with the warm lighting and cozy interior that Qahwah House always offers. We waited in line and took in all that was around us, from the map of Qahwah House’s history (which details their production process and origin story, showcasing Yemen as well as Qahwah House’s first spot in the U.S. in Michigan) to the crowds of people filling up the coffee house studying. Once it was our turn, we decided to order a Yemeni iced latte and a slice of pistachio chocolate cake.

We were quickly given our order and immediately went into the coffee. This coffee is one that we both deeply adore. It is perfectly fitting for the fall time of year, with its sweet and earthy flavors accompanied by spices that add to the rich flavor of the coffee. Its taste is of sweet coffee beans mixed and juxtaposed well with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and a touch of ginger. To us, it has the perfect balance of coffee flavor, sweetness, and a unique experience that only Qahwah has succeeded in creating. The ice lasts long enough not to water down the flavors; however, I suppose that depends on whether you are a chugger or a slow sipper. The spices line the wall of the cup so they do not get lost when the liquids are mixed. All around, this is a drink we believe can be drunk in the morning before classes, later at night to push yourself to study a couple of hours longer, or at an awkward afternoon time: it encapsulates many different flavors that can be adored at any point in the day, as well as spices that will keep us coming back. 

As unforgettable as Qahwah’s drinks are, their variety of sweet and savory treats deserves equal praise. The pistachio chocolate cake immediately piqued our curiosity due to its gorgeous, minimalist appearance. Its entirely chocolate exterior held an impressive hemisphere shape, adorned on top with edible gold. Part of the appeal of this cake over the others was the sense of mystery it evoked. Was there cake under this chocolatey half-orb? Where and when would the pistachio come into play? It was all so intriguing that when the cake was placed in front of us, we could hardly wait to dig our spoons in. To our most pleasant surprise, the pistachio was the foundation of the cake! The nutty sweetness of the pistachio could not have blended better with the hard chocolate, and we even remarked on how brilliant it was for them to use dark chocolate rather than milk. The originality in the cake’s texture was just as notable as its flavor, since the pistachio interior was not just cream but mixed with what seemed to be kataifi—a very fine, shredded type of pastry that creates a crunchy consistency. Beneath the pistachio and chocolate layers, we reached a layer of rich chocolate cake that tied all the flavors together seamlessly.

Time and time again, Qahwah House delivers its thoughtful innovation combined with an irreplaceable tranquility. It’s as though their coffee and food cannot help but mirror the energy of their space and all those who fill it. We found warmth in both the visible steam rising off freshly baked bread and the flavors that melted onto our tongues and wrapped us in an embrace. We found fun, both in the surprising incorporation of flavors and among the employees who love to joke and make us smile. And if this were not enough, what makes Qahwah all the more special to us is that it arrived in Morningside Heights not long before we did! In a way, the summer of 2024 was the start of both of our journeys. Finding this soulful place back then, in the midst of the fast-paced environment we moved into, was so refreshing. Needless to say, they have certainly left a lasting impression. Qahwah has grown alongside us, and we could not express how lucky we are to have them.

Qahwah House via Authors