Bringing Yemen’s Coffee and Little-Known Culture to the Upper West Side - West Side Rag

The West Side Rag covers Basheer Shahbain, the owner of the newly opened Moka & Co. coffee shop on Broadway, who aims to share a richer understanding of his homeland, Yemen, through his business. Known for its war-torn reputation today, Yemen has a deep cultural and historical heritage, including its significant role in coffee's history. Shahbain discusses how he chose the Upper West Side location due to its historical connection to Yemeni Jewish immigrants who once settled in the neighborhood. He emphasizes the peaceful coexistence of Jews and Arabs in Yemen as an important part of history, highlighting the complexity and shared heritage of the region.

Shahbain was born in Yemen and as a child, immigrated with his family to the U.S. in 1989. A nurse practitioner by training, he said he’d always been business-minded and dreamed of elevating Yemeni coffee in global cities like Detroit and New York.

Moka & Co., named after the Yemeni port city of Mocha, offers traditional Yemeni drinks like Adeni chai and Turkish coffee, alongside popular drinks such as matcha lattes. The café also serves fusion desserts, including Yemeni specialties like sabaya. Sourcing coffee beans directly from Yemen is a challenging process due to ongoing conflict, contributing to the higher prices of their menu items. Despite these hurdles, the shop has been well-received, with patrons praising the unique drinks made with Yemeni beans and regional spices like cardamom and saffron. Shahbain’s passion for showcasing Yemen’s coffee culture and history underscores his vision for Moka & Co. as more than just a café, but as a bridge to understanding.