Arwa Yemeni Coffee was first established to share the Yemeni culture with others. As the company is primarily run by females, its name pays homage to Queen Arwa, a prominent female figure in Yemeni history. She was the first to hold both religious and political authority as the first Hujjah, or ruler, in the Muslim world.
First, we got the Yemeni iced latte, which is one of their signature drinks. It is made with Yemeni coffee, milk and a blend of spices, like cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. We thought this drink was delicious, with a nutty flavor and a strong hint of cinnamon. We also tasted a very faint lavender flavor, even though it is not listed among the ingredients. It feels like drinking a dessert, sweet but still rich with coffee and spice flavors. The spices were toned down just enough by the milk so that it wasn’t overpowering. We rate it an A- overall and would definitely get it again for a nice pick-me-up after class.
We also ordered the chocolate cheesecake, which was one of the best cheesecakes we had in a while. We’re definitely cheesecake fans, and although we have had my share of decent ones, none can compare to this.
We also love chocolate, so it combined two of our favorite things. It was creamy and the crust did not immediately crumble when we took a bite. It was rich, with chocolate that was sweet but not so much that it overshadowed the other flavors of the cheesecake. There was a perfect balance between the richness of the chocolate and the slight tang of the cream cheese. Overall, I would give this an A or an A+, as it was close to perfect.
Akkawi cheese bread is a traditional Middle Eastern dish. This item is a flat bread topped with Akkawi cheese. Although quite simple, the dish was incredibly delicious and filling. The bread was very soft and warm, and reminded us quite a bit of naan. The cheese had a very nice, creamy and smooth flavor that complimented the bread well, and did not have any bad after taste. We rated it an A-.
The sand dune latte at Arwa is one of its signature drinks. It features honey, cardamom, vanilla and caramel, with an espresso and milk base. It is also topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. This drink is a good choice if you are looking for something sweet and flavorful. The cardamom was not overpowering, and it just left a nice aftertaste. The vanilla and caramel carry the initial sweet flavor before the spice comes in, but all altogether it creates a great smooth flavor. This is definitely a must-try item. We rated it an A+.
The dragon’s blood refresher has a bubbly water base with flavors of berry, mint and lime. The name is a nod to a Yemeni native tree that produces a red sap that is traditionally used in medicines but is not an ingredient in the cafe’s drink. The head of the flavor is tart from the berries, but then is quickly taken over by sweetness, and it leaves with a minty herbal aftertaste. This drink was rather unexpected with its sweet and herbal taste, making for a unique take on modern cafes’ refreshers. I (Jilian) rated this item an A.
Located at 888 South Greenville Ave., near Greenville Avenue and Spring Valley Road, this coffee shop is convenient to students at Richland. The customer service is excellent, with employees being patient and helpful in helping us decide what to order. The environment was a standout in our view.
The lighting makes for a cozy feeling, and the decorations are very visually appealing. There are lots of seats available for conversation and studying. These areas are separated. So, if you need a quiet place to work, you can have that without interrupting people’s conversations.
Jillian and Sofia’s Grade: A+
