Podcast: Bay Curious (LS 57 · TOP 0.5% what is this?)
Episode: The Yemeni Cafe Boom
Pub date: 2026-06-25

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The first Yemeni cafe opened in the Bay Area in 2022, and since then nearly 20 have opened their doors around the region. Inside you'll find coffee drinks built around flavors like cardamom and cinnamon, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Many have become late-night hangouts, and for singles, a place to see and be seen. KQED's Maha Sanad walks us through the history of Yemeni migration to the U.S., and how it's lead to the boom in Yemeni coffee shops we're seeing today.

Additional Resources:

The Yemeni Coffee Boom: How a Niche Trend Became a Bay Area Cultural Phenomenon
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This story was reported by Maha Sanad. Bay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Christopher Beale and Olivia Allen-Price. Additional support from Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Ethan Toven-Lindsey and everyone on Team KQED.

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