Beyond the Latte: Yemeni coffee bringing the community and rich flavors together

By Kaitlin Martinez & Amanda Simmons

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The popular bee bread served at Yemerica coffee.

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West Hartford, Nov 17, 2025

Picture this. It’s cold outside. Sitting by the large window at Yemerica coffee, you take the first bite of the soft, fluffy, cream-cheese-filled, gooey dough-ball. Honey-drizzled, bee bread is a popular pull-apart bread, which literally translates to "bee's honeycomb" in Arabic due to its appearance. Paired with their spiced Yemeni coffee, this sweet bread is a buttery delight that melts in your mouth.  

Image courtesy: Yemerica coffee

Owners Adel Suraimi and Mohammed Al-Suraimi wanted to bring something different to West Hartford, more than just your “average latte.” Yemerica Coffee is the latest addition to West Hartford’s multi-cultural awakening, which blends their dark-roast with the vibrant Yemeni culture, rich history, and deep hospitality. 

Suraimi said, “I want to be able to mix cultures and have something unique.” Since the opening of their coffee shop they have been able to create a unique ambiance and introduce people to a cultural experience filled with the aromas of authentic Yemenis coffee and freshly baked bee bread.   

Yemeni coffee is known for its unique flavor profile. Upholding Yemen’s historical legacy as one of the birthplaces of coffee cultivation, the coffee beans tend to be chocolatey, fruity, with a mix of spices. It holds a special place in the world because it is the first coffee to be sought after commercially, bringing it to the world stage. It is seen as the “finest” and held in high regard. 

Customers are making the 30- 40-minute drive not just for any cafe; they’re making the trip for Yemerica’s sweet and savory pastries. Most notably, their Bee Bites Bread has quickly emerged as a crowd favorite. The dessert has gained favor with regulars and continues to attract newcomers, solidifying its position as one of the cafe’s bestsellers, with customers often calling it “dangerously good."

Emma, a regular customer at Yemerica shares, “Growing up in West Hartford, there wasn’t a big community to be a part of. Yemerica's opening here has helped me connect to my roots and with people who’ve had similar experiences.”  As the first of its kind coffee shop in Connecticut with Yemeni heritage, they are already leaving a noticeable impact on the community. A couple of months ago, they had a joint event with a beauty bar where henna artists created magical henna designs on people's hands. Henna is a very important form of temporary body art in the Middle Eastern community, often used in traditional ways, as well as to celebrate engagements, marriages and celebratory occasions.  

The aromatic spiced coffee that Yemerica's customers rave about

At Yemerica, their specialty is the Yemeni latte, which is infused with house-spices sourced in Yemen. It is a year-round twist on the pumpkin spice, a very aromatic and cinnamon-like latte. 

Jen, another loyal customer, adds, “It can be overwhelming at first because there is so much. Once you talk to the employees, they are so inviting and welcoming.” It is not only a place for regulars to grab a cuppa but to feel seen and establish new friendships.  

Traditionally, coffee culture in Yemen is deeply centered around community and hospitality. The ritualistic act of sharing coffee with your friends and family is a way to connect, build relationships, and show respect, with gatherings often happening in homes and coffee houses.

This warmth and connection aren’t just felt by the customers; the owners feel it too. One of them shares, “It’s been very welcoming. Awesome, best decision I ever made.”  Their enthusiasm is reflected in the atmosphere that surrounds the café, filled with cultural touches and friendly faces. It allows one to feel a strong sense of kinship, even when you don’t share similar cultural roots. 

They even keep their doors open late so more people can stop by and feel the welcoming atmosphere. “Being open late also helps us,” Suraimi explained. “It’s common in our culture to grab coffee and treats later in the evening, so we wanted to include that here.”  With multiple universities and schools nearby, it is a major haunt for students and night owls. 

And they’re not stopping in West Hartford; they're already hoping to grow to other spots across Connecticut and even outside the state! 

*This is not a sponsored post. The original reporting for this news story was done by student-reporters at the Reporting Hartford.