Qahwah & Chapati Yemeni Coffee

Yemeni restaurants and coffee shops have been growing in number over the last five years, both nationally and in Orange County. If you want an overwhelming Yemeni meal, the easiest choice is House of Mandi in Anaheim, and if you want coffee and desserts, Qamaria Coffee in Fullerton is on top. Qahwah & Chapati is House of Mandi’s effort to offer an alternative to Qamaria and rapidly expanding national chain Qahwah House, which in all likelihood will make its way here soon enough. Separately decorated and branded, Qahwah & Chapati is immediately next to House of Mandi, with its own hours and menu.

As its name (written Qawوah & Chaبati) is Yemeni for “coffee and flatbread,” it’s no surprise that those are its key offerings: you can order strong Yemeni coffee and tea with or without milk – each served in a nice mug, without barista flourishes but with barista-length prep times, as they come out piping hot and fresh. The restaurant also serves pastries and honey chapati bread. including fascinatingly flaky cakes and nice croissants. Saffron milk cake – one of our favorites from Qamaria – has been advertised by this place, but wasn’t available on our visit.