I didn’t think a new coffee shop would be bursting with families at 8:30 p.m. on a Saturday. I wasn’t ready for Haraz Coffee House. Weeks after opening, word has gotten out — I had to fight for a table at the spacious new business.
Why is Haraz so popular? It’s one of just a few Yemeni coffee shops in our region. Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. in Vienna was the first brick-and-mortar example of the trend, which is blooming faster than tea steeps in hot water. And even those unfamiliar with Yemeni coffee specifically might have tried Middle Eastern–style drinks at Shotted Specialty Coffee, with its two locations in Tysons and one in Sterling.
Haraz opened its first location in Dearborn, Michigan, and four years later boasts more than 20. Although I’m not a coffee drinker in my civilian life, I had to try it. The pistachio latte proved that local fans have great taste. The double shot of espresso is sweetened and calmed with a sauce that’s made with real pistachios for a nutty flavor that suffuses every sip. Indeed, it’s the handcrafted love that makes the drinks stand out — no simpering syrups here.
I was even more impressed with the Saffron Adeni. Though not as pretty as the latte, the black-tea drink was similar to (but far more nuanced than) my favorite chai lattes. Haraz’s own spice mix is in number of drinks, including the Haraz Latte, but I would easily return for the creamy, festive-tasting cup of tea with just a touch of saffron flavor.
Next time, I’ll choose a different dessert. There are plenty from which to select, but I found the rose milk cake that I tried to be underwhelming. It was both too dense and too sweet. It’s also likely best to head to Haraz at a quieter time. I waited more than 30 minutes for my Saffron Adeni, until my husband reminded the counter staff to make it.
But for fans of our local coffee culture and its international roots, Haraz is a new entry very much worth a try. 11015 Lee Hwy., Fairfax
Feature image by Alice Levitt
