New Bolingbrook Business Aims To Share Yemeni Culture, Create Connection

BOLINGBROOK, IL —A new Bolingbrook business has brought a welcoming, rich cultural experience to town with the opening of Arwa Yemeni Coffee.

The locally-owned Yemeni coffee shop offers a unique experience, providing a space for people to gather not just to enjoy tea or coffee, but for connection, conversation and culture, owner Rabia Muqeet told Patch.

"Arwa Yemeni Coffee is more than a café. It’s a space where people can enjoy the flavors of Yemen while also experiencing the warmth and hospitality that comes with it," Muqeet said.

The name, Arwa, is named after Queen Arwa, who was a historic Yemeni leader. The shop is located at 704 E. Boughton Road, in Bolingbrook. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Muqeet said the business is open late to accommodate those "looking for a cozy, community-forward space."

If you've never tried Yemeni coffee, Muqeet said it is "very special."

"Yemen is actually where the coffee trade started, and farmers there still grow coffee on small mountain terraces the way they’ve done for hundreds of years," Muqeet said. The beans are dried naturally in the sun, which gives a unique flavor, she added.

"What makes it meaningful to me is that coffee in Yemen isn’t just a drink. It’s part of daily life, family gatherings, and hospitality. So when we serve it here, we feel like we’re sharing a piece of that tradition," Muqeet said.

The shop offers coffees, teas and some Yemen-inspired treats. The cafe's signature drink is the Yemeni latte, made with a spice blend, cardamom and honey, Muqeet said.

The Sand Dune Latte is another favorite, with a rich caramel flavor layered with spices.

"...It’s comforting and unique, and people fall in love with it once they try it," Muqeet said.

Other top choices include the Adeni Tea and on the sweet treat side of things, the Rose Cardamom Milk Cake is a favorite.

The tea is a strong black tea simmered with milk and spices, Muqeet said.

"For a lot of people, it becomes their go-to drink once they’ve had it."

When choosing a location, picking Bolingbrook was an easy choice as it is where Muqeet grew up.

"It’s such a diverse and welcoming place, and people here are open to trying new things," she said. "We wanted to give back to the community by creating a café that’s more than just a place to grab coffee. Our vision was to build a space where people can gather, connect, and experience Yemeni culture."