Chicago’s Western Suburbs | Glendale Heights Yemeni Coffee

Over the past two years, Yemeni/Arab coffee shops have been popping up all over the US like mushrooms after rain—so when I spotted Shibam Coffee in Glendale Heights (a western suburb of Chicago) with a glowing 4.8-star Google rating, I immediately added it to my “must-try” list! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint 🤩. Stepping inside felt like a little trip to the Middle East—such a warm, immersive vibe! Most of the staff and customers were wearing traditional robes (thobes for men, abayas for women), which made the whole experience feel extra authentic. The shop even has a small prayer room—while I was waiting in line, I saw a customer quietly head inside to pray. If that’s not a sign of “genuine Middle Eastern charm,” I don’t know what is! 🕌 What We Tried (Total Hits—With One Sweet Note!): ☕ Coffee Pistachio-Flavored Coffee: Creamy, nutty, and oozing with pistachio goodness—but fair warning: if you skip asking for less sugar, it’s super sweet (like, “sugar rush” sweet 😅). Perfect if you love bold, sweet flavors, but definitely tweak the sugar if you prefer something more balanced. Classic Yemeni Spiced Coffee (Less Sugar): THIS WAS THE MVP! Yemeni coffee is famous for its warm, aromatic spices (think cardamom with a hint of warmth), and this one nailed it. We asked for less sugar, which let those cozy spice notes shine—rich, smooth, and so satisfying. It’s nothing like your average latte; it’s a whole new coffee experience! 🍰 Desserts We went in expecting overly sweet Middle Eastern treats (no shade—just a common stereotype!), but were pleasantly shocked by how light and balanced they were. Total wins: Red Strawberry Mousse: Silky, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. It tasted like a fancy French patisserie dessert—no heavy, cloying sweetness, just bright, fruity joy. We polished this off in 2 minutes flat 😋. Mango Cake: Moist, tender, and packed with real mango flavor (no artificial syrups here!). The mango frosting was creamy but not greasy, and every bite felt like a tropical little escape. Pistachio Tiramisu: A genius twist on classic tiramisu! It had the iconic coffee-soaked ladyfingers, but added a crunchy pistachio layer and light mascarpone cream. The pistachio added a nutty kick that made it feel unique—indulgent, but never too much. Bonus Perks You’ll Love Outdoor Seating: Tons of tables outside—perfect for sipping coffee on a sunny Chicago afternoon 🌞. Late Hours: Stays open until 1 AM! Great for late-night study sessions, post-dinner treats, or casual hangs with friends. If you’re in Chicago’s western suburbs and want to dip your toes into authentic Yemeni coffee (and delicious, not-too-sweet desserts), Shibam Coffee is a total hidden gem. It’s not just a coffee shop—it’s a little slice of Middle Eastern culture, right in Glendale Heights. Go grab a cup (and a mousse)—you won’t regret it! #MiddleEast #Arab #Yemen #YemeniCoffee #Coffee #ArabicDesserts #Chicago #ChicagoSuburbs