Possibly my favorite discovery in Astoria so far.
I’m a big pistachio latte fan—so much so that I usually make one at home every morning and reserve café versions for weekend treats. Today, after a spontaneous Target run, I stumbled upon this hidden gem just a few steps away, and I’m so glad I did.
From the outside, it’s pretty unassuming, but stepping in felt like being transported somewhere—bright, spacious, cozy, and with such a welcoming vibe. Saed, who greeted me with warmth, shared that their pistachio latte is the best-seller. Naturally, I was intrigued. When I asked about the ingredients and calories, he kindly offered to make it less sweet. I truly appreciated the gesture.
Initially, I wasn’t planning to stay—I was set on a quick to go cup. But when Saed offered to serve it in a beautiful mug with latte art, I figured, why not? It was a hot day, the space was cool and relaxing, and I wasn’t in a rush.
When my drink was ready, it looked just as lovely as it tasted—familiar, comforting, and well-balanced. The latte art was a thoughtful touch, and the coconut hibiscus cake was a wonderful surprise. Delicious. But what made the biggest impression wasn’t just the coffee or the cake—it was the hospitality. Saed even encouraged feedback and said he’d be happy to tweak it if needed.
We’ve become so used to rushed, transactional service that a moment like this—a genuine, kind, and thoughtful customer experience—feels rare and incredibly refreshing. I’m a loyal Starbucks person (and yes, there’s one right across the street), but I think I just found my new favorite spot.
Kudos to Saed and the team for a standout first impression. Please keep it up. I’ll definitely...
Read moreWe were celebrating wife #3 landing her first corporate job, and she wanted something “classy but still brown.” So I brought her to Qahwah House in Astoria — a place where the gahwa is strong, the pastries are photogenic, and my lies almost collapsed under warm lighting.
She looked stunning. I told her she reminded me of sabaya — layered, sweet, and capable of burning me if not handled properly.
We ordered the Adeni chai, the honeycomb bread, and sat near the corner like a retired halal couple. She was telling me about her benefits package when wife #2’s sister walked in — and paused.
She didn’t say anything, but she saw me. I saw her. Wife #3 saw me seeing her.
“Do you know her?” she asked. “I think that’s the barista from the Manhattan location,” I blurted, panic-sipping my tea like it was ayatul kursi.
And then the waiter — bless him — steps in calmly and says: “Brother, I brought your loyalty card from your last visit. You’ve almost earned your free pot.”
Then he turns to wife #2’s sister and says, “Ma’am, your table’s ready in the back. We’ll bring your usual.”
She gave me the look. He gave her a respectful nod. Wife #3 said, “Wow, they know you here?” I said, “Yeah… I’m a regular in repentance.”
Crisis averted. Chai stayed hot. I left a tip the size of my sins.
Would 100% return. The service is immaculate. The pastries are fluffy. And the waiters have my back at this...
Read moreI've been to Qahwah House multiple times, and it truly lives up to the hype. One of the things I love most is how they showcase their culture through their décor, highlighting the rich history and geography of coffee. It's a beautiful experience that feels thoughtful and authentic.
Their coffee is fantastic—I’ve tried the pistachio latte and the Yemeni spice latte, both of which offer the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. While some of their desserts lean a bit on the sweeter side for me, they still taste homemade and fresh, and there’s enough variety to satisfy everyone.
One thing to keep in mind is that depending on what time you go, it can be really packed, with long wait times, long lines, and sometimes no seating available. But despite how busy it gets, I’ve noticed the staff are always attentive, keeping the service quick and friendly.
A standout item is their tomato olive pastry—definitely an underrated gem! It’s delicious and adds a nice savory touch to their menu. Overall, Qahwa House delivers an exceptional, culturally rich experience with flavors that feel both comforting and unique....
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