Greenville, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Idriss Saleh has opened QahWah, an Arabic coffee house in downtown Greenville, specializing in traditional and modern Middle Eastern drinks. The 4,750 square foot venue offers a unique menu featuring Qishr, Mufawwar, and Adeni chai, as well as modern favorites like pistachio lattes. QahWah aims to educate guests about coffee’s rich heritage while providing a welcoming space for a diverse community.
Greenville Welcomes New Arabic Coffee House QahWah
Idriss Saleh has opened QahWah, an Arabic coffee house, in downtown Greenville on October 3, 2025. Located at 105 N. Main St., QahWah specializes in traditional and modern Middle Eastern coffee and tea beverages, marking a significant addition to the local cafe scene.
The name “QahWah” translates to “coffee” in Arabic, and the establishment spans 4,750 square feet across two floors, providing ample space for coffee enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Saleh developed a passion for coffee during his college years, which led him to explore coffee shops across the U.S. This journey sparked the desire to create a unique coffee experience that honors his Yemeni heritage.
A Special Menu Featuring Middle Eastern Favorites
Before opening QahWah, Saleh dedicated a year to perfecting the coffee house’s menu through extensive online research, taste tastings, and attending coffee school in Charlotte. The menu includes traditional drinks such as:
- Qishr (coffee husk tea)
- Mufawwar (spiced coffee)
- Turkish coffee
- Adeni chai, a customer favorite that combines Indian influences with local Yemeni flavors
For modern coffee drinkers, QahWah offers an array of specialty drinks, including:
- Pistachio lattes
- Matcha lattes
- Specialty drinks
A distinctive feature of the coffee house is Saleh’s commitment to educating guests about the rich history of coffee, particularly the term “mocha,” which originates from a city in Yemen.
Delicious Pastries and Unique Interior Design
QahWah also serves pastries sourced from a Colombian baker, featuring a popular item known as the Dubai brownie. The interior design of the coffee house reflects elegance with its marble, gold, and green tones, providing a visually appealing space designed for guests who enjoy photography. The furniture has been imported from Dubai and China, featuring Moroccan-style seating and marble-inspired decor from Indonesia.
A Diverse Customer Base and Community Focus
Since its opening, QahWah has attracted families and a diverse customer base comprising various cultures, including Americans, Russians, Ukrainians, Middle Eastern, and South Asians. Saleh envisions QahWah not merely as a business endeavor but as a tribute to his native country. His goal is to educate others about his culture while fostering connections within the community, making QahWah a significant place in the heart of downtown Greenville.
FAQ
What is QahWah?
QahWah is an Arabic coffee house located in downtown Greenville, focusing on Middle Eastern coffee and tea beverages.
Where is QahWah located?
QahWah is located at 105 N. Main St., Greenville.
When did QahWah open?
QahWah opened on October 3, 2025.
What types of beverages does QahWah serve?
QahWah serves traditional drinks like Qishr, Mufawwar, Turkish coffee, and Adeni chai, along with modern drinks like pistachio lattes and specialty drinks.
What pastries are available at QahWah?
The coffee house offers pastries from a Colombian baker, including the popular Dubai brownie.
What is the significance of the name QahWah?
The name “QahWah” means “coffee” in Arabic.
What inspired Idriss Saleh to open QahWah?
Saleh’s passion for coffee developed while he was in college, inspiring him to create a unique coffee experience that celebrates his Yemeni heritage.
Key Features of QahWah
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | QahWah |
| Location | 105 N. Main St., Greenville |
| Opening Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Size | 4,750 square feet |
| Menu Highlights | Qishr, Mufawwar, Turkish coffee, Adeni chai, pistachio lattes |
| Pastries | Dubai brownie from a Colombian baker |
| Interior Design | Marble, gold, green tones, imported furniture |
| Customer Base | Diverse, includes various cultures |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Charleston Business: 2025 Palmetto Proud Honorees
- Wikipedia: Coffee
- Columbia Business Report: Courtyard Marriott Hotel
- Google Search: Coffee Culture
- Upstate Business Journal: Order of the Palmetto
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Yemeni Cuisine
- MILB: Order of the Palmetto Award
- Google News: Greenville Community Business
- GSABusiness: Grants for Nonprofits
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
