There’s something quietly revolutionary about a coffee cart that turns every sip into a story. Sajah Abdelghani’s Coffiyeh isn’t just about beans and steam—it’s a mobile museum of Palestinian heritage, served in a kuffiyeh-inspired name and crafted with rose, cardamom, and pistachio. Launched in November 2024 in northern New Jersey, this venture isn’t just about coffee; it’s about reclaiming narrative in a world that often overlooks Palestinian voices. Sajah, who grew up steeped in Middle Eastern flavors, says her coffee is a “sensory and cultural experience”—a phrase that feels both poetic and precise.
The roots of Coffiyeh are as personal as they are political. Sajah’s journey began with a love for coffee that outgrew her kitchen. “It helped me survive school, long work days, everything,” she says. But it was her marriage to Sameh in 2025 that crystallized her vision: a shared passion to turn coffee into a bridge between heritage and modern life. Their mobile cart, which travels the Tri-State area for events and festivals, is a deliberate choice. “I wanted to bring coffee to people instead of waiting for them to come to me,” she explains. The result? A business that thrives on connection, not just transactions.
Coffiyeh’s menu is a love letter to Sajah’s roots. The Turmusawi, a rose and cardamom latte, nods to her village; the Debwani, a pistachio-infused mocha, honors Sameh’s hometown. These drinks aren’t just recipes—they’re heirlooms in liquid form. “We tweak things constantly because we want each drink to feel intentional,” Sajah says. The process is meditative, often done in the quiet hours, where the chaos of daily life fades and creativity takes hold. It’s this attention to detail that turns coffee into something more: a vessel for memory, pride, and resilience.
Coffiyeh’s success lies in its duality. It’s a mobile shop, yes, but also a cultural ambassador. The blend of traditional patterns and modern design reflects Sajah’s belief that heritage isn’t static—it’s a living, evolving story. “Culture evolves but stays rooted,” she says. For customers, the takeaway is clear: every cup is a chance to feel seen, to taste history, and to participate in a narrative that’s been waiting to be shared.
What story will your next cup tell?
Questions & Answers
How does coffee help share Palestinian stories?
Coffee connects people, creating spaces for dialogue. It allows Sajah to share Palestinian narratives in a relatable, everyday context.
What inspired Sajah to use coffee for storytelling?
Sajah saw coffee as a universal medium. It brings people together, making it an ideal platform to share Palestinian experiences and foster understanding.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
