It’s a Yemeni coffeehouse with over twenty locations in the USA. I have visited their Westbury, New York location several times.

Qahwah is the word for coffee in Arabic. I know, I know. You might be wondering why I am I reviewing a coffeehouse on a tea blog! It’s because they have several Yemeni tea offerings–and a surprisingly wide selection of other teas–that keep me coming back! There are other reasons as well.

Yemeni-Style Teas at Qahwah House

Every tea-lover’s review of Qahwah House must start with their delicious Yemeni-style teas.

On their menu, they have “Adeni Chai” and “Yemeni Tea.” Both have Yemeni black tea as their base. The Adeni Chai also includes cardamon, nutmeg, and milk.

The Yemeni Tea is made with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves–no milk. The spices and tea really shine in both drinks. To my great pleasure, you can get them unsweetened and then customize to your preference.

I would caution caffeine-sensitive people–both of these Yemeni-style teas are STRONG. If I had to guess, I’d say they use more tea leaves and steep it longer than I typically do. (It could also be the tea cultivar they use. I have to investigate that.) The teas are delicious, yet I can’t even drink a whole (rather generous) serving. Well, I could if I wanted to levitate home! But, I am more caffeine-sensitive than most tea drinkers. So, after I enjoy some tea in the cafe there, I get a to-go cup and bring the rest home. I chill it for the next day. It really packs (a very delicious) caffeine punch!

Qahwah House also serves Yemini (and other) desserts. I can’t eat most of them due to some unfortunate dietary restrictions, but they look delicious and others have given me very positive feedback on them!

The coffeehouse also carries seasonal tea drinks that aren’t of Yemeni origin. For example, in Summer 2025, they offered Iced Matcha, including different seasonal flavors like Iced Strawberry or Mango Matcha. I tried the Iced Strawberry Matcha and it was delicious!

Other Teas and Herbal Teas

My review of Qahwah House wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that they have a very respectable selection of other teas, especially for a coffeehouse! In fact, there’s a whole category of “organic teas” on the menu. English Breakfast, Matcha, Cloud and Mist (green tea…I assume this is Yun Wu), Moroccan Mint (contains green tea), Ginger tea, and others! I haven’t tried these yet, but I’m so tempted by other teas on the menu.

The Space and Ordering at Qahwah House

Maybe I’m used to tiny NYC tea- and coffeehouses. But, to my mind, Qahwah House in Westbury is so spacious! There are lots of tables. The ceilings are high. And, the decor is rich brown (giving those coffee vibes) with pops of greenery. The vibe is casual, comforting, and very pleasant.

You order at one counter. They give you a pager that buzzes when your order is ready, and then you pick it up your tea at another counter.

Before I wrote this review of Qahwah House, I visited three times. (I already have plans to return.) I am not 100% sure how they decide whether to serve you in teaware or a to-go cup, but my current theory is that if you order a cup, the default is served to-go (although you can enjoy it at the cafe).

If you order a pot of tea, however, I believe you automatically get a teapot and teaware. The first time, I ordered a pot of tea, so teaware came with it.

Another time, I ordered tea for one and was surprised it came in a to-go cup. When I have asked, they were very gracious about providing me teaware. I’ll try to clarify this issue on feature visits and update the post.

Address and Parking

Qahwah House website

Long Island Address: 541 Old Country Rd, Westbury, NY 11590

Although there is an entrance that faces Old Country Rd, you can also enter from the parking lot. The door is between the Qahwah House mural and the sign for the nearby laundromat.

Parking: There is free parking behind Qahwah House in Westbury. But, make sure to park in section for their business.

The post Review of Qahwah House on Long Island appeared first on Tea Infusiast.

Tea Bars or Coffeehouses with Good Tea

• BesTea Tea Bar by Hitch in Babylon (Suffolk County)
• Humble Cafe in Williston Park (Nassau County)
• Qahwah House in Westbury (Nassau County)

Indian Restaurant with Good Chai

I’ve reviewed this Indian restaurant on Long Island for their chai. They serve very good (and strong!) Kadak Chai and Saffron Elaichi (Cardamom) Chai. (I also really enjoy their food.)

• Varli in Williston Park (Nassau County)

Long Island Bubble Tea, Plus

Here’s a place where you can get chai or bubble tea! (This is on my @teainfusiast Facebook page, which I don’t keep up so much anymore. I’m most active on Instagram @teainfusiast.)

• Chai Shop inside BeneCare Pharmacy in New Hyde Park (Nassau County)

Here is a bubble tea place on Long Island that I recommend:

• Tea Magic in Williston Park (Nassau County)

Here is another bubble tea place that I really enjoyed, and share a video of the interior, but haven’t written up reviews yet!

• Möge Tee in New Hyde Park (Nassau County)

The post Tea on Long Island appeared first on Tea Infusiast.

Types of Chai at Varli

Let me start by saying all their chai is kadak, or strong, to me. Their tea is bold, thick, creamy and rich. It’s very satisfying and cozy. The chai includes a good quantity of black tea and milk boiled with spices. It packs a punch of flavor and caffeine.

Varli offers several different types of chai.

• Kadak Chai (strong tea)
• Pudina Chai (mint chai)
• Saffron Elaichi Chai (saffron and cardamom chai)

Flavors of the Tea

The Kadak Chai clearly has green cardamom (or elaichi) in it. That’s the predominant spice I tasted. I love green cardamom, so this chai delighted me.

The Pudina Chai was also boiled black tea with milk. And, it has mint, too. Straight mint herbal tea doesn’t often call to me. Usually, it’s too minty, for me. The black tea and milk with the mint at Varli, by contrast, was lovely. I could clearly discern the mint. But, the black tea and milk tone it down. I really enjoyed it that way. The presentation was also lovely, with a mint leaf resting on top to the chai. [Update September 2025: Varli slimmed down their menu. As I write, Pudina Chai is no longer on the menu.]

The Saffron Elaichi Chai was just what you would expect–with the saffron and the cardamom clearly coming through in each sip. They serve it with a few strands of saffron on top. I really enjoyed this tea, too, even though I have mixed feelings about saffron in general. If you already love saffron (and, of course, cardamom), you’ll love it!

How Varli Serves Their Chai

If you order chai as part of your meal dining in at Varli in Williston Park, it arrives steaming hot on a colorful tray in a painted clay cup without handles. A plate of Parle G cookies and packs of sugar are served beside it.

I deeply appreciate that Varli prepares their chai without sweetener and serves it with sugar packets on the side. It’s great that patrons can customize the sweetness to their preference.

If you order a chai to go, it comes in a to-go cup with a handful of Parle G biscuits in a separate container. Both are placed in a handheld, cardboard carrying container.

It brings to mind the metal carriers you might have seen holding glasses of chai from photos in India. Very cute.

Interior of Varli in Williston Park

The eating area inside Varli has lots of natural sunlight on one side due to the large exterior windows. The floor has patterned tiles.

One wall has photographs of Indian street scenes and an agrarian scene.

The wall opposite has a huge mural of a woman’s face over a table full of nostalgic Indian products of all types–food, spices, hair accessories, etc.

Varli decorates their tables with small vases of faux flowers (orange, yellow, or red). It’s a really pleasant space.

Varli Cares

Varli’s website includes a “We Care” tab. After clicking it, I was happy to learn that they support a wonderful cause.

Their website says:

Varli Indian Street kitchen has partnered with the Varli Foundation in helping to make a difference in the lives of children in need globally.

2% percentage of proceeds from the sales in the restaurant will go to the Varli Foundation.

Address and Parking in Williston Park

Address: 78 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596

Parking/LIRR: Free parking is available on Hillside near Varli but it can be hit or miss with availability. Luckily, there is additional parking (time-limited) behind some of the businesses across the street on Hillside Avenue and on the side streets. Make sure to read the signs as some parking near that area is reserved for cars with certain permits.

Varli Indian Street Kitchen in Williston Park is a short walk from the LIRR East Williston station (Oyster Bay line).

More Tea Options in Williston Park

Interested in other locations with good tea in Williston Park, New York?

For really good matcha lattes, hojicha lattes, or other tea that isn’t boba, check out my Review of Humble Cafe in Williston Park.

For really good boba tea (AKA bubble tea) and sweet treats, check out my Review of Tea Magic in Williston Park.

The post Varli in Williston Park: Chai Review appeared first on Tea Infusiast.

Teas and Presentation at BesTea

BestTea is a place to indulge in teas (hot or iced) with whimsical fruity, floral, and/or herbal flavor combinations! You can enjoy tea at the BesTea tea bar and/or buy the leaves to prepare at home. I ordered a “Sweet Cotton Candy” oolong blend iced tea, for example, and my daughter ordered “It Takes 2 to Mango” with a black tea base. The tea bar does have at least one unflavored tea (matcha), and a classic blend like 50 Shades of Earl (an Earl Gray). You can also order herbal teas without caffeine.

The iced teas we ordered at the tea bar at BesTea came in heart-shaped cups with pink heart-shaped beverage plugs. (I had to research what those things are called!). They also provided heart-shaped straws (not shown in the nearby photo). Edible flowers and a dried citrus slice floated on top of my daughter’s iced tea. So cute! And, I appreciate BesTea’s attention to details that make the experience even more special.

The Space & More at the Tea Bar

The BesTea tea bar a great place to chat with friends, vibe with the pink flamingo decorations, admire the huge pastel giraffe (see my video, below), and relax. You can also make candles in tea cups (check with them as reserving a spot may be necessary for that). Alternatively, stroll over to the connected Hitch store and shop for fun accessories, make your own jewelry, and more. My daughter enjoyed picking out charms and making earrings at Hitch after we finished our tea.

BesTea’s website indicates that they often host book clubs and other community events there.

You can see the whole vibrant and unique interior of BesTea in this video.

Bottom Line

The BesTea tea bar is a great place to have adventurous tea blends (hot or cold), enjoy the whimsical decor, and even make a candle. Then, you can pop next door for shopping, to make jewelry, and more.

Location: BesTea, 41 E. Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702

Parking: During our visit, we easily found metered parking very close to the tea bar. It’s possible there is unmetered parking not too far away, but I’m not familiar enough with this area to be sure.

Tip: If you are hungry before or after your visit to BesTea, my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our meal at nearby Glen’s Dinette, also on E. Main Street.

Interested in other Long Island recommendations that serve tea or bubble tea? Check out my posts on:

• Humble Cafe in Williston Park (Nassau County)
• Tea Magic in Williston Park (bubble tea in Nassau County)

The post Review of BesTea Tea Bar on Long Island appeared first on Tea Infusiast.

Inside Tea Magic in Williston Park

Tea Magic in Williston Park, New York is adorable! The interior features pops of green and pink with cartoon “tea fairies” painted on the walls.

Nooks provide inviting spaces to enjoy tea alone or with a friend. In the center of the seating area, a big wooden table is available for larger groups of people.

A selfie stand with a ring light is available by the bench with tea plushies, under a sign that says “tea, yes! you, maybe…” Definitely a picturesque space to enjoy some bubble tea or other fun drinks and desserts.

Bubble Tea & Desserts

Tea Magic in Williston Park features a wide selection of bubble teas. You can customize your sugar and ice levels. You can also choose tapioca boba, crystal boba, jelly, pudding, and a number of other toppings.

The shop carries classic and special milk teas, fruit teas, fresh fruit teas, fruit slushies, milk slushies, and smoothies. Taro and brown sugar (tea) soft serve ice cream are also on the menu.

So far, my family and I have tried the brown sugar milk tea, roasted oolong milk tea, caramel milk tea, honeydew milk tea, mango milk tea, taro milk tea.

Bubble tea research is very fun! We’ve been very happy with all our choices.

I don’t usually eat dessert and bubble tea together, and I usually can’t resist the bubble teas. [Update: I was finally able to try the soft serve Brown Sugar soft serve with black tea. Delicious–sweet and creamy WITH a beautiful bitter note like burnt sugar or caramel.]

If you have visited and tried things we haven’t, please share your recommendations in the comments!

Address and Parking in Williston Park

Tea Magic is in Williston Park (Nassau County), New York.

Address: 74 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596

Parking/LIRR: Free parking is available on Hillside near the bubble tea shop, but it can be hit or miss with availability. Luckily, there is additional parking (time-limited) behind some of the businesses across the street on Hillside and on the side streets. Make sure to read the signs as some parking near that area is reserved for cars with certain permits.

Tea Magic is a short walk from the LIRR East Williston station (Oyster Bay line).

Instagram: @teamagicbobahillside

It’s easy to “sip, smile and enjoy the boba” at Tea Magic!

Interested in really good matcha lattes, hojicha lattes, or other tea that isn’t boba? Check out my Review of Humble Cafe in Williston Park.

Interested in an adorable tea bar in Suffolk County, New York? Check out my Review of BesTea Tea Bar on Long Island.

The post Review of Tea Magic in Williston Park appeared first on Tea Infusiast.

Photos of tea lattes from Humble Cafe, above, from left to right: Earl Grey latte with rose, matcha latte, and hojicha latte with cinnamon.

Background

The cafe had its grand opening in December of 2023. Yvonne and Eric Lo, are the owners of Humble Cafe. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Eric yet, but I have met Yvonne. She’s lovely to chat with! The entire team there is friendly and helpful.

The owners arrange for local businesses to offer occasional workshops and such at the cafe. For example, they organized a flower-arranging workshop around Valentine’s Day this year. And, near Mother’s Day, they invited a pop-up shop that features handcrafted items.

Humble Cafe specializes in coffee made from beans roasted on the premises. As a tea lover, I can’t speak to their coffee–for more more on that angle, check out this article in The Island 360. Here, I’ll focus on the interior, menu, and tea choices.

Interior and Food

Humble Cafe has a down-to-earth vibe, welcoming to all age demographics. As you enter, chairs overlook Hillside Avenue along the window’s ledge. Moving further into the cafe, there’s a sofa and padded chairs circling a table. In the back, there are Legos and children’s toys next to another sofa. In other words, there are great seating choices for the solo customer, a group of friends, or people bringing children.

The cafe carries a very tasty assortment of muffins, pastries, croissants, biscotti, and cookies. I have made it my mission (for research purposes, of course!) to taste from each category. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I’ve tried.

Tea and Tea Latte Overview

Humble Cafe carries tea bags with selections from Harney & Sons and Twinings. They have jasmine tea, too. More unusually and wonderfully: they use high quality matcha and hojicha. It’s the only location I am aware of in this area that uses above culinary-grade matcha and hojicha that isn’t pre-mixed with sugar. It really shows in the flavor, too! I particularly appreciate being able to customize the sweetness of my lattes.

Humble Cafe typically serves matcha in latte form. But, I recently found out they can also whisk up some straight matcha for you. I will be trying that soon!

You can get the tea lattes hot or iced. They can also add cinnamon to your hojicha latte–which I love! Sometimes, Humble offers special seasonal drinks. For spring, they’ve had a delightful iced matcha latte with pink Sakura (cherry blossom) cold foam.

Different Milks and Chai

To further customize your latte, you can choose from different milks–whole, 2%, skim, etc. They also have non-dairy offerings of almond, coconut, soy, and oat milk.

Tea lovers can also order a tasty London Fog (Earl Gray with frothed milk and vanilla) or other tea lattes with flavored syrups added. I’ve tried and enjoyed these, too.

Humble Cafe also serves chai. And, they recently expanded their chai options! Now, you can choose either a chai from a pre-sweetened concentrate OR an unsweetened powdered masala chai that they make on demand. They advise customers that the latter is “gritty” due to the powdered tea and spices. I tried some of the powdered chai iced and it was very good! Personally, I appreciate the texture of the spices in my chai. The powdered brand they use is more spice forward than tea forward, probably because it has a Japanese black tea base instead of bolder CTC black tea base. If you would like to sweeten your tea, Humble Cafe has a convenient bottle of simple syrup (liquid cane sugar) that you can use to sweeten to taste.

Bottom Line

Humble Cafe in Williston Park is cozy, friendly, and makes great tea lattes. They also carry some delicious sweets (and a few savory things). I highly recommend the cafe!

Location: 322 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596

Parking: I have always found unmetered street parking along Hillside Avenue, not too far from the cafe.

Interested in making a refreshing summer drink featuring matcha at home? Check out: “How to Make Sparkling Matcha Two Ways“

Interested in other places with tea or bubble tea on Long Island that I also recommend?

• Review of BesTea Tea Bar on Long Island (Suffolk County)
• Review of Tea Magic in Williston Park (bubble tea in Nassau County)

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