Only a three-minute walk from Kissam, Kahawa Coffeehouse is already becoming a go-to spot for Vanderbilt students looking for something both convenient and completely different from the usual Nashville cafe scene.
Kahawa opened in September 2025 and sits in a low, rectangular building next to Sitar Indian Restaurant. From the outside, it’s hard to miss. A large circular sign marks the entrance, while earthy decor and striking golden lion statues immediately set the tone.
Specializing in authentic Swahili street food and drinks, Kahawa brings flavors and traditions from East Africa into the heart of Nashville. Swahili culture and cuisine are often underrepresented in mainstream society, so entertainment correspondent Anisa Juma noted that having a cafe that caters to her childhood favorites right at her doorstep feels especially meaningful. When Juma was checking out Kahawa, it was important for her to see that a fellow Zanzibari was behind the counter, rather than someone utilizing her culture as a marketing gimmick.
That authenticity is immediately visible once you step inside. Every corner is filled with cultural decor, creating a space that feels curated and deeply personal.
The section to the right of the cashier feels warm and social, with sunlight pouring through the windows, plush couches and rustic furniture that make the space feel lived-in rather than staged. It’s an easy place to settle in and chat with friends. The music adds to that energy, with a mix that ranges from Latin tracks to familiar radio pop.
Going into the left section, the vibe shifts. This area is noticeably quieter, with laptops open and a calmer atmosphere that makes it easier to lock in. The soft sound of water flowing from a garden fountain grounds the space and enhances the cafe’s earthy feel. It’s the kind of space where one can imagine reading a book, journaling or spending a slow afternoon alone.
Beyond the space itself, Kahawa’s warmth comes through in its service. The staff were welcoming and eager to answer questions, especially for first-time visitors.
Life editor Daniela Aguilar sat down with Kahawa owner Zahran Almawali, who shared the inspiration behind the cafe and his vision for its future. When asked what inspired him to open Kahawa in Nashville, Almawali pointed directly to his roots.
“So, going back to my background, I was born in East Africa, and I love the culture of that part of the world that I wanted to represent on this side of the world,” Almawali said. “We spoke Swahili, and we still have family living there. We just want to transform that kind of culture over here and give people an idea of it.”
That connection is reflected even in the cafe’s name, which means “coffee” in Swahili and Arabic.
Food also plays a major role in telling the cafe’s story. Almawali explained that the menu is shaped by family recipes and East African cooking traditions, with a heavy emphasis on fresh ingredients and herbs.
“It’s a lot of fresh ingredients. I’d say this really comes from that land,” Almawali said.
One standout example is the sambusa, a staple across many East African countries. While each country often has its own version and flavor profile, Kahawa’s menu more broadly highlights East African ingredients like coconut, clove and cardamom — flavors that show up across many of the cafe’s drinks and dishes.
But Kahawa’s ambience is just as intentional as its menu.
“A lot of our art represents tribes through the borders of East Africa,” Almawali said. “Different tribes have different kinds of shapes. A lot of it is handmade.”
Almawali shared that lions and zebras are his personal favorites, symbolizing strength, beauty and the hardworking nature of the people the cafe represents. Looking ahead, Almawali hopes to expand Kahawa to new locations while also finding ways to give back. Supporting farmers in Africa and strengthening those connections remains an integral part of his long-term vision.
With this in mind, we just had to try out the menu. Here are our reviews and some of Almawali’s recommendations:
Drinks
LemoMint refresher: $5.50 for 12 oz.
Rating: 9/10
Written by: Daniela Auilar, Life Editor
Light and refreshing, this drink balances lemon and mint in a way that’s both soothing and energizing. It almost tastes like a cough drop in the best way possible and was especially comforting with a sore throat. The mint really leads here.
Hot chai: $5.00 for 12 oz.
Rating: 8.5/10
Written by: Aguilar
The hot chai was rich, warm and deeply flavorful. I ordered the lowest sweetness level, which let the spices and depth of the chai shine through. Unlike many other places’ chai, this one wasn’t watered down at all. It’s an ideal cold-weather drink.
Signature Latte: $6.60 for 12 oz.
Rating: 8/10
Written by: Aguilar
Slightly tart with a noticeable, earthy saffron flavor, this latte feels like the embodiment of Kahawa. I get why they call it their signature latte.
Stone Town Hibiscus Refresher: $6.60 for 12 oz
Rating: 7/10
Written by: Anisa Juma, Entertainment Correspondent
Whenever I come back to Vanderbilt, I get homesick for my mother’s hibiscus drink, and this has definitely satisfied my craving. It’s a lighter and diluted take on the traditional hibiscus drink from my hometown, but it is nonetheless a refreshing drink.
Food
Mediterranean Lamb Roast: $9.99
Rating: 7/10
Written by: Aguilar
I am a huge lamb fan, so I just had to order this. Much to my surprise, the yogurt-based sauce was really what stood out here as it added a creamy balance to the dish. Small potatoes throughout gave a satisfying crunch and made the dish feel hearty without being too heavy.
Beef Sambusa: $1.99
Rating: 10/10
Written by: Juma
This was perfect for what a sambusa should be — crispy, small and packed with spiced meat. I only ordered the one for fear that a single sambusa may be too large or soggy, but I should have gotten more because it ticked off every box on the mental checklist I had.
Firecracker Chicken Sub: $9.99
Rating: 9/10
Written by: Juma
This was a ridiculously good sandwich, bursting with flavor and seasoning that you won’t find in your run-of-the-mill sub. The spices brought the East African element and combined it with western notes like cream cheese, bringing a fusion that is exotic yet familiar to your taste buds.
Kahawa Cafe is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it the perfect place if you want to get off campus and study while being relatively close to campus. Eating at Kahawa as a student comes with a 10% discount that is super convenient even with the already cheap menu prices. An added bonus is that it comes with free parking, so you can enjoy eating out without the pressure of having to find a parking spot yourself. If you’re looking to try a new cuisine and immerse yourself in a world of unique flavors and treats, Kahawa is the place to be!
