Mohka House Brings Yemeni Coffee to Oakland's Dimond District

Brothers Hamza and Yaser Ghalib expand their business with specialty coffees and traditional Yemeni baked goods.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Mohka House, a new Yemeni coffee shop, has opened in Oakland's Dimond District, bringing the unique flavors of Yemeni coffee to the East Bay. Founded by brothers Hamza and Yaser Ghalib, the cafe offers a range of Yemeni-style coffees, teas, and traditional baked goods like sabaya and khaliat al nahl. The brothers previously operated a smoke shop and bodega in the same location, but have now transformed the space into a hub for Yemeni culinary culture.

Why it matters

The opening of Mohka House reflects the growing popularity of Yemeni coffee in the Bay Area, which has seen a proliferation of Yemeni-owned coffee shops in recent years. These businesses are helping to introduce the distinct flavors and traditions of Yemeni coffee to a wider audience, while also serving as hubs for the local Yemeni community.

The details

Mohka House serves a variety of Yemeni-style coffees, which are known for their full, earthy flavors and chocolatey aftertastes. The coffee beans are imported directly from Yemen, where they are carefully roasted and often blended with spices like cardamom, clove, or cinnamon. In addition to coffee, the cafe offers traditional Yemeni baked goods like sabaya and khaliat al nahl, which are sweet, round breads often served with Yemeni butter, eggs, and seeds.

  • Mohka House opened in 2023, taking over the space previously occupied by the Hive, a local cafe that closed its doors that year.
  • The Ghalib brothers had previously operated a smoke shop and bodega in the same location, before transforming the space into Mohka House.

The players

Hamza Ghalib

Co-founder of Mohka House, a Yemeni coffee shop in Oakland's Dimond District.

Yaser Ghalib

Co-founder of Mohka House, a Yemeni coffee shop in Oakland's Dimond District.

Mohka House

A Yemeni coffee shop in Oakland's Dimond District, founded by brothers Hamza and Yaser Ghalib.

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What they’re saying

“Yemeni coffee is one of the best, if not the best, depending on who you're talking to. It's very popular on the East Coast but due to Covid, it slowed things down as far as trying to import everything.”

— Hamza Ghalib, Co-founder, Mohka House (eastbayexpress.com)

“Yemeni coffee is well known for its full, earthy flavors and chocolatey aftertaste, and is distinguishable by its small-sized beans. The quality is second to none just because of the way it's planted and harvested. It's a long process.”

— Hamza Ghalib, Co-founder, Mohka House (eastbayexpress.com)

What’s next

Mohka House plans to continue expanding its offerings of Yemeni-style coffees, teas, and baked goods, as it aims to introduce more Bay Area residents to the unique flavors and traditions of Yemeni culinary culture.

The takeaway

The opening of Mohka House in Oakland's Dimond District reflects the growing appreciation for Yemeni coffee and cuisine in the Bay Area, as local entrepreneurs work to share their cultural heritage with a wider audience.