Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba has inaugurated Habesha, the first dedicated Ethiopian coffee cafe in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi twin cities, introducing Ethiopian coffee culture to a new audience in Pakistan.
The opening ceremony began with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, attended by members of the Ethiopian community, embassy officials and media representatives.
Ethiopian Coffee Culture Arrives in Islamabad
Following the inauguration, Ambassador Oba held an interactive session with journalists and discussed the growing Pakistan-Ethiopia bilateral relationship.
He described the opening of Habesha as an important cultural development, marking the introduction of a dedicated Ethiopian coffee cafe in the twin cities.
“From the birthplace of humankind to the home of Arabica coffee, Ethiopia is called the Land of Origins for all the right reasons,” Ambassador Oba said.
He noted that the cafe is owned by an Ethiopian-Pakistani couple, describing the initiative as another reflection of the growing friendship and cultural connections between the two countries.
Habesha Cafe Promotes Pakistan-Ethiopia Cultural Exchange
Habesha owner Naeem Hashmi said the cafe was established to bring Pakistan and Ethiopia closer through a shared space for cultural exchange.
He said the venue would provide an opportunity for people from both countries to explore and share their art, culture, music and tourism traditions.
The cafe is expected to introduce residents and visitors in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to traditional Ethiopian coffee while creating a platform for greater interaction between the two communities.
Ethiopian Coffee Comes to Pakistan
Ethiopia is widely associated with the origins and long-standing tradition of Arabica coffee, while coffee ceremonies remain an important part of Ethiopian social and cultural life.
The launch of Habesha gives coffee enthusiasts in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region an opportunity to experience Ethiopian coffee traditions locally.
Beyond serving coffee, the cafe aims to function as a cultural meeting point, supporting greater people-to-people connections and highlighting the shared opportunities between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
The initiative comes as both countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations through trade, tourism, cultural exchange and community engagement.
