Marasi Elsheikh Photos.
Amidst the click-click-click of coffee machines and hiss of steamed milk, Madison Gendreau strolled into MOTW Coffee & Pastries for her weekly iced chai, ready for its burst of cardamom and milky sweetness on her tongue. As she waited to place her order, the smell of boiling rosemary syrup subtly perfumed the air.
Welcome to MOTW, a vibrant addition to New Haven’s coffee scene now open at 296 Crown St. in downtown New Haven. Billed as an inclusive community space, the storefront joins five MOTW locations in Illinois and Indiana, furthering a mission to bring people together and tell positive stories of Muslims across the globe.
Although MOTW stands for “Muslims of the World,'' there's a focus on fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of background.
“It’s not just us, it’s everybody,” said employee Angel Bermudez on a recent Friday, as she brewed a fresh, cardamom-scented chai for this reporter.
The business originally started as an Instagram account in 2014, intended to share Muslim stories in a positive light. Run by Indianapolis-based coffee enthusiast Sajjad Shah, the page gained a large following through its documentation of Muslim success stories and need-based campaigns, from students excelling to artists making work to support Palestine.
Eventually, Shah’s goal became making a physical space for people to share their ideas, stories, goals, and hopes. He added in a fundraising mission, providing medical care and shelter to countries in need, including Gaza, Yemen, Syria, Pakistan, and Ethiopia through a portion of the profits. After MOTW’s initial locations popped up in Indiana, four siblings from Waterbury—Bilal Aslam, Usama Aslam, Ijlal Aslam and Zainab Aslam—adopted the shop, opening a location in New Haven.
Inside 296 Crown St., the café’s high ceilings lead to a spacious and well-lit shop. A fully windowed wall facing outside allows for natural light. Plants placed around the establishment give the hint of nature, and a sleek and minimalist interior welcomes customers with an invitation to stay for a while. The airy and clean environment aids in feeling grounded and at peace.
“The culture of the café, it helps spread the culture to other people,” said barista Marisa Cardinale. She and Bermudez added that the clientele has been extremely diverse, with customers who visit from not just Connecticut and the surrounding states, but also places like Dubai, Egypt, and China.
Peg Olin, a photographer and art historian.
On a recent Thursday, photographer and art historian Margaret “Peg” Olin came in for her caffeine fix, praising the coffee when asked. While “I think I just wandered into it” initially, Olin said, it wasn’t her first time there—and would likely not be her last.
Nearby, Londoner Hanaa Khan took a moment away from her computer to reflect on the cafe. Having come to MOTW a few times—she is a recent transplant to New Haven—she praised the shop’s atmosphere and mission.
“It’s a good spot to study and do work,” she said, adding that she’s on board with the portion of profits that go to refugees and humanitarian causes. “If I’m gonna spend six dollars on a coffee, at least I can use it for some good.”
Gendreau, who lives right down the street, said she comes often for MOTW’s iced chai and the vibes. “I like doing work here, I’m applying for schools right now so I come here for that,” she said. “I like the atmosphere.”
“It’s clean, it’s really good coffee,” she added. “ It’s just a nice place to get some work done.”
The shop’s chai comes highly recommended for a reason. Instead of using a concentrate or powder, baristas have learned to replicate a Yemeni chai that Shah’s wife, Fatimah, learned to make from her great-grandmother (or so MOTW lore goes).
With its milky taste and subtle sweetness, it contains an even balance of flavors. The creaminess of the drink doesn’t overpower the slight bite of cardamom hidden behind the aromatic tea. Even in warmer weather, it doesn’t fail to satisfy.
“You’re far away, but you’re home,” said Bermudez.
This article comes from the 2024 Cohort of the Youth Arts Journalism Initiative. Marasi Elsheikh is a rising junior at New Haven Academy.