Coffee shop in Duhok offers unique Kurdish blend

DUHOK — A bustling coffee shop in the heart of Duhok’s bazaar is gaining attention for its distinctive Kurdish-themed blends, drawing both local and international coffee lovers. The shop, named Sofia, boasts over 50 varieties of coffee, but its two standout blends, branded as “10 Kurdish Flavors” and “7 Kurdish Flavors,” have captivated customers with their cultural appeal and unique taste.

The shop owner Mohammed Ali, popularly known as Mohammed Shingali has been running the shop for six years and takes pride in offering something different. “Why shouldn’t Kurds have their own name and identity in coffee?” he asks.

The 49-year-old entrepreneur claims that the “10 Kurdish Flavors” blend alone has attracted over 2,000 loyal customers. The blends are priced between 20,000 and 30,000 Iraqi dinars per kilogram ($13-$20 USD), making them accessible to a wide audience.

In addition to the Kurdish blends, the shop features an extensive selection of beverages, many of which are custom-prepared in-house. Varieties include walnut coffee, pistachio coffee, almond coffee, hazelnut coffee, chocolate coffee, mint coffee, and several others, including regional favorites like “Erbil Castle Coffee” and beans sourced from across the globe.

“Anyone who buys coffee here records a video—it’s a tradition now. No one leaves without it,” Shingali says, highlighting the shop’s vibrant and engaging atmosphere.