Liverpool has welcomed Bêkes Café, a new coffee brand launched by a Kurdish family to share their heritage. The café introduces locals and international visitors to Kurdish culture through traditional food and drinks, including the unique qazwan coffee. Bêkes Café combines entrepreneurship with cultural storytelling, offering more than just a beverage—it offers an experience.
The family named the café after Sherko Bêkes, a renowned Kurdish poet, to honor his legacy. Warda David, the matriarch, said the name helps foreigners learn about Kurdish history and traditions. By linking the café to a literary figure, the family created a natural bridge to Kurdish culture and literature.
Bêkes Café began as a home-based business. Dween Hama Rashid explained that they started by making sweets, such as baklava, and selling them online. As demand grew, the family expanded into a full café. The name Bêkes became a symbol of quality, authenticity, and cultural pride.
A key attraction is the traditional Kurdish qazwan coffee, made from roasted terebinth seeds. This nutty, caffeine-free beverage has captivated many visitors, offering a sensory introduction to Kurdish culinary heritage. Guests often pair the coffee with traditional Kurdish sweets, creating an immersive cultural experience.
The café has attracted enthusiastic attention from international students. Many described their visit as an opportunity to taste Kurdish flavors and learn about Kurdish traditions. Bêkes Café provides both a culinary and educational experience, helping visitors connect with a culture they may not have known before.
Beyond Liverpool, Kurdish products have gained popularity across the United Kingdom. Supermarkets in cities like Birmingham now feature Kurdish olive oil, rice, and cheese. These products attract both diaspora communities and local consumers. The success of Bêkes Café supports this growing appreciation for Kurdish culture and cuisine abroad.
By combining authentic food, beverages, and cultural storytelling, Bêkes Café demonstrates how entrepreneurship can promote heritage. The café strengthens cultural exchange, introduces Kurdish flavors to a wider audience, and honors the literary legacy of Sherko Bêkes.