Then in our construction season 2025 we visit a recent coffee cart in Socal specializing in coffee and flavors inspired by Iraq’s culture and cuisine. The founders of Dina Ali, Danea al-Tikriti, Jameel Kadddo and Sidiq Kadddo are behind this thrilling recent project: This is Babylon Brews.
For those who are not familiar, will you tell us about your company?
We are Babylon Brews, a family coffee stroller in southern California, which pours the heart of Iraqi coffee traditions into every cup. Founded by Dina Ali, Danea al-Tikriti, Jameel Kadddo and Sidiq Kaddo, our tiny company is passionate about creating exceptional coffee and handmade syrups that celebrate our Iraqi heritage. Since its launch in January 2025, in just four months we have built a dedicated order of over 12,000 on our social media platforms, combining our community through flavors that honor the opulent history and culinary traditions of Iraq.
As the first generation Iraq, we were the burden of navigating our identity in a world shaped by historical challenges and misunderstandings about our heritage. Starting Babylon Brews was both the work of love and a bold act of immunity, because we try to honor our roots while building a recent heritage in America.
Through coffee, we intertwine the tapestry of belonging, encouraging our community to share the beauty of Iraqi culture. We would be honored to tell our story and share the emotional and inspiring journey after establishing our tiny company and Iraqi traditions that base us.
Can you tell us about a recent space?
Our basket is more than a place to make coffee – it is a cultural statement and visual tribute to our Iraqi heritage. Designed with the intention, the focal point of the basket is the customary rug in the Middle East, which wraps in front of the front, frameing our glowing sign Babylon Brews. This mixture of the ancient world texture and up-to-date marking reflects our mission: honoring tradition while building something recent.
The trolley itself is built to order to balance beauty and function. We operate hot, earthy tones, wooden accents and nostalgic accents like Vintage Radio to cause a sense of gathering in a cozy, familiar space – even if it is only for swift espresso. Unique aesthetics is one of the first things that people comment on and often book us. It stands out from typical mobile prams, encouraging curiosity and connection.
This visual identity does not only apply to the program-it is a way to express pride from our culture and create a affable, opulent in history impression with every cup.
What is your coffee approach?
For us, coffee is more than a drink – it is a bridge between cultures, memories and generations. In Babylon Brews, our approach is rooted in honoring deep, opulent traditions of Iraqi coffee, while creating contemporary experience that appeals to our identity as the first generation Iraq. Each mug we serve has the essence of home, immunity and heritage.
We are proud of hand syrups and mixtures that reflect the flavors with which we grew up using coffee as a medium to tell stories, a spark combination and inviting our community to the warmth of Iraqi hospitality. Our basket is not only business – it is a cultural expression and a love letter to our roots.
Having a tradition in every half, we hope that every sip creates a moment of belonging to those who stop – regardless of whether they are familiar with our heritage or discovering them for the first time.
Any machines, coffee, special equipment set up?
Absolutely! At Babylon Brews we have built our configuration both for quality and consistency. We operate Mini mini marzocco Combined with Eureka Atom 65 grinder.
Our beans (Colombian one origin) are carefully obtained from a tiny roaster, which values identification profiles, freshness and taste that complement our syrups. Everything from our espresso to our customary infusions is made with the intention.
How does your project consider sustainable development?
Sustainable development is something that we actively build in Babylon Brews as we develop.
We will also get to know some of our syrups and reduce waste by preparing tiny, purposeful amounts to avoid overproduction.
As far as possible, we acquire ingredients locally and work with a smoking room, which is limpid in the scope of its chains of supply supply and sustainable development practices.
As a mobile stroller, we remember about our energy consumption and study solar -powered solutions for future compilations. This is just the beginning and we are involved in the evolution of our practices when we scale – always balancing tradition with responsibility towards our environment and community.
What is your hope for the opening date/month?
In January 2025, we launched our mobile coffee stroller, in the hope of opening brick and mortar by 2027.
Do you work with craftsmen, architects and/or creators you would like to mention?
Everything you see – from the design of the pram to the brand and the aesthetics in general – was created completely by us. As a family business, Babylon Brews is a real passion project and we poured into every detail. In total, four, four, brought unique skills to the table to shape what you see today.
We designed the aesthetics of the pram, up to the system, color palettes and cultural elements, such as Vintage Carpet and a neon logo. Even the development of our drinks menu is a inventive cooperation between us-exploration inspired by Iraqi flavors with contemporary coffee trends.
Although we did not work with external architects or designers (yet!), The practical approach made the whole journey deeply personal. Each choice reflects our common vision and love for the culture that raised us.
Thank you!
Thank you!!
