Meet Babylon Brews | Specialty Coffee & Matcha Cart

We had the good fortune of connecting with Babylon Brews and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Babylon, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
For Babylon Brews, the most important factor behind our success, without a doubt, is authentic connection. It’s multi-faceted, but at its core, it’s about connecting with people – whether it’s our customers, our community, or each other as a family.

Firstly, it’s the authentic connection to our heritage and mission. We started Babylon Brews because we genuinely wanted to share the rich, wholesome side of Iraqi and Middle Eastern culture. Every cup of coffee and every interaction is infused with that purpose – to humanize our culture in the West, to show the warmth, generosity, and vibrant traditions that are so central to who we are. This authenticity resonates deeply with people; they feel it, and it builds trust and a sense of shared experience.

Secondly, it’s the personal connection we build with our customers, deeply rooted in Iraqi generosity. As a mobile coffee cart that caters private events, we have the unique opportunity to be a part of people’s celebrations and special moments. We don’t just serve coffee; we aim to create a truly memorable experience where every single client feels like family. This isn’t just a saying for us; it’s how we were raised. In Iraqi culture, hospitality is paramount, and you welcome guests as if they were your own kin. We bring that same spirit to Babylon Brews, ensuring everyone who comes to our cart feels seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. From remembering a regular’s favorite order to sharing a story about the origin of our spices, these interactions are infused with genuine warmth, fostering relationships that go beyond a simple transaction.

Finally, it’s the strength of our family connection. Being a family-owned business means there’s an inherent passion, dedication, and shared vision in everything we do. We support each other, we bring our diverse strengths to the table, and that synergy translates into the quality of our product and the welcoming atmosphere of our cart. This familial bond is something our customers often feel and appreciate, as it contributes to the wholesome and inviting energy of Babylon Brews. So, while delicious coffee and unique flavors are crucial, it’s this deep, authentic connection – to our roots, to our customers (who we treat like family!), and within our family – that truly defines and drives the success of Babylon Brews.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Babylon Brews is truly a labor of love, a family-owned mobile coffee cart that brings the rich, authentic flavors and warm hospitality of the Middle East to private events.

What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to cultural representation in a wholesome way. In an industry where Middle Eastern culture is often misunderstood or underrepresented, we aim to be a shining example of its beauty. Our menu features unique blends inspired by Iraqi traditions, from our signature spiced coffees to our subtly infused matchas, offering a taste experience you won’t find just anywhere. But beyond the drinks, it’s the experience of Iraqi generosity and warmth that defines us. We don’t just serve coffee; we extend an invitation for every client and guest to feel like family, embodying the deep-rooted hospitality that is central to our heritage.

We are most proud of the connections we forge. There’s immense joy in seeing someone’s face light up after their first sip of our spiced coffee, or hearing them comment on the welcoming atmosphere of our cart. We’re excited about continuously finding new ways to share our culture, whether through new menu items that blend tradition with innovation, or by simply bringing a moment of joy and connection to each event we cater. Every compliment about how “at home” someone felt at our cart is a profound source of pride.

Getting to where we are today was far from easy, but every challenge has been a valuable lesson. Building a mobile business from the ground up involved navigating permits, sourcing quality ingredients that meet our cultural standards, and mastering the logistics of catering diverse events.

One of our biggest hurdles was initially educating people about Middle Eastern flavors and our mission. Some weren’t familiar with certain spices or the concept of our cultural blend. We overcame this by engaging in open conversations, and sharing the stories behind our drinks. We realized that genuine connection and clear communication could turn curiosity into appreciation. Another challenge was managing the demands of a family business, balancing personal dynamics with professional goals. We learned the importance of clear roles, consistent communication, and leaning on each other’s strengths, ensuring our family bond remains our greatest asset, not a point of friction.

The most significant lessons we’ve learned are:

Authenticity Resonates: Staying true to our cultural roots and our mission has been our strongest differentiator. People appreciate genuine passion.

Hospitality is Key: Beyond the product, the experience of being treated with warmth and generosity creates lasting impressions.

Community is Crucial: Leaning on fellow vendors, like Lulu’s Cafe and Moonlight Mocktails, has shown us that collaboration truly makes the industry stronger.

Persistence Pays Off: Every “no” or hurdle taught us resilience and pushed us to find creative solutions.

What we want the world to know about Babylon Brews is that we are a testament to the power of culture as a unifier. Our brand is a story of family, heritage, and a desire to share the beauty of Iraq with kindness and joy. We believe that through a simple cup of coffee or a refreshing matcha, we can foster understanding, break down barriers, and show that our culture is rich, vibrant, and incredibly welcoming. We’re here to offer more than just a drink; we’re offering an experience of home, hospitality, and connection.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a week-long visit to Los Angeles in July 2025, I’d create an itinerary for my best friend that blends the city’s iconic attractions with its diverse cuisine, emphasizing small Arab-owned businesses. Organized by neighborhood for efficient travel (a car is ideal, though rideshares or Metro work), this plan balances famous landmarks, cultural experiences, and unique dining for a memorable trip.

Days one to three introduce LA’s classic sights and coastal charm while supporting local entrepreneurs. Day one begins with the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre for celebrity handprints, followed by breakfast at Cafe 86 in Artesia for ube pastries. Griffith Observatory provides stunning views and free astronomy exhibits, with lunch at Sunnin Lebanese Cafe in Westwood for shawarma and dinner at Open Sesame in Long Beach for falafel. Day two starts at Santa Monica Pier for Ferris wheel rides, followed by a bike ride to Venice Beach’s boardwalk and Canals, with breakfast at Milo & Olive in Santa Monica for pastries, lunch at Kismet Market in Los Feliz for Middle Eastern bowls, and dinner at Marouch in Hollywood for kibbeh. Day three explores Downtown LA’s The Broad museum (book ahead for Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room), the historic Bradbury Building, and Arts District murals, with breakfast at Bottega Louie in DTLA for pastries, lunch at Sarkis Pastry in Glendale for baklava, and dinner at Carousel in Hollywood for kebabs.

Days four to seven dive into LA’s cultural and natural icons. Day four visits The Getty Center for art and gardens and Rodeo Drive for glamour, with breakfast at Susie Cakes in Brentwood for cupcakes, lunch at Zankou Chicken for garlic-sauced chicken, and dinner at Vinovore in Silver Lake for a curated cafe menu. Day five includes the La Brea Tar Pits for prehistoric history and Los Feliz’s vintage shops and Vista Theatre, with breakfast at Folia in Eagle Rock for cafe fare, lunch at Mh Zh in Silver Lake for Mediterranean, and dinner at Sahara Restaurant in Anaheim for shawarma. Day six heads to Malibu’s Zuma Beach and Point Dume for hiking, with breakfast at Malibu Farm Cafe, lunch at Halal Kitchen in Culver City for biryani, and dinner at Kalamaki in Silver Lake for Greek-Mediterranean. Day seven explores Culver City’s Museum of Jurassic Technology and the historic Culver Studios, with breakfast at The Apple Pan, lunch at Tarte Tatin in Beverly Hills, and a kaiseki dinner at n/naka in Palms (book early). This itinerary celebrates LA’s iconic landmarks and vibrant small businesses.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our journey with Babylon Brews has definitely been enriched by the incredible support and camaraderie we’ve found in our community. We really want to dedicate our shoutout to our fellow vendors in this industry. It’s easy to see other businesses as competition, but we’ve learned firsthand that supporting each other actually makes us all stronger and elevates the entire industry. We believe in the power of collaboration over competition, and we’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside some truly amazing people.

Specifically, we want to give a huge shoutout to:

Lulu’s Cafe: Lulu doesn’t just make the best cookies we’ve ever tasted, she also embodies genuine kindness. When we’re working the same event, she always goes out of her way to set aside our favorite treats, a small gesture that means the world after a long day. Her thoughtfulness and incredible talent inspire us.

Moonlight Mocktails: These folks craft the best mocktails in the world, hands down. Beyond their amazing drinks, they bring so much laughter and support to every event. Their positive energy is infectious, and having them alongside us makes even the busiest days feel fun and manageable.

These connections aren’t just about business; they’re about building a vibrant, supportive ecosystem where everyone can thrive. When we cheer each other on, share insights, and even just share a laugh, it creates a much more joyful and successful environment for everyone involved, including our customers. It truly shows that we are stronger together.

Website: https://babylonbrews.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babylonbrews/?hl=en

Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@babylonbrews

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