Welcome to Paradise Kafé: A New Cozy Spot in Bethlehem

A Cozy New Addition to Bethlehem’s Coffee Scene

Nestled on North New Street in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Paradise Kafé officially opened its doors in mid-September, bringing a fresh and cozy atmosphere tailored for students and art lovers alike. The café is co-owned by lifelong friends Wajahat “Waj” Siddique and Mohamed “Mo” Abdelaziz, who are excited to offer a space that embraces the intersection of culture, community, and, of course, coffee.

Grand Opening Celebration Scheduled

Mark your calendars! Paradise Kafé is set for a grand opening celebration on October 1, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The joyful event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and live music, showcasing the café’s commitment to supporting local arts and culture.

From a Playful Idea to a Reality

The concept for this inviting café first sparked back in November 2024 during a Thanksgiving gathering, where Siddique’s mother humorously mentioned opening a coffee shop. What started as a lighthearted joke quickly evolved into serious planning when Siddique and Abdelaziz revisited the idea days later. Inspiration struck again when they toured the empty building on New Street. As Siddique recalls, “We found this the first week of February — loved it. It was empty…Everything was just white.” Their vision to infuse personal touches into the design was crystal clear.

A Commitment to Arts and Community

Paradise Kafé is about more than just coffee; it aims to become an anchor in the local arts scene. The co-owners plan to feature rotating local artwork for sale, as well as host art shows to encourage community engagement. “There’s a lot of artists in Bethlehem and Allentown; we just want someone to come in, showcase their talent,” Abdelaziz explains.

In addition to visual arts, the café will also host live music, transforming it into a vibrant hub for creative expression.

Culinary Inspiration with a Unique Twist

The café’s menu reflects the duo’s diverse backgrounds and experiences, offering unique flavor combinations that set them apart from traditional coffee shops. Siddique, who moved from New York, draws inspiration from Brooklyn’s coffee culture, which is evident in their chalkboard menu design.

Abdelaziz, coming from an Egyptian heritage, adds a rich tapestry of flavors to the offerings. Signature drinks include the Dubai Chocolate Matcha Latte and the Biscoff Lotus Cream Latte — each thoughtfully crafted to spice up the local coffee scene. Siddique states, “We looked at other people’s menus and kind of picked out what they didn’t have.”

A Taste of Tradition: Turkish Coffee

A standout feature of Paradise Kafé is its traditional Turkish coffee, prepared using a cezve—an artful method crafted in a tray of hot sand. “We haven’t seen a café in the Lehigh Valley that offers Turkish coffee made this way,” Abdelaziz notes, highlighting a cultural experience that will be new to many locals.

Navigating the World of Entrepreneurship

Even as Waj and Mo embark on this entrepreneurial journey, they are aware of the challenges ahead. Siddique expresses a sense of impatience mixed with eagerness: “I’m just excited, learning patience… but I’m mostly excited because it’s a new adventure in life,” Abdelaziz adds, both men radiating enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

Future Plans and Community Partnerships

Looking forward, the café plans to utilize its outdoor space while forming partnerships with other local businesses, like teaming up with Donuts x Dumbbells for a special offer featuring protein donuts on September 27. Their aim? To create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels included.

With the foundation of Paradise Kafé firmly established as a hub for creativity, community, and unique flavors, it’s clear that this cozy coffee shop is more than just a place for excellent brews—it’s a promising new chapter in Bethlehem’s vibrant cultural landscape.