The first time I passed by Sheza Coffee House was the summer of 2024. Going home from a new summer job, I waited at the bus stop and looked around the neighborhood I had started working in. In the middle of a deli and what was then a photoshop, the cafe instantly stood out to me because of its bright, floral decorations.
Actually, the first time I heard about the cafe wasn’t on that same summer day that I first saw it. I had already known about it for about a year, after a friend from school recommended it to me while I was in the area for an internship.
I didn’t actually get to go into the cafe until winter of 2024, however. I told myself I’d stop in one day, maybe after or before work, when I wasn’t too tired or when I had something worth reading and wanted a quiet, peaceful atmosphere to get stuff done in. That day didn’t come–at least not during that summer.
That all changed on one rainy day: I had just gotten off the hour-long bus ride from school to work, and it had started pouring. Although I had an umbrella, the thought of trudging through the muddy path to my work didn’t appeal to me. So, I decided that it was finally time to check out the cafe.
Walking inside, the cafe immediately felt welcoming. There weren’t many other people in the shop, likely due to the gloomy day, but one of the first things I noticed was how friendly the person behind the counter was. He had been conversing with another customer, and even while making their drink he had made sure it was just the way they wanted it, which stuck out to me.
Ordering was difficult, as it usually is when coming to a new place, but luckily everything looked appetizing to me. I ended up getting a mini chocolate cake that was beautifully decorated. Sitting at my desk at work, I took a bite and promptly labeled it the best chocolate cake I ever had.
The second time I went, reminiscent of the previous success of ordering something chocolatey (as I am someone who doesn’t normally enjoy chocolate flavored things nor order them), I got a brownie which the owner had heated up for me. Again, I deemed it the best brownie I’ve ever had.
Background
Sheza Coffee House first opened in May 2022 and quickly became a local favorite because of both its aesthetic and its food. The interior is a visual delight, featuring a ceiling adorned with 10,000 faux flower stems which were decorated by hand by Elegantize Productions, velvet seating, decorated walls with florals, and a mural of the owner, her older sister, and their Bengal cats, which creates an atmosphere that’s both cozy and Instagram-worthy.
The coffee shop is nestled in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, and is a vibrant cafe that blends South Asian flavors with a fashion-forward aesthetic. It was founded by Sheza Waseem, a former luxury fashion marketer who worked with brands like Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin, and works with her father, Yusuf Waseem.
The menu showcases many Asian-inspired beverages, notably the signature whipped coffee, which is a family recipe combining two secret coffee blends, espresso, steamed milk, a spiced hand-whipped foam, and chai made from boiled tea with many spices. They also have a variety of pastries, such as mini cakes, bagels, tarts, brownies, and many more.
Many people have noted their high prices, but I think that their prices are appropriate given then incredible and high quality treats.
Located at 6050 Riverdale Avenue, Sheza Coffee House is open daily, inviting guests to experience a fusion of cultural flavors and stylish design. More recently, they have opened a new location in Yonkers. In an interview with Bronx Times in May of 2022, Waseem, when talking about branching out, noted that, “If you go upstate, they don’t really have aesthetically pleasing cafes like this,” and it’s great to see that they followed through with it!
Owner Sheza Waseem intentionally designed the space to reflect her passions–her Pakistani heritage and her background in fashion and design. This is evident not only in the menu but also in the cafe’s planning. Beyond its eye-catching floral decor and vibrant atmosphere, Sheza Coffee House serves as a hub in Riverdale. While many South Asian businesses are concentrated in Queens and select areas of the Bronx, Riverdale itself has lacked such spaces. The cafe fills that space, with its Pakistani characteristics and representation.
The location of the shop was also well thought out. Waseem picked the Riverdale Avenue location because of the variety of possible customers around it. The area is home to a university, multiple local high schools, nursing homes, and more. It was made to feel like a place where people can have hangouts, study sessions, and more.
Since my first visit on that cool, rainy day, I realized that Sheza Coffee House has become one of those rare places that just sticks with you, not only because of the delicious food it serves but also because of the atmosphere inside it.
There’s something remarkable about how the cafe manages to balance being both a neighborhood gem and a visual destination. It welcomes people with bold flavors, conversations, and a comfortable environment. You can come in to do homework, chat with a friend, or simply take a break from the noise outside. And in every case, it feels like the space was designed with your comfort in mind.
As someone who originally passed by the shop at a bus stop and promised themselves “one day,” I’m glad that day eventually came. Now, whenever I have the chance at work, I make a point to stop in and try the flavors I’ve come to appreciate.
In a city full of cafés that come and go, Sheza Coffee House stands out as one that was built to last – not just because of its quality, but because of the heart behind it. And that heart is what keeps people coming back.
As owner Sheza Waseem says, people will instantly feel “love at first sip” with their drinks, and I couldn’t agree more.
As owner Sheza Waseem says, people will instantly feel “love at first sip” with their drinks, and I couldn’t agree more.