Yemeni cafes are taking off in South Florida

• Last year, the number of shops increased by 50%, making them the fastest-growing coffee sector in the nation, according to Technomic, which listed three Yemeni chains in a recent "Future 50 Growth List."

Zoom in: Haute Coffee has locations in Davie and Southwest Ranches while Haraz Coffee House opened in Pembroke Pines in March. Another location is opening near in FIU at the end of the month.

Why Yemen? The Middle Eastern country is considered the birthplace of coffee and still supports small growers, many of whom export coffee to relatives who run U.S. cafes.

Big draws: Pastries (some laced with Dubai chocolate), elegant interiors, a vibe that invites lingering and late hours, often until 10pm or midnight.

What to order: Traditionalists go for honey-drizzled pastries with strong, spiced Adeni chai (named for the Yemeni port of Aden) or jubani and qishr, brewed from dried coffee husks and spices.

• But the cafes also offer iced and hot lattes, matcha, cappuccino, espresso and more, along with cookies, cheesecake, cinnamon rolls and elaborate confections that include large fruit-shaped pastries filled with fruit, cream and cake.

What's next: Yemeni coffee entrepreneur and Haraz founder Hamzah Nasser told Bon Appétit he expects Yemeni cafes to be as ubiquitous in the U.S. as Starbucks by 2030.