Velvet Café, a new cultural and culinary experience rooted in Ezidi tradition, officially opens its doors today Friday, May 9th.
Offering more than just great food and coffee, Velvet Café is poised to become a vibrant hub for community, culture, and connection in Armidale.
Behind the venture is local Ezidi community member Rez An, whose passion for cultural preservation and hospitality has shaped every aspect of the café’s identity.
“The idea came from a real need,” An said.
“Our community has wanted a space like this — a shisha bar, a cultural café — for a long time. There were earlier attempts, but they didn’t get approved. After years of trying, we finally found a way to make it happen.”
Velvet Café will serve breakfast and lunch daily from 7 AM to 3 PM, alongside barista-made coffee and a rotation of Ezidi dishes that change daily. Customers can also experience traditional Ezidi coffee, brewed in a unique pot with a blend of aromatics.
“It’s not just about food,” An said.
“It’s about sharing our heritage. There’s already one Ezidi restaurant in Armidale, but Velvet Café offers something different — a blend of Ezidi and Australian hospitality.”
Some traditional Ezidi dishes featured include biryani and kubba, among many other fan favourites.
“People are familiar with our food — they’ve tasted it before, but now they’ll be able to enjoy it regularly in a different space built for it.”
Creating that space, however, has been no small feat. An describes the journey from concept to reality as both rewarding and challenging.
“One of the hardest parts was finding a location that could support our plans for shisha — it needed to be compliant with regulations, especially around smoke and proximity to residential areas. Eventually, we found a site that was already approved as a café, which made the process smoother.”
While Velvet Café launches with a food and coffee offering, plans are underway to introduce shisha and a curated selection of alcoholic drinks. An is working closely with the Armidale Regional Council to ensure every detail aligns with health and safety standards.
The design of the café, much like its menu, reflects Ezidi culture through a modern lens.
“When people walk in, I want them to feel our culture — the warmth, the community, the welcome.”
And the response from locals?
“People are excited,” An said.
“We’ve had lots of positive feedback online. And everything at today’s launch was actually free — we just wanted to give people a taste of what’s to come.”
Looking ahead, An hopes Velvet Café will become more than just a place to eat and drink.
“We want it to be a space where people connect, learn, and celebrate culture. We just want to share the experience with the community.”
Velvet Café officially opens Friday, May 9 at Shop 9, 140 Miller Street, Armidale.
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