As I walked down the street to my house, a small outlet full of small businesses and locally owned shops across Woodlawn Avenue, I came across a small, newly opened cafe with modern white walls and black shades. The sign read “Nagaad Cafe: Ice Cream and Smoothie Drinks” with a sleek drawing of a horse head as the logo.  

Since I’m not a caffeine drinker, it caught my eye; I was looking for a place with an abundance of drinks that I could have while still keeping the cafe ambiance. 

I walked in and was greeted by the wonderful smell of cookies and a mix of sweet oils. Traditional African decorations and patterns line the walls and are implemented around the cafe. Looking around, I saw a good amount of staff for the customers in the space. I quickly got through the line and was met with a sweet woman who took my order and kindly explained to me some of their caffeine-free options and how they have many replacements for anyone that isn’t an avid coffee drinker. 

I ordered a small cookies and cream milkshake ($4.50) and a slice of cheesecake with a strawberry drizzle ($5). As I waited to get my order, I sat down on a grey patterned couch with a small table in front of me. Next to me were racks of traditional clothing that they sell along with purses and accessories adorned with African patterns. There were also a few shelves dedicated to hair and body care products, like black lavender body soap ($5), argan oil ($5) and much more.

By the time I’d finished looking at their selection of items, my order arrived. She brought it out to my table with the cake on a plate with a pretty floral design. I first tried the milkshake, with a light, muted brown base and chocolate drizzle around the inside of the cup. From the first sip, I tasted the rich chocolate syrup and the creamy vanilla with hints of its chocolate base. The cold, thick texture complemented the sweetness.

Shortly after, I tried the slice of cheesecake. The base was thin and crumbly, and the rest was a thick and creamy layer covered in part by the strawberry drizzle. The taste was rich and sweet, but the drizzle added enough tartness to balance it out. 

With my trip concluded, I reflected on my experience: the customer service was impeccable, the decorations and ambiance were beautiful and the food was spectacular. Overall, I had a wonderful time at Nagaad Cafe.