The warmest ingredient at Niyyah Coffee is intention

Growing up in India, tea wasn’t simply a drink – it was an invitation. Every region had its own signature blend. In my hometown of Rajkot in Gujarat, a strong Kathiyawadi masala chai was part of everyday life, while other parts of India embraced herbal spice teas with completely different flavors and traditions. Each cup reflected the people, culture, and stories of the place it came from.

That feeling came rushing back recently during a visit to Niyyah Coffee in Fishers.

“Niyyah” (pronounced Nee-yah) means intention in Arabic. From the moment I walked through the doors, it became clear that intention is woven into every detail – not just the coffee, but the atmosphere, the people, and the purpose behind the business.

Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar

Located inside the Hub & Spoke building on 106th Street, the coffee shop offers a calm, welcoming space filled with natural light, comfortable seating, and something that’s becoming increasingly rare: quiet. Without background music competing for attention, conversations naturally become the soundtrack. It is a place equally suited for working, meeting friends, or simply slowing down.

My favorite drink was the Niyyah-politan Latte, one of several creative beverages inspired by flavors from around the world. Their menu reflects the diversity of the community they serve, from a comforting Masala Chai that reminds me of home to unique combinations like coffee blended with rose milk, introducing many customers to flavors they may have never experienced before.

What impressed me even more was hearing their employees talk about their journey. Perfecting recipes wasn’t something they accomplished overnight. They tested, refined, listened to customers, and kept adapting until each drink reflected the quality they envisioned. That willingness to learn and improve embodies the very meaning of intention – not perfection from the beginning, but purpose in every step along the way.

Niyyah also intentionally creates opportunities for belonging. The team includes employees from different cultures and backgrounds, with a commitment to being inclusive, including opportunities within the Deaf community. The shop regularly hosts community events, creating space for families, neighbors, and newcomers to connect over something as simple as a cup of coffee.

After grabbing our drinks, we crossed the street to Cheeney Creek Natural Area for a walk-and-talk meeting. With coffee in hand and nature surrounding us, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Sometimes the best meetings don’t happen around a conference table. They happen while walking a trail, sharing ideas, and making space to truly listen.

It reminded me that coffee shops have always been more than places to grab caffeine. Throughout history and across cultures, they have served as gathering places where friendships begin, ideas are exchanged, and communities grow stronger.

Perhaps that’s the real recipe behind Niyyah Coffee. Yes, they serve exceptional drinks and pastries. But what they’re really brewing is something even more meaningful: a place where intention leads to connection, differences become conversations, and everyone is welcome at the table.

In a world that often moves too fast, maybe what we all need isn’t just another cup of coffee.

Maybe we need a little more intention.

“Because every community has its gathering places – and sometimes, belonging begins with something as simple as asking, ‘Would you like to grab a coffee?’”

Pooja Thakkar is working to build cultural connections. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.