Mayor Jan Einig and City Manager Michaela Ullrich Visit Dedicated Founder in Mittelstraße
Neuwied's Café Mokka blends cultures and wins over locals in six months
Neuwied's city center continues to grow in diversity: Over the past few weeks, several new culinary businesses have opened and established themselves in the pedestrian zone. One such example is Café Mokka on Mittelstraße, which Mayor Jan Einig and City Manager Michaela Ullrich recently visited. Roughly six months after its opening, both took the opportunity to personally congratulate owner Baraa Mutrage on her entrepreneurial success and to see firsthand how the café has developed.
"Mokka is a real gem that many people still don't know about," emphasizes Jan Einig, adding with conviction: "Owner-operated businesses like this, run with such care, enrich our city center. At the same time, it always takes a little time for a new venture to find its footing."
The story behind the café is particularly inspiring: Mutrage, originally from Syria, arrived in Germany about a decade ago. After living in Lower Saxony, a visit eventually brought her to Neuwied. "I fell in love with the city right away," she recalls. When she discovered the vacant storefront on Mittelstraße, she decided to turn her dream of opening her own café into reality right there.
Today, Mokka offers a unique blend of Oriental and European specialties. Coffee is prepared in the traditional style—sometimes brewed in hot sand—and enhanced with spices like cardamom. The menu also features homemade Syrian sweets and a breakfast selection that bridges both culinary worlds. Many guests appreciate the calm, unhurried atmosphere and the warm, attentive service.
The first balance sheet is positive. "I'm satisfied," says Mutrage, noting that while many of her initial customers were of Syrian background, her clientele has since become much more diverse. She has also observed that some potential visitors still hesitate to try something new. "That's why it's so important for people to just come in and experience it," she adds. Highly committed, the owner already has further plans, including introducing a Sunday brunch. For her, one thing is certain: "This café has always been my dream."
For the city, Mokka is part of an overall encouraging trend in recent months. "Especially in the gastronomy sector, we're seeing multiple new openings in the city center. This sends a strong signal and shows that Neuwied is an attractive location," explains City Manager Michaela Ullrich. New establishments like Mokka help enhance the quality of stay, foster diversity, and further revitalize the city center.
