Lydiah’s Coffee House

Despite having «Coffee House» in its name, I haven’t tried the coffee here. Mainly because I don’t drink much coffee. However, let me tell you about the food. It is my understanding that the owner is Kenyan and she serves Kenyan food for lunch. She serves a different food «special» each day of the week, which I wish I could say I’ve tried all the specials. Sadly, I’ve only tried the curry chicken and curry beef stew. They were both very comforting, flavorful, tender and delicious. She has a very nice touch with the spices where it’s just right: not too spicy but not bland whatsoever. All the food dishes are made from scratch in-​house each day. I also came to learn that she makes the ginger beer as well, not the canned or bottled stuff. The ginger beer is sweet, slightly spicy, but so refreshing alongside a comforting curry meal.
I definitely plan on coming here to try all her offerings when the weather is warm, since the location is a bit on the outskirts of downtown and it’s a bit of a walk for me. Another thing to note is that the food is mainly for take-​out and there is not much seating here. She has one stool for the counter and that’s it. Take-​out or not, the food here is definitely worth a try if you’re looking to try something new and different for lunch.

Fantastic! A really unusual gem in an area starved for non sandwich/​salad items. As previous users have mentioned, selection is limited, but always spot on and Vegan friendly. The doughnuts/​mandazi are are temporary hold right now, but hopefully will be back on track soon. The woman who works there is one of the nicest people in the world, and I have a selfish interest in making sure the place stays in business, it’s the best lunch I’ve had in ages.

It’s pretty much just takeout, but everything I’ve ever had here has been great. The owner’s are very friendly and I always enjoy trying the different things she has on the menu. The Thursday special with Curry spaghetti and beef ribs is pretty incredible, but so its pretty much everything you can get there.

Just tried Lydiah’s for the first time. Delicious healthy comfort food! I ordered a «small» plate of today’s special — it was enough for at least 2 meals. Very nice atmosphere — simple and clean. I’ll definitely be back.

Honestly the best consistent cup of coffee in the area. Beats out Starbucks line and crazy mochas taste.

Great addition to downtown! Every Monday, she has traditional Kenyan food– like curried goat and the mush-​like side that accompanies. the curry spaghetti is nothing special, but the ribs are amazing. Lydiah is friendly and eager to answer questions. A little pricy but worth a try.

The coffee is not for the faint of heart. Strong without being too bitter. Very reasonably priced! I inquired about the delicious-​looking triangular pastry in the case, and Lydiah described it as being similar to a funnel cake. (Found out later it’s called mandazi.) I got one to go with my large coffee, and, oh! It did not disappoint! It’s fried to perfection. Not greasy, not too sweet. Chewy, delightful companion to my coffee. One day I’ll come back for the meal as well, as I’m sure it will be good.

I had the Friday meal. It was tilapia, beans, something else, and rice. It was delicious. I haven’t had any of the other meals, but I plan to soon. The beans and the other side were spicy, but not too spicy. It was $ 8.50 plus tax I believe.

Awesome little place, that I stumbled into by accident. Lydia is cooking a different meal every day if you fancy more than a coffee or a home made snack. She and her husband are really friendly and the espresso is great!

Read a post gazette review and decided to try this little place for lunch. I understand the owner is Kenyan and I’m by no means an expert, but I thought it was quite tasty. Had the Tilapia came with rice and a side — it was an insanely huge lunch for like $ 7. I was just sad they were out of samosas when I got there.
I really hope this place does well. The lunch options around that part of downtown get boring FAST and this is a nice addition.

Very friendly. I have stopped in once for a cup of coffee. The smell inside was amazing. They cook one lunch a day and on this day it was stew, and if it weren’t 95 degrees out on this particular day I would have had a bowl.
They also have pastries that I have never heard of before. I asked about the one and it is some type of doughnut, they gave me a free sample and now I’m scared that I’m going to get fat because it was so delicious and I have to walk by this place two or three mornings a week.