Nestled in the winding and picturesque alleys of the old city of Kashgar (Xinjiang), lies a cozy and unique cafe called “Dili and Diya”. This cafe intoxicates the taste buds of each customer with its intensely aromatic drinks, but it is also renowned for the international love story behind its name. Shopkeepers and locals will tell you that a young Uyghur man and his African wife sell coffee on this street, sharing their anecdotes with tourists. Passed down by word of mouth, this story has become a legend of the old city.
The name of this cafe is formed by the names of the international couple Dilixati Turxun, a young man from Kashgar and Haidiya, a young woman from Tanzania. Haidiya came to study at Fujian Medical University in 2012, and Dilixati was admitted to Fuzhou University the following year. Their story began during their studies. In 2020, they got married in Kashgar. In 2022, they quit their jobs in Fuzhou and returned to Kashgar to start their business, giving birth to this cafe full of love and dreams, as well as a lovely baby.
Storefront of Dili and Diya Cafe
Dili and Diya Cafe is located on Wusitangboyi Street. The simple decoration of the shop perfectly matches the style of the old town. The wooden pediment is engraved with the couple’s names, and a photo of their wedding is hung on the small blue door, creating a warm and artistic atmosphere. Upon entering the cafe, one discovers a skillful fusion of Chinese and Tanzanian cultural elements, and feels like they are at the crossroads of two countries. The coffee beans come from Haidiya’s hometown in Tanzania, while the fresh milk is supplied by farmers in Kashgar. Inside the cafe, one can watch Haidiya teaching the employees the techniques of grinding and brewing coffee. Each step is carried out with care and precision, allowing customers to enjoy a cup of coffee with a rich and authentic aroma, leaving an unforgettable taste in the mouth.
Haidiya not only has a unique taste for coffee beans, but also a passion for different coffee varieties. Thus, a range of carefully selected African coffee beans and special drinks can be offered. High-quality coffee has become the brand’s trademark. In addition, local products as well as African handicrafts are also available, giving customers a wider choice.
The decoration of the cafe reflects the fusion of Chinese and African cultures.
For Dilixati and Haidiya, owning their own cafe was a shared dream. During peak tourist season, Kashgar’s Old Town welcomes over 50,000 visitors a day, and their cafe sells hundreds of cups daily. Today, their dream has not only come true, but it is also thriving, which fills the couple with pride. They hope that this cafe will serve as a bridge, transmitting Chinese and Tanzanian cultures through delicious coffee, exquisite crafts, and their presence, allowing the seeds of cultural exchange to take root.
Dilixati and Haidiya’s son plays with another child in the cafe.
Over time, Dili and Diya Cafe has become a must-see in Kashgar’s old town, frequently appearing on social media and travel sites. Tourists come from far and wide, not only to enjoy coffee with Sino-African flavors, but also to be touched by this love story that transcends borders. Haidiya speaks six languages, including Swahili, Chinese, English, Hindi and Urdu, which allows her to communicate easily with customers from all over the world. When there are many customers, she sometimes takes the microphone to sing Tanzanian folk songs. Her smile and voice then become an enchanting sight, while Dilixati always stays by her side, tenderly watching over Haidiya and their child, sharing their happiness with passersby.
Haidiya sings a Tanzanian folk song to tourists, while her husband, Dilixati, holds their adorable child next to her.PHOTOS: YU XIANGJUN)
With the rise of coffee’s popularity, Dilixati is exploring the possibility of expanding his business by using methods such as live streaming to sell more quality African coffee beans in Kashgar and across the country, while promoting Kashgar’s products in Africa and around the world. In this charming land of Kashgar’s old city, this coffee shop will thrive over time, just like the love of the couple who own it.
The old town is a testament to Kashgar’s prosperity and the rapid changes in the border region. Today, many other cafes like Dili and Diya have set up shop there. The owners come from different ethnicities, different regions, with different backgrounds and customs, but they all share the same resilience and goals. They are relentlessly fighting for a better life. Their busy silhouettes reflect the lively profile of today’s Kashgar. The vibrant stories of ordinary people like theirs form a moving chapter of a better life.
