Today we’d like to introduce you to Hamasa and Atiq (her father) Ebadi
Hi Hamasa and Atiq (her father), thanks for joining us today.
Spring Cafe was born from my family’s shared passion for health, science, and authentic Kabuli Afghan cuisine. My parents are both physicians, and I’m a neuroscientist, so we’ve always believed that what we eat profoundly impacts both body and mind. Growing up, my father cooked traditional Kabuli Afghan dishes using recipes that have been passed down through generations. At home, that belief was reflected in the way we cooked using fresh herbs, whole ingredients, and traditional recipes that were as nourishing as they were flavorful.
When we decided to open Spring Cafe, our goal was to share those recipes and that philosophy with our community: to offer authentic Afghan food made with care, rooted in health, and filled with warmth. We opened our doors in Hampden in 2020, during one of the most uncertain times, but the response from the community was incredible. What started as a small family project quickly became a space where people come not only to eat, but to connect, learn about about different cultures, and feel at home. Today, Spring Cafe continues to reflect our roots ; a place where authenticity, health, and hospitality come together in every dish.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. We opened Spring Cafe right as the world was shutting down in 2020. At a time when everything felt uncertain, we wanted to give people a sense of comfort and hope. For us, food has always been about healing and connection, so even though we couldn’t welcome guests in the way we imagined, we knew that sharing warm, nourishing meals could still bring a bit of light to people’s days.
Opening during COVID wasn’t easy, we had to rethink how to reach people safely and find creative ways to share our story and culture. But the Hampden community’s response was incredible. Neighbors who had never tried Afghan food before reached out, supported us, and told us how much it meant to have something uplifting and new during such a difficult time.
Those early days reminded us that Spring Cafe was never just about food; it was about bringing people together, even when we had to stay apart. That purpose has continued to guide us ever since.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Spring Cafe is a family-owned Afghan cafe built on the idea that food can be both deeply authentic and genuinely nourishing. We specialize in traditional dishes from Kabul; recipes that have been passed down through generations in my family. My father has always been the heart of our kitchen, cooking the same meals he grew up with, like Kabuli Palau, Kabul Chaynaki, mantoo dumplings, and our signature teas, all made with fresh herbs and whole ingredients.
What makes Spring Cafe unique is how we combine that authenticity with a focus on health and mindfulness. Both of my parents are physicians, and I’m a neuroscientist, so the connection between food, body, and mind has always guided our approach. Every dish honors Afghan tradition while being prepared in a way that supports balance and well-being.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that people see Spring Cafe as more than just a restaurant. It’s a space where Baltimore locals and visitors can slow down, feel at home, and experience the culture through food, hospitality, and community. Our goal has always been to make each meal feel like it was cooked for you by family; comforting, honest, and made with love.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep growing Spring Cafe in ways that deepen our connection with the community while staying true to our roots. Our focus has always been on serving authentic dishes from Kabul that are both healthy and comforting, and we want to continue expanding that experience. We’re planning to introduce new seasonal menu items, more teas, and community events that bring people together to celebrate cultures through food, music, and storytelling.
One of the things we’re most excited about is hosting music nights; evenings filled with live music and warm hospitality, giving guests a chance to enjoy not just the flavors but also the rhythm and spirit of our Kabuli culture. Most of all, we look forward to continuing to grow not just as a business, but as a place of hope, connection, and cultural celebration in Baltimore.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.springcafebaltimore.com/
- Instagram: @springcafe900
