The story behind the Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe
When four Afghan sisters: Bahar, Khatera, Narges and Homeyra Shams, immigrated to the United States, they carried more than memories of their homeland; they brought a dream of sharing Afghanistan’s warmth with Boise. The sisters spent their early years in Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey and immigrated so their father could ensure they received an education. Years later, Bahar proposed opening a café that would honour the saffron spice Afghanistan is famous for. She chose the nickname “sunshine spice” for saffron, and Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe was born.
Each sister brings her own talent to the cafe. Bahar is the founder and lead baker; she researches recipes, bakes pastries and even sources saffron directly from Afghan farmers. Khatera manages the kitchen and serves as head barista, transforming Bahar’s recipes into beautifully crafted baked goods and lattes. She was even recognised as a 2022 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Baker. Narges prepares the breakfast and lunch menu, bakes pastries and is an accomplished artist whose work decorates the cafe. Homeyra uses her degrees in criminal justice and visual arts to manage the front of house, curate art displays and craft jewellery. Together these sisters have created an inviting “sun café” that introduces Boise to Afghan hospitality.
A fusion menu inspired by saffron and Afghan heritage
More than a coffee shop, Sunshine Spice serves a menu that combines Middle Eastern flavours with American café staples. Saffron threads weave through many offerings: pastries, puddings, cookies and even coffee and tea drinks. You can taste traditional Afghan breads and pastries while enjoying familiar espresso drinks; a far cry from corporate coffee houses in Boise.
One of the stars of the breakfast menu is Avocado Toast. Their twist on this dish features smashed avocado and a runny fried egg layered on a slab of Afghan bread (nan‐e Afghani), the same bread pictured below. The bread is chewy and lightly salted with nigella seeds and sesame, providing a rustic counterpoint to the creamy avocado. It’s a simple yet luxurious dish that exemplifies Sunshine Spice’s ability to elevate familiar “sunshine soul‑food” into something memorable.
The drink menu reads like a spice cabinet. There’s a Pistachio Latte, a nutty espresso drink perfumed with saffron and garnished with crushed pistachios; a Raspberry Latte, which balances the sweetness of raspberry syrup with rich espresso; and even a saffron latte and green tea options. If you’re used to the predictable menus at downtown Boise coffee shops, these beverages provide a welcome change.
The cafe also offers savory dumplings, salads and soups that fuse Middle Eastern and American traditions, making it a worthy stop for breakfast in downtown Boise (or Fairview avenue).
Bakery items worth tasting
Sunshine Spice may be classified among coffee houses in Boise, but it’s the bakery case that steals the show. Pastries are made daily and many incorporate saffron, cardamom or nuts. Highlights include:
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Pistachio Baklava | A flaky, honey‑soaked pastry layered with crushed pistachios and drizzled with saffron syrup. It’s buttery yet light and pairs beautifully with a Pistachio Latte. |
| Orange Marmalade Pistachio Cake | A delicate loaf studded with pistachios and glazed with sweet orange marmalade. The crunchy pistachio topping gives each bite a welcome texture. |
| Nutella Roll | A buttery, laminated dough swirled with Nutella and sprinkled with sesame seeds. It’s less sweet than you’d expect, allowing the nutty chocolate spread to shine. |
| Orange Marmalade Almond Cake | Similar to its pistachio counterpart but topped with sliced almonds; the orange glaze keeps the crumb moist. |
| Potato Bread & Cheese Bread | Savoury breads topped with cheese or potatoes and sesame seeds – perfect for pairing with soup or enjoying on their own. |
| Black Olive Poppyseed Bagel | A ring‑shaped, braided bread coated in poppy seeds and flavoured with black olives. It’s chewy and makes an excellent base for sandwiches. |
Even the Afghan bread (featured in the Avocado Toast) deserves mention. It’s seasoned with nigella seed and has a crisp, golden crust over a pillowy interior – far more flavourful than most commercial breads.
Why Sunshine Spice stands out
Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe manages to feel simultaneously like a sugar & spice bakery and a coffee shop in Boise. Its warm interior doubles as an art gallery, with pieces by Narges and other local artists adorning the walls. The sisters’ personal touches and commitment to using saffron honour their Afghan heritage while delivering something wholly new to Idaho. In a city filled with chain coffeehouses and breakfast diners like Moon’s Kitchen Cafe, Sunshine Spice offers a unique alternative.
For travellers hunting for the best Boise coffee shops downtown or locals seeking a memorable brunch spot, this Afghan‑inspired cafe is a must‑visit. Whether you’re sipping a Pistachio Latte, indulging in a Pistachio Baklava or enjoying Avocado Toast on Afghan bread, Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe lives up to its name; it brings a little sunshine to every plate.
