NYC’s Asian Cafes Are On Another Level
By Kelli Luu | 24 May, 2026

Asian-owned coffee shops in New York City are becoming cultural staples offering far more than just crafted beverages.

There is no shortage of coffee shops in New York City and some of the most unique spots are run by Asian owners bringing their own traditions to the coffee scene. 

Starting off in the East Village, Hi-Collar is one of the most popular Japanese-inspired cafes in New York City. This cafe brings Japan’s “kissaten” coffee culture to the city and is a part of restaurateur Bon Yagi’s restaurant group, which has been known for reshaping New York’s dining scene. Hi-Collar is known for its siphon coffee and omurice and visiting feels like stepping into a Tokyo hideaway. 

If you’re a fan of Vietnamese coffee, Lê Phin centers itself around the traditional Vietnamese phin filter, which is a slow-drip brewing method. This cafe was founded by husband-and-wife Kim Lê and Dan Nguyen and Lê Phin keeps their customers coming back for egg coffee and pandan lattes that are served in a cozy, sunlit space. 

Over in Chinatown is Koré Coffee, founded by NK Kim after noticing a lack of Korean culinary representation in the city. Koré focuses on its aesthetics and the design of the space itself, creating more of a lifestyle concept than a traditional coffee shop. The cafe gained attention for its clean branding, modern Korean atmosphere, and carefully crafted drinks. 

Another Chinatown stop is Kam Hing Coffee Shop, an old-school staple that opened decades ago on Bayard Street. Kam Hing’s sponge cakes became a cultural icon in Chinatown and is still one of the neighborhood's most recognizable desserts. Kam Hing represents an earlier generation of Chinese immigrant businesses that has always prioritized affordability and consistency, which is why people still line up outside today. 

Lastly, there’s Bibble & Sip, opened by chef Gary Chan in 2014 in Midtown. Bibble & Sip is one of the first Asian cafes to break into the viral New York City food culture during the time matcha desserts were beginning to become relevant in the U.S. This cafe went viral for its matcha cream puffs and other Asian-inspired pastries, as well their Alpaca branding that brings in many younger customers and tourists.