Asian-Owned Coffee Shops Brewing Community In LA

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Asian-Owned Coffee Shops Brewing Community In LA

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Take a look inside some of the best Asian-owned cafes that are bringing community and culture to Los Angeles. 

Los Angeles is home to many things. Hollywood glamour, perfect weather, and some of the most vibrant Asian-owned coffee shops where culture and community meet.

Starting with Nook Coffee Bar in Torrance, the best cafe to get craft coffee in a place that feels like home. This welcoming space was founded in 2018 by Edward Kim, Chris Lee, and David Choi with a dream of serving high quality coffee in a cafe where people can feel comfortable. Their menu wasn’t inspired by trends, but classic everyday coffee that would keep regulars coming back.

If you head over to Downtown LA, there’s Tilt Coffee Bar. This cafe was founded by Kyuho Choi, a three time World Latte Art Championship competitor, and his partner, architect and designer, Suk Hong. Together, they wanted to combine craft coffee with a modern edge and they clearly deliver that in every drink. With precise pours, stunning designs, and Instagram-worthy aesthetics, Tilt is the perfect place to start your morning.

Just a few miles away is Damo Tea House, a Korean-owned hot spot that has become a popular place that’s bringing Seoul’s coffee culture to Los Angeles. This cafe is known for its Korean-style drinks and minimal aesthetic that has visitors driving from miles away to get their fix. DAMO uses porcelain teacups and tea bowls to serve their drinks and they also have a selection of traditional Korean snacks and desserts that pair nicely with their coffee and tea.

Finally, also in Koreatown is Stagger Coffee. Friends and owners, Marc, Olivia, and Jae, knew exactly how to make a cafe feel authentic. They describe Stagger as “a place built for the neighborhood, by the neighborhood” and this is conveyed as soon as you take that first step inside. Since matcha has snuck its way into nearly everyone’s daily routine, Stagger has been able to build a cult following with their signatures.

The next time you’re getting ready to grab your morning caffeine, skip the chains and sip at one of these Asian-owned cafes that are making Los Angeles’s coffee scene outstanding.