Kaafi by Chaiguy

Cafe · Central Harlem ·

Kaafi by Chaiguy

Cafe · Central Harlem ·

Chai blends, butter chicken naanwiches, samosas, pastries

Information

171 Lenox Ave, New York, NY 10026 Get directions

$10–20

@infatuation

132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

The Best NYC Coffee Shops With Wifi For Getting Work Done - New York - The Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/coffee-shops-nyc-for-doing-work

Kaafi by Chaiguy

@infatuation

132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

Kaafi by Chaiguy - Review - Harlem - New York - The Infatuation

"If the words Coke Studio evoke anything for you, you’re going to love Kaafi. At the Harlem chai and coffee shop, a framed TV plays music from the beloved, long-running Pakistani show. Even if you’ve never heard of it (ask a South Asian friend), it’s worth stopping by Kaafi for a cup of coffee or one of their four chai varieties. And if you’ve never tried Kashmiri noon chai, which is slightly pink thanks to the addition of baking soda, get that one first and ask them to make it not too sweet. photo credit: Sonal Shah Kaafi can get crowded with folks eating butter chicken naanwiches and beet pakoras around lunchtime. So come early to plug in your laptop, and nibble on a homemade rusk or some carrot cake that also tastes like carrot halwa. The other option is to arrive late—this spot is open from 7am-10pm every day, and there are plenty of Columbia students migrating across Morningside Park to take advantage of that fact. photo credit: Sonal Shah" - Sonal Shah

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/kaafi

Sonal Shah

Kaafi by Chaiguy

@infatuation

132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

NYC’s New Restaurant Openings

"If you’re looking for chai and pastries in Harlem, Kaafi has both. The cafe is from a guy who calls himself a Chai Guy and is behind another spot called Alif Cafe, with locations in Glen Falls and Lake George. They’re in a soft opening right now, so check their Instagram for updates." - will hartman

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/new-nyc-restaurants-openings

Kaafi by Chaiguy

Skeeb K.

Google

Kaafi by Chaiguy is such a gem in New York. We tried the butter chicken sandwiches, cheese samosas, shredded chicken samosas, and aloo samosas—and every single item was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. The butter chicken sandwich was rich and comforting, and the samosas were crispy on the outside with delicious fillings that didn’t disappoint. We also ordered the brown sugar chai and got it in two pots, which was such a nice touch. The chai was smooth, aromatic, and honestly one of the best I’ve had—perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. What really elevated the experience was Muneeb. He was incredibly kind, welcoming, and took the time to talk to us about his journey and explain the meaning behind each of the art pieces on the walls. That personal connection and storytelling made the space feel warm, intentional, and memorable. Service was easily 10/10, and the overall vibe was cozy, creative, and inviting. Definitely a place you can tell is run with passion and heart. Will absolutely be coming back again.

Jean N.

Google

Came on a late sunday afternoon, super popular with the local community for a cup of chai or pick me up Pakistani hot street snack. Only a barista and a guy in the kitchen prepping food, so its a little wait, chill vibe not a place you wanna come if you are in a rush. More seatings next room. Chai is good but not so much for coffee.

Jane A.

Google

Really cool little spot in the local community for a warm cup of chai or a quick Pakistani street snack. Came on a late Sunday afternoon and it was pretty popular. Only a barista and one guy in the kitchen so there is a little wait but the vibe is super chill and relaxed, not a place to rush. They have more seating in the next room which is nice. Great experience if you want something cozy and authentic 👍

Shah S.

Google

Wonderful Cafe serving variety of teas & coffee with delicious appetizers. Nice seating to spend time chatting or reading. Easily reachable through subway or local transport. Great experience 👍 We had cake risks, samosa chaat & pakoda.

V W

Google

The chai here meets the hype! I’ve tried all of them, they’re all so good. My personal favorite is the masala chai. I usually order the kheer (nostalgia from my childhood) but I recently got the carrot ginger gajar cake and WOW! It’s so flavorful, moist, and pairs perfectly with the chai. I’ve also enjoyed their samosas and aloo paratha. This place does not disappoint!

Gareth R.

Google

We have a latte, chai, 3 different samosas, lamb gosht, and the butter chicken. All of it was amazing. We will definitely be back. My only complaint, the coffee was too hot, but I prefer that to lukewarm which is how most coffee shops serve coffee.

Yasmine M.

Google

Today was my first time visiting Kaafi, and I love this coffeehouse! The team is gracious and the vibe is right. I tried the Kashmiri Chai, a Keema pastry plus a cheese samosa, and all were delicious. This is a great place to work remotely or catch up with a friend, so I plan on coming here several times a month!

Eli B.

Google

Overall, rather odd experience. Went in for my first time and had a great conversation with the owner. I love Pakistani food and did not realize there was a place in my neighborhood. I ordered several things off the menu, including the chicken and lamb sandwich things. I went home so excited to dig in and “homeopathic” is the best adjective I have to describe the taste, and not in the medicinal sense. The food was frankly bland and scant. One side of the sandwich had one piece of chicken enclosed and the other was almost as rough. Samosas were okay but generally underwhelmed. Wish I had been at least whelmed. Went back to speak to the owner. As a business owner feedback from a customer who wants to talk is a gift and dude basically blew me off and said write a review so here we are. Update Really tried to try again. Got a slice of the coconut rose cake. Bland and hard/stale.