Lê Phin

https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-cafe-coffee-shop-new-york-city-brooklyn-queens

The Best Coffee Shops in NYC, According to Eater Editors | Eater NY

"Named after the instrument used to brew coffee in Vietnam, Lê Phin opened last year. Find Vietnamese iced coffee, Vietnamese-style brewed hot coffee, as well as lattes that use culturally relevant ingredients like pandan and black sesame. The small, sunny storefront has a few seats inside." - Melissa McCart

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/nyc-asian-owned-coffee-tea-shops-cafes

15 Great Asian-Owned Coffee And Tea Shops In NYC

"Cute" is the first word that will come to mind as soon as you step inside Lê Phin in the East Village. The small space with white brick walls is filled with light wood furniture and fresh flowers, and when it's sunny out, this place gets a ton of natural light. Owner Kim Lê, who grew up in Vietnam, worked as a professional coffee quality grader before opening this cafe, which unsurprisingly features phin-brewed coffee. Get a hot or cold latte with house-made pandan syrup along with a croissant, blueberry muffin, or scone. Once you get your order from the friendly staff, you'll probably see at least one person pecking away on their laptop as they attempt to write the next great (or just OK) American novel." - esther cho, with warm welcome, kenny yang

https://ny.eater.com/2022/5/18/23075011/forsyth-fire-escape-burrito-opening-olly-olly-market

Buzzy Scallion Pancake Burrito Pop-Up Forsyth Fire Escape Is Opening Its Own Spot in a New Manhattan Food Hall - Eater NY

"On Sunday, May 22, Thao Bui, a longtime former employee of Beyond Sushi, is bringing her Vietnamese cooking to Le Phin, under the name Ăn Xôi." - Emma Orlow

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/le-phin

Lê Phin - Review - East Village - New York - The Infatuation

https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-cafe-coffee-shop-new-york-city-brooklyn-queens

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A compact East Village cafe spotlighting Vietnamese phin brews plus pandan and black sesame lattes. Featured on Eater NY’s coffee map, it’s a thoughtful, modern take on Vietnamese coffee traditions with a neighborhood following.

Best Coffee Shops in New York

Kien Nguyen

Google

Lê Phin is an absolute haven in the East Village. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by friendly baristas who make you feel right at home. The space is cozy yet bright, with sunlight pouring through the windows—perfect for a slow afternoon. It’s an ideal spot to curl up with a book and unwind. The coffee here is nothing short of a treat, with each cup crafted with care. Their pandan latte is easily the best in town—creamy, fragrant, and totally addictive. If you’re into matcha, the pandan matcha strikes a beautiful balance of earthiness and sweetness. Don’t skip the honeycomb cake either; it’s soft, chewy, and pairs perfectly with your drink. The atmosphere strikes a rare mix of calm and character. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix or a quiet nook, Lê Phin delivers every time !!!

Mohammed Alsalman

Google

It was one of those aimless afternoons in the East Village when I stumbled upon Lê Phin, tucked quietly along E 10th Street. The kind of spot you might pass without noticing—until the warm, amber glow inside catches your eye and slows your step. The space is intimate, beautifully composed, and deliberate in its aesthetic. A harmony of soft wood, textured walls, and clean lines that makes you want to linger. There’s a quiet coziness here that feels equally suited for a solitary hour with a book or a quiet exchange with a friend. I ordered an iced latte and a chai danish. The latte was straightforward and well-balanced, the kind of drink that doesn’t try to impress yet lands exactly where it should. The chai danish, on the other hand, was a small indulgence—flaky, aromatic, and spiced just enough to feel both familiar and slightly exotic. Service matched the tone of the place—calm, attentive, and without rush. Stella and Danielle were behind the counter that day, each bringing a gentle warmth to the exchange. It’s a small detail, but in a city where transactions often blur, their quiet attentiveness stood out. Lê Phin may not demand your attention, but it rewards it. A little haven for a quick coffee, a few emails, or simply watching the world turn slowly outside its window.

3amonmondaynight

Google

Le Phin is a hidden gem for anyone curious about Vietnamese coffee culture. I had a great experience trying different styles of Vietnamese coffee—something I didn’t even realize had so much variety until I visited this place. The shop itself is small and cozy, with just a few seats, creating a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. I tried the Vietnamese Iced Coffee and the Pandan Latte, and both were absolutely amazing. The flavors were smooth and well-balanced—not overly strong—making the drinks feel almost like a dessert. The barista was friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall pleasant vibe. If you're looking to explore Vietnamese coffee beyond the basics, Le Phin is definitely worth a visit.

Olga NYC

Google

Such a cute and cozy café! The matcha was delicious, and the honeycomb cake with pandan leaf had a unique and interesting texture and flavor. We’ll definitely be back to try their Vietnamese coffee and sample more of their desserts. The only downside was that it was a bit tricky to find a seat, as the seating area is quite limited.

Marie U

Google

I stumbled across this cute Vietnamese coffee shop and my great find for the day. They use a different brewing method called Phin, which was interesting to see. I tried the iced latte with pandan syrup—the pandan flavor was subtle since the coffee is strong, but it was still good. Also had the iced PHO latte, which was very easy to drink. The staff was really nice—when they saw me taking a picture of the Phin setup, they even prepped it without me asking to make it look picture-ready. I’ll definitely drop by again when I’m in the neighborhood to try other drinks and sit by the cute window seat setup.

Mary Stewart

Google

Super cute, small coffee shop! I got the pandan iced latte and it was delicious. The staff was super friendly and helpful. There were not a lot of seating options, and they were all taken, so I popped into a very cute Japanese stationary store that was just a few stores down, worth a stop if you’re in the area!

Ngan Tokieu

Google

Lê Phin is a rare and refreshing take on what a modern Vietnamese café can be. Nestled in the East Village, it brings a thoughtful and deeply authentic approach to Vietnamese coffee culture. At the heart of the experience is the traditional Phin brewing method—slow, deliberate, and full of character. The owner’s dedication to preserving and elevating this technique is evident in every cup served. It’s not just coffee here; it’s a ritual, a quiet moment of pause in the midst of New York’s chaos. What truly sets Lê Phin apart is its flavor-forward, Vietnamese-inspired latte menu. The pandan latte is a house favorite—rich, creamy, and subtly floral. The Sau-mericano, made from fermented dracontomelon (or quả sấu), adds a tangy, refreshing twist you won't find anywhere else. Then there’s the lotus seed latte, delicate and nutty, like a warm hug in a cup. Each drink is a beautiful fusion of tradition and innovation, paying homage to Vietnamese roots while speaking to the modern palate. The café itself is a haven—quaint, sun-drenched, and filled with peaceful energy. It feels like a quiet corner in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where time slows and conversations flow. The wooden details, soft music, and warm lighting create an atmosphere that invites you to stay, to read, to reflect. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick caffeine fix or spending a lazy afternoon with a book, the space accommodates both. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, always eager to share the stories behind the drinks. There’s a clear sense of pride in what they do, and it shows in the consistency and care of each pour. Beyond the drinks, the honeycomb cake is a must—chewy, golden, and perfectly sweet. It’s the kind of café that turns first-timers into regulars. Lê Phin isn’t trying to mimic trends—it’s creating its own lane, rooted in culture, flavor, and heart. For anyone looking to experience Vietnamese coffee done right, this is the place to be.

Mia Huynh

Google

This East Village gem is a cute cafe serving Vietnamese coffee. The inside of the shop is a bit small, with minimal seating/work space. But! They do have free wi-fi if you did want to work (just note that it might be hard to get a table). Service here was quick and they also serve some small pastries for you to enjoy with your drink. I got the pandan matcha and thought that it was delicious. You rarely see pandan served in NYC, and I appreciate how fragrant it was in this drink. Would love to come back next time I'm in the area!

Emily G.

Yelp

Good service here and great coffee! The staff is friendly despite how crowded it was! I ordered the pandan matcha with macadamian milk! Never had that milk substitution before but it tasted good! Be warned it is a very small shop. It's great that they offer free wifi, but I personally wouldn't want to do my work with a laptop here. I came at 3:30pm on a Saturday, which I'd consider late for a coffee, and there was a line out the door and no free seats to be seen. Due to all the people with laptops, it's even a tighter squeeze for those waiting in a single file line to order (the aisle between the door and register is narrow that it can only fit the width of one person). Thankfully Le Phin is efficient and speedily handed out orders! And the cafe inside is decorated quite cute and nice.

Jessica Y.

Yelp

I was excited to find coffee shop serving Vietnamese coffee, so of course we had to stop by after lunch. We ordered the P.H.O latte (phin, honey, oat milk) and pandan latte. The P.H.O latte was tasty, but I think next time I would just prefer a phin brewed coffee since I thought the oat milk took away some of the kick of the phin. I love pandan and the latte was quite tasty with a pretty strong pandan flavor. There is limited seating inside and it can get busy, but definitely cute and cozy vibes. I think if I come back, I'll try their Vietnamese iced coffee or get the pandan latte again!

Evan N.

Yelp

This Vietnamese coffee shop is so cute on an already cute street. The inside is stunning and even has an area to sit relax without shoes in the window to really get a relaxing experience. The coffee is unique as it's Vietnamese inspired and all the flavors show that as well. The coffee itself was decent, the phin brewed coffee was a little weak but I enjoyed the subtleties of the iced pandan latte! Please give this place a visit for its unique experience!

Salar R.

Yelp

Building off of another review that I saw.... Very little flavor and difficult to taste. It's not that great either

Jessica H.

Yelp

Small and quaint on the inside. Just rating a 3/5 because I got their Ca phe sua da, which was a good portion for the price but lacked the flavor for it. Cashier was nice but whoever made it didn't really take their time to create the drink as it should be. Heard their matcha is good so will definitely come back on another day to try that it!

Christina S.

Yelp

Super cute coffee shop in East Village! There's plenty of indoor and outdoor space to chat with friends, work remote, or just vibe. Definitely recommend coming and trying a sweet potato latte or Vietnamese iced coffee.

Alex H.

Yelp

Le Phin in the East Village is a Vietnamese coffee shop serving strong coffee and adorable and tasty pastries. We came for a morning coffee date and ordered the Vietnamese iced coffee and Phin Brew along with an adorable bear cookie and matcha loaf. The coffee was super strong but but smooth thanks to the inclusion of condensed milk. The pastries were nothing to sneeze at either with the sweet, cuteness-aggression inspiring bear cookie complementing the sweetened coffee and the matcha loaf bursting with quality matcha powder flavor. This is one of our favorite new coffee shops we've tried and can't wait to come back

Michael C.

Yelp

I came here with a few friends to catch up over coffee. The indoor seating area is quite small, but they have a larger area outside that is kept pretty well-maintained. Service is really friendly; they realized we were sitting outside, so brought our drinks out for us! I got the pandan latte, and it was great. I find a lot of pandan flavored desserts and drinks to not be strong enough in pandan flavor, but this definitely didn't have that. Very pandan forward, almost a bit too much in that the coffee flavor wasn't allowed to shine. It was also a bit milky for. Overall, still a really delicious drink! I will definitely be back to try some of their lattes!

Michelle C.

Yelp

Le Phin has a gorgeous, albeit tight space with lots of people with laptops. I really loved how creative their drinks were-- some of their season specials included a lotus seed latte and a sau-mericano, which features dracontomelon, a fruit that is rarely featured around these parts. I opted for their classic cà phê sua dá ($6.50), which was so smooth and an absolute treat to drink. I would prefer a more robust roast, but the iced coffee was like velvet on my tongue so I don't have much to complain about. There was also a small baked goods section featuring a mix of viennoiserie and classic Vietnamese desserts like a pandan honeycomb cake.

Colleen M.

Yelp

Listen, I get that there are only a handful of places in nyc that make a great matcha latte, and probably fewer that execute a great pandan drink. Granted, we've been spoiled by pretty amazing pandan, matcha, and pandan/matcha drinks throughout California... ...But I did not expect my pandan matcha latte to come out as a pale green milk that possessed genuinely zero flavor. My husband and I tried our hardest to taste remnants of anything remotely matcha or pandan but all we could get was whole milk. After a few moments, we were so disappointed we just tossed it - we had no desire to drink a cup of just whole milk. We were a few steps away when we got to trying our drink; it was crowded inside. The spot itself is cutely decorated, quaint, and has a few seats (~12-14 seats inside). Half our friends have raved about their drinks here and the other half have had similar experiences to ours. Luck of the draw? For $8 this was just ridiculous (the drink is $6 and we tipped $2) - and while I'm hoping their Vietnamese coffee is far better, this was such a letdown that we're just not coming back.

Jen S.

Yelp

I love that this place is a coffee shop dedicated to spreading the "ca phe sua da" love. The service is great and staff is very friendly and informative. The place is small, has a sunny and bright vibe, and is super busy with a line going out the door. There is some seating but expect most of the seats to be occupied on a summer Sunday morning/afternoon. I ordered the viet iced coffee and was surprised at how quickly it was prepared. It didn't taste as bitter as usual viet iced coffees but still had that condensed milk sweetness nonetheless. My friend opted to try the p.h.o latte which was underwhelming compared to the viet iced coffee. I highly recommend the viet iced coffee (I'm not adventurous enough to try the pandan yet but ... one day) and save the p.h.o latte for days you don't bring lactaid.

Jennifer L.

Yelp

A small, warm-toned, homey vietnamese cafe in the east village is the perfect morning hideaway. the barista who served me was full of sunshine like the interior & she recommended me the matcha pandan latte which was subtly sweet & very tasty. come early to get the window seat and relax with their calming music playing in the background Featured: matcha pandan latte 10/10 WiFi: yes Restroom: no Outlets: yes

Connie C.

Yelp

What a cute little Vietnamese coffee shop! I think I have been seeing a few Pandan Latte spots sprouting in the city now. This place focuses mainly on Vietnamese coffee, which is a nice touch. I'd like to come back to try that. I did try the Pandan Matcha Latte and thought it was great. Maybe a touch too sweet but the pandan and matcha flavor did prevail; that was what I was looking for. I would probably skip out on the Black Sesame Latte. Maybe it would taste better as a hot drink? This was my first time trying it iced. The balance was off. Stop by if youre in the EV!

Stephanie C.

Yelp

Wow. Gotta echo the others - new favorite coffee shop in NY. Very small space but people are coming and going so if you're able to wait a bit, you should be able to get a seat. Safer to come early or after people dip out for lunch. I got the Pandan Matcha Latte and thought it was perfectly made - I love matcha, and the Pandan touch was a great addition. Not too sweet either! The seat near the window is so cute. Beautifully decorated and staff is so friendly. Good for a little work sesh, and plenty of outlets (just no bathroom).

Connie G.

Yelp

I love this cafe! I went on a sunny afternoon to get some work done. The cafe is tiny and seating is limited inside (there is an outdoor seating area) but it gets really good sunlight and it's super cozy. There was wifi but no bathrooms. I got the pandan latte, which was really good. The espresso was strong, and the pandan flavor was there but subtle. You can ask the barista to adjust the amount of syrup in the drink if you're concerned that it'll be too sweet. I alsotried my friend's pandan matcha and thought the matcha flavor overpowered that one but it was still good!

Megan L.

Yelp

Such a good coffee shop! My friend and I ordered their Vietnamese iced coffee, and it was really well made and super strong. Exactly what I needed. There's not much seating inside, but it's such a cute little shop with a lot of natural lighting. I would definitely come back again because their menu looks awesome.

Jillian B.

Yelp

Loved this cute little coffee shop! Seating is limited, though there are also a few outdoor benches to sit on. I ordered the hibiscus cold brew (cold brew infused with hibiscus tea) which was one of my favorite cold brew variants I've had to date!!

Sheryl W.

Yelp

Lovely establishment. Clean bright friendly. The iced matcha mint with oatmilk was a delight. It is naturally sweet. Pandan has a toasty rice taste to me, interesting. The ambiance is peaceful and quaint. It's not a laptop type of vibe but you can as there are outlets. No public restroom. Love it here

Kelly H.

Yelp

After eating lunch at east village, one of the party that I was with found this place on yelp and wanted to try it out. The place was cute but it was definitely small and could probably only fit around 10-15 people. We went inside and waited in line for a bit and I ordered myself the p.h.o. latte. It didn't take too long but since it was Vietnamese coffee style, I had to wait for the shot to be extracted. It was cool to see. I liked the little paintings and the merchandise the cafe had for the customers. We walked out with the drinks since there wasn't really seating for a big party. The portion was not too bad for the price. I would say I didn't really taste anything for the first sip but the hint of honey and the oat milk surfaced after a few sips. I wished the coffee flavor was just a little stronger because it tasted a little weak in my opinion. I would say to try the other specialized menus such as the pandan lattes or the Vietnamese coffee because the p.h.o. latte (plain honey oat) seems accessible in most other cafes.

Ryna D.

Yelp

Hands down, one of the cutest cafe's in the East village. Excellent drinks. Love the Vietnamese flavors! I really enjoyed this spot and wish it opened years ago when I was working nearby.

Isabelle Y.

Yelp

Le Phin is by far my favorite cafe. I love their Vietnamese iced coffees and mint matcha lattes. The place is so cute and small but they also have some outdoor seating which is nice for warm weather. The baristas are always so friendly and welcoming.

Sam E.

Yelp

This place is absolutely cozy and undeniably unique! With seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Sweet Potato and Pandan, Le Phin is unlike any other coffee shop in the city. Inside is very cute but fills up quickly on a Saturday. I ended up ordering an iced Black Sesame latte and shared a table with a lovely bunch of friends who recommended me the bakery nearby! The sesame latte is undeniably earthy and not too sweet. A perfect pick me up on a gloomy day like today!

Jenny K.

Yelp

It's an Asian inspired cafe that offers asian flavored drinks plus regular drinks. The pastries are outsourced, but it's a cute cafe. There are few seats and the service was nice. I had their summer drink 'lotus seed latte' (which is only offered in iced), but it wasn't good as I had hoped. I think the drink would have been better in hot form than cold. Overall it was decent experience and hope to try something else next time.

Ceci C.

Yelp

Le Phin is the very definition of cozy cafe. With a small yet quaint space, Le Phin has some seating scattered about, including a cute set of seats by the windows. I was lucky to secure a seat by the door, and was able to get some work done. The cafe is laptop friendly, and has wifi! Just keep in mind that they don't have a restroom though. I got the pandan matcha latte, and was surprised but just how good it was! The matcha was nice and strong, and the pandan really shined through as well. If you order in, your drink will come in super cute mugs or glasses, along with a coaster, which I thought was a nice touch. It was surprisingly busy for a Tuesday afternoon, but for good reason. I'll definitely be back soon!!

Gloria Z.

Yelp

I love all the creative new drinks they come up with! Their drinks are pretty good and I love going to see what's new. Their drinks inside is always packed as they have only a couple of seats. However, if you're lucky enough to grab a seat, it's a super cozy place to sit and relax!

Sandra G.

Yelp

Coffee: 4/5 | Service: 5/5 | Ambience: 5/ 5 | Value: 4/5 | Nestled in the lower east side, this Vietnamese coffee shop brings a sort of comfort from the hustle of the city with its green and wooden asthetic. Its a cozy inside, so the seating is limited so I see it as a solo adventure more so or a togo situation. I had noticed on a walk one day and now have been a couple times in togo situations because of the seating. This seems like the perfect morning spot if you have a slow morning and wanna go do some reading or work. The coffee was good but nothing special that blew my mind.

Alice N.

Yelp

Been on my list to visit whenever I come back to NYC, but I finally got to try it because I love trying Vietnamese coffee shops! The interior is super cute, small, yet cozy. Vietnamese Iced Coffee ($6) 5/5 This was legit, had the perfect sweetness, and of course came with the high caffeine (I wish I got this as my drink) Pandan Matcha Latte ($5.95) 3.5/5 I came here to try anything with pandan in it because I wanted to taste how it complimented together and I've always wanted to try a drink with Pandan in it. I was between the Pandan Latte or Pandan Matcha but the barista told me if I wanted to taste more Pandan to get the matcha so I did! I was a little disappointed with the Pandan Matcha Latte though :/ the Pandan flavor no doubt came through and I loved it so much, but the matcha itself was a bit watery and didn't have much depth to it compared to other iced matchas I've had. To me it tasted like a hint of matcha and Pandan in it and I guess I was just expecting this boom of flavor.

Rina D.

Yelp

This cafe is pretty small, but it has great ambiance (especially the seat by the window where you can take off your shoes and sit comfortably!) The pandan latte is so good and not like any other latte you'll find in other cafes. I would come back for it!! It was rich in flavor and still was good even after an hour or so. The only downside is that there is no bathroom here so you won't be able to stay for too long ): There are some low stool seats, couch seats, and a table where you can do your work!

Bonnie T.

Yelp

The most vibey, quaint, and women friendly cafe I've ever been to. I was lured into Le Phin after noticing their signature pandan flavored drinks. Coming in, I opted for the pandan matcha latte. The drink itself definitely has the taste of pandan down. The matcha however, tastes a little watered down. It's not a beverage that boasts a ton of flavor, but is moreso "essence" of matcha. I would say if you're more drawn to the uniqueness of the pandan selection this place is a great once in a while treat. However, the latte itself is lacking. Le Phin itself is just swell, I noticed it's one of those cafes that not only have decent drinks, but is a great space to do a variety of things! Whether you're trying to get some work done, catch up with a friend, or just cutting some time out for yourself, this is a great place to just be. The baristas are always super friendly and outgoing. The spot is clean, cozy, and well decorated. The natural light is impeccable and if you're lucky, you'll be able to sit at the front by the window. Outdoor seating is available! The street itself is chill, not busy and overstimulating. A stationary shop is just a couple doors down if that's your thing.

Kristina N.

Yelp

This tiny coffee spot serves up a really good pandan latte with quick and friendly service. You can get it iced or hot, with oat milk or otherwise. The espresso was strong, not bitter, and they use homemade pandan syrup (not the artificial stuff)! I plan to be back to support this small business and help keep pandan lattes alive in NYC.

Elizabeth X.

Yelp

Beautiful and peace coffee shop - small but adorable. Staff is kind and hardworking. My pandan latte was DELICIOUS. Pricey but yummy. I would recommend this spot.

Danyel M.

Yelp

Amazing viet coffee! Perfectly sweet and milky, not to mention, super cute sitting area! This is my new go to study spot. The staff are all very kind and give great recommendations.

Gabriel Q.

Yelp

Le Phin is such a cute masterpiece!! very quaint and calming Vietnamese cafe! each corner of the shop has such adorable and cute details to admire! my favorite being the hot air balloon by the window! Drinks: YUM. The black sesame latte which I make dirty with a shot of espresso has had a hold on me for months since moving to nyc!! I'd get it with almond or oat and it's been my fav black sesame latte in nyc (honorable mention to cafe phien in flushing & coffee project in east village!) The sweet potato latte is also yummy & matcha pnadan latte. but the black sesame is all I could think about when ordering again!! Service is exceptionally kind and considerate! All the baristas are super friendly and cutie patooties who make the coffee consistently great!! Wanting is limited seating inside, but there is an outdoor area for seating! No restroom either! I only come for coffee on my lunch breaks so I'm not sure but I think there is about 2 outlets only for charging. Anyways super great coffee shop!! Def one of my top ones in nyc!! IG @gabequintero_

Anthony P.

Yelp

RATING: 8/10 PRO TIP: Their viet iced coffee is amazing, and you can get some in bottle form from the fridge to bring home! Limited seating, not the best place to choose to study, few outlets, yes wifi, no bathroom (i don't think). VIET ICED COFFEE Def some of the best viet iced coffee around with awesome quality and strong chickory flavor. For this alone, this place has a special place in my heart! Sweet, but not too sweet imo. SALTED LIMEADE Based on the authentic vietnamese drink salted lemonade, which it's very reminiscent of and tastes very similar. For me, neither the original drink nor this version really hit it for me, but that's me. If you like vietnamese salted lemonade, you'll like this ! PHO Latte Not what it sounds, it's essentially a honey oat latte with viet iced coffee, which sounds like two of my favorite things! I will say though that the honey masks that amazing flavor of the vietnamese coffee, and it ends up tasting like a regular latte (at least, iced). When I return - must try the pandan matcha latte; they make their own pandan syrup in-house from cooking down the leaves fresh instead of using extract. That's commitment! FINAL CATEGORY: GREAT (terrible / bad / ok / good / GREAT / excellent)

Raine S.

Yelp

The place is a cute and wholesome hole in the wall with such lovely workers and owner. The aesthetic inside was so comfy, cozy albeit really tiny inside but still lovely. I am on the search for a Pandan latte on the east coast and my friend recommended this place to me. Unfortunately the pandan flavor was lacking or pretty non existent in my latte.. maybe I should've tried the matcha pandan? Although I strictly only wanted pandan. Wishing this business keeps its success and hope they can try to be more generous with the pandan flavoring!

Jay B.

Yelp

A Cozy Haven with Unique Flavors and Exceptional Service Le Phin is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of NYC, and if I lived closer, it would become my go-to spot for a comforting escape from the hustle and bustle. The menu at Le Phin is a delightful tapestry of flavors, featuring Vietnamese coffee, pandan, and matcha lattes. My personal favorite is their Pandan Matcha Latte - a harmonious blend of earthy matcha and the aromatic sweetness of pandan, creating a sip-worthy masterpiece. One of the things that sets Le Phin apart is its extensive array of alternative milk options. Whether you fancy oat, almond, or macadamia nut milk, they've got you covered, ensuring that your drink is not only delicious but tailored to your preferences. The service at Le Phin is nothing short of phenomenal. The staff is not only knowledgeable about their menu but also incredibly accommodating. They make you feel right at home, adding an extra layer of warmth to the cozy ambiance. Speaking of ambiance, snagging a seat by the adorable window is an experience in itself. It's the perfect spot for a date or a laid-back hang with friends. The intimate setting bathed in natural light makes every moment here feel like a cherished memory. Le Phin is the kind of cafe where you want to linger, savoring every sip and soaking in the inviting atmosphere. This is not a grab-and-go spot; it's an oasis of tranquility in the midst of the city's energy. For a truly enchanting experience, make sure to get your drink to stay.

Brenda L.

Yelp

Lovely service!! The cashier and woman who made our drinks went above and beyond not only for us, but for other customers too. They personally would hand drinks out to customers and always had smiles on their faces, and I thought this was the sweetest thing. My partner and I visited on a whim since we were in the area. I always love supporting Vietnamese businesses so this was a no brainer to visit! The pandan matcha latte on their menu definitely caught my eye too, and that's what we ended up ordering. The matcha was very light but the pandan flavor definitely shined! They have non-dairy milks available at an added cost too. I really enjoyed the drink, it wasn't too sweet and overall was perfect for the warm weather. There's tons of seating both inside and outside which I appreciated since they made a lot of seating for a small place. It has a cozy vibe, great for anyone looking to read a book or work here too.

Hannah H.

Yelp

Le Phin is a small Vietnamese coffee shop that offers both classic and signature drinks, as well as some pastries. We stopped by to grab a latte and a treat to go: +a Pandan Latte - prepared with espresso, milk, and the cafe's housemade pandan syrup; unfortunately, this just tasted like steamed milk and had hardly of the pandan taste; I wished it was stronger; it was served piping hot, though, as requested +a Bear Cookie - this was the main reason why I wanted to stop by, since this bear cookie looked so cute! It was more of a madeleine, with the crisp exterior and a sponge cake-like that's more on the dense side interior; not too sweet, and a nice a treat with coffee/tea Service was very kind and friendly. The cafe is very small, with only a bench and a few tables; I'm not sure if this is a place where you'd sit and do some work, but it is quiet and has a relaxing vibe to it. +Bear Cookie +avoid the lattes +kind service +limited seating inside

Tiffany T.

Yelp

Great service in a small cute cafe! They have a few indoor and outdoor seating and one cute bench that you take your shoes off and sit by the window. There are outlets to charge but no bathrooms. I tried the Pandan matcha latte which I loved. Nice somewhat light matcha flavor and love the Pandan in it. I'm not sure if it's because of a different day or hot vs cold but I definitely taste the matcha more in hot and Pandan more in cold. Either way it is yummy 4/5 The Pandan latte (coffee) was too bitter for me and I couldn't actually taste the Pandan due to the strong coffee taste. 3/5

Christine Z.

Yelp

they have the most amazing pandan matcha lattes which have a strong pandan tastd, which i appreciate! the inside of the cafe is also super quaint and lovely to work or read in. when you get drinks to have there, they give them to you in pretty glass cups. the girly there was also so sweet and our drinks came out pretty fast.

Janie D.

Yelp

Some of the best coffee in NYC. Located in the heart of the East Village, the small space is filled with natural light, plants, and decor that feels minimalist yet homey. They have a charming window seat; the perfect place to sit and enjoy a drink. The owner grew up in Vietnam, and worked as a professional coffee quality grader before opening Le Phin. A phin is a traditional coffee filter used to make Vietnamese coffee, and is utilized to create many of the drinks at Le Phin. I opted for their Pandan Latte, which contained perfectly pulled espresso, and pandan syrup that added subtle earthy and vanilla flavors. Their Vietnamese Iced Coffee was also exceptional; bold, and not too sweet. I could not resist the bear shaped Madeline in their curated pastry case, which was as delicious and high quality as it was adorable. The baristas were genuinely friendly; a rare vibe in NYC. Highly recommended.

Karissa S.

Yelp

Really wanted to like this spot but after coming twice here are my thoughts. I've tried the pandan matcha latte, pandan latte, PHO latte, mint matcha. The flavor/taste of pandan and matcha are inconsistent between drinks, the pandan matcha is decent but the pandan latte doesn't taste like pandan at all. Mint matcha has a weird artificial mint taste and pholatte is pretty standard/ can get at other coffee shops. the interior is small so it's more ofa grab and go place but the baristas are super friendly.

Karen T.

Yelp

This is my go to cafe in the lower east side. The interior of the cafe is so cozy and welcoming. Being a Vietnamese cafe, it truly reminds me of how the cafes in Vietnam were decorated, with the wooden decor and plenty of greenery. I love coming to visit with a book on hand and enjoy coffee or tea. The seating is quite limited so I wouldn't anticipate seating to always be available especially when busy. The staff here are super friendly and helpful with the menu. And I am normally in and out of the cafe within minutes. I normally opt for the Vietnamese Coffee which is not too strong nor sweet which I prefer as a strictly espresso drinker. I also loved their matcha lemonade, it's a refreshing drink to sip on and their matcha quality is quite good. Dirty chai was also a favorite of mine as it had a good mix of spice without being overbearing.

JingJing X.

Yelp

Cute Vietnamese coffee shop with limited inside seating / outside area. This place is unique for their pandan matcha lattes and pandan lattes so I had to drop by. Pandan matcha latte (3/5) -- The pandan flavor was definitely present, but a little overpowering. I think the ratio needs to be adjusted (more matcha, less pandan) because it tasted like pandan milk, more than a pandan matcha latte. Viet Iced Coffee (4/5) -- On the sweeter side, but still very good. Felt watered down as well.

Elizabeth R.

Yelp

A sweet cafe with great Asian flavored drinks and fun seasonal lattes. There's a good amount of outdoor seating but it's not the best place to work imo. Lack of space/tables. But great for seeing a friend or just reading.

Mia M.

Yelp

Excellent drinks with a cute interior! The pandan matcha latte was one of the best matcha lattes I've had from a coffee shop, and was ~$7 which is around standard for boutique coffee shops. There was only one girl working when we got there and the shop is pretty small so I would imagine it could get busy at times, but I would definitely come back.

Victoria K.

Yelp

Been wanting to swing by for so long and am so happy I was finally in the area and able to come. It's just as cute as the photos, but there's an energy inside that the photos can't capture where you just feel like you're at home and surrounded by good vibes. I ordered the Iced Matcha Pandan Latte. My main qualm with matcha, I've realized, is that matcha usually isn't enough for me. It's too subtle against whole milk, and I need something that's stronger or just something more. The pandan paired perfectly with the matcha to add some sweetness (not too much, don't worry), while also elevating the drink. I will say I still think the matcha could be stronger, especially since there was a lot of ice in this drink, diluting it quickly. I also found that it wasn't quite filled to the top. I'm not in this area often, but I'd love to come back and try some of their other flavors!

Gab G.

Yelp

Tiny place, but they have seating! I tried the iced pandan latte. It was perfectly balanced, but I didn't really taste pandan - will try the iced pandan matcha next time.

Catherine H.

Yelp

This might just be the most adorable cafe I've ever been to! I visited this little gem on a Friday morning around 11am, and the first thing I noticed was it's studio ghibli-esque vibes - it was so cozy and welcoming, with tranquil music playing in the background. There isn't a lot of seating here, so a lot of people were getting their orders to go. I was honestly going to give up finding a seat, but I got lucky and managed to get one at the table. I'm really glad I did, because I had an incredibly lovely time here! I tried their pandan matcha latte, and it was amazing. Just the right amount of creamy, and 100% delicious. I could taste both the pandan and matcha too. I can't wait to try their other drinks! Are you going to see me here again? You bet.

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"On Sunday, May 22, Thao Bui, a longtime former employee of Beyond Sushi, is bringing her Vietnamese cooking to Le Phin, under the name Ăn Xôi." - Emma Orlow

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/le-phin

Lê Phin - Review - East Village - New York - The Infatuation

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Best Coffee Shops in New York