Liu's Cafe
Taiwanese restaurant · Koreatown
3915 1/2 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Highlights
Taiwanese-Hong Kong cafe: Chiayi chicken rice, pork belly, French toast
Taiwanese-Hong Kong cafe: Chiayi chicken rice, pork belly, French toast
"A small daytime spot inspired by Hong Kong and Taiwanese cafes, offering an affordable, tightly focused menu crafted by a consulting chef: braised pork belly rice, Chiayi chicken rice, and cold sesame noodles all priced at about $12 or less. The pastry program includes Hong Kong–style sweets such as pineapple buns and egg tarts, and drinks highlight Hong Kong milk tea and iced tea to round out a satisfying lunch." - Rebecca Roland
"The light-filled dining room of Liu’s Cafe feels miles away from the busy Koreatown streets right outside. Inspired by cafes in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Liu’s serves a tight menu of simple dishes from consulting chef Lareine Ko. Only five options are available on the daily menu, each coming in at $14 or under. For something savory, order the Chiayi chicken rice or the braised pork belly rice, or, for something more indulgent, tuck into the Hong Kong-style French toast. The cafe also carries a rotating selection of pastries from chef Isabelle Manubisan, including cream-stuffed pineapple buns and corn cheese danishes. With an inviting interior designed by Studio Kosma, it’s easy to want to settle in at a table over mugs of hot Hong Kong milk tea or a matcha pineapple bun." - Rebecca Roland
"This casual Taiwanese iner in Koreatown has the kind of daytime scene where off-duty chefs sip hot milk tea with friends and dates lock eyes over warm buns. The people-watching is a major draw here, but it’s the inventive pastries and homey rice bowls that make it a standout. We recommend stockpiling the matcha pineapple buns and black sesame coconut cakes then throwing in a few gussied up classics like spicy wontons and Hong Kong-style French toast filled with oozy “lava custard.” They don’t open until 10:30am, but get there by noon on weekends before things start to sell out." - brant cox, sylvio martins
"This Taiwanese-style restaurant in Koreatown has a walk-up counter and vintage posters on its wall. Liu’s Cafe is beyond stylish with an excellent menu to boot. The chiayi chicken rice or the tea egg sandwich with pickled cucumber always satisfies. The braised pork belly rice is even better for those with larger appetizers. Prices are very reasonable considering how expensive things have gotten in LA, with nothing over $14 in the savory section. Order the pineapple buns, cream buns, egg tarts, and cookies for later." - Matthew Kang
"This Taiwanese-style restaurant in Koreatown has a walk-up counter and vintage posters on its wall. Liu’s Cafe is beyond stylish with an excellent menu to boot. The chiayi chicken rice or the tea egg sandwich with pickled cucumber always satisfies. The braised pork belly rice is even better for those with larger appetizers. Prices are very reasonable considering how expensive things have gotten in LA, with nothing over $14 in the savory section. Order the pineapple buns, cream buns, egg tarts, and cookies for later." - Matthew Kang
