Vietnamese coffee shops in Boston win big | My first list

☕️ Phinista Cafe: Boston’s Obsession-Worthy Spot—Three Visits in One Week, and I’d Go Again Tomorrow I walked by once, and now I’m a regular—so regular, the barista greets me by name 😂. This place is special—I haven’t found another Boston spot that nails food, drinks, and vibe quite like it. Cozy, with Wi-Fi, seating, and free water, it’s packed with students, remote workers, and chatty groups. Arrive early or after 4 PM for a table—otherwise, it’s luck of the draw. 🍴 The Food: Worth the Hype Heaven Crepe: 5 stars, lives up to the name. Made fresh to order, it’s crispy, slightly sweet, and dotted with peanuts for crunch. Not greasy, not heavy—just perfect. Vietnamese Banh Mi: 4.5 stars. My partner (fresh from Vietnam!) noted the sauce is a little light, and the bread’s on the thick side—but the flavor? Spot on. The BBQ chicken has more meat than the pork (which is juicy, fatty /pork belly), so pick based on your mood. Ube Tiramisu: 5 stars, weekend-only magic. Run, don’t walk—this limited dessert is a game-changer. Layers of coffee-soaked cake with creamy ube filling (taro-like, but silkier) that’s not too sweet. It’s Asian-inspired dessert at its best—subtle, rich, and totally addictive. By the time I ordered, neighboring tables were copying me—can’t blame them. 🥤 The Drinks: No Skips Saigonese Sea Salt Coffee: 5 stars, ORDER THIS. A salty-sweet dream. The sea salt foam is light, creamy, and just salty enough to balance the coffee’s richness—never overpowering. Slightly sweet, but in the best way. Vietnamese Egg Coffee: 4 stars. Not quite as good as NYC’s, but still fantastic—creamy, frothy, and deeply coffee-forward. Taro Milk Tea: 4 stars. Smooth, with real taro flavor (no artificial powder) and chewy pearls. Solid, reliable, and not too sweet. Ube Latte: 3.5 stars. Pretty (purple!) and not sweet, but it’s more “meh” than “wow.” Great for photos, though. 💡 Solo Visit Hack Go for the Ube Tiramisu + Saigonese Sea Salt Coffee. If you’re avoiding sugar, swap in the banh mi—perfect balance. 😬 The Secret’s Out I debated posting this—selfish, I know. But Phinista deserves the love (even if it means fewer tables for me). 📍 Phinista Cafe (Porter): Boston’s new must-visit—cozy, delicious, and dangerously addictive. #BostonCafe #VietnameseFood #UbeLovers