Cong Caphe (Annex) — Restaurant in Toronto

I really wanted to give Cong Caphe 5 stars. I grew up in a predominantly vietnamese neighborhood of San Jose California surrounded by dozens of Vietnamese cafés. So when this place opened I was hesitant at first but pleasantly surprised at the quality of the drinks. The coconut pho coffee was one of the best coconut coffees I've had. Coconut green rice was also fantastically prepared. Limited time drinks like the kem kem series were a little rough around the edges but still very good. Standard "brown" vietnamese coffee was also very consistent with the pho coffee blend providing a nice aroma. The banh mi while not the best I've had in Toronto was fairly good for the price, maybe just needing a few more cold cuts in the classic.

But what really let me down and the sole reason I can't give more than 3 stars is the pate chaud. In my hometown I used to regularly pick up pate chaud from different chains or local bakeries/cafés on the way to school or work in the morning. But in downtown Toronto it's quite hard to find. All the reviews about cong caphe's pate chaud were outstanding and every time I visited in the afternoon they were out - I figured it must be good. When I finally was able to drop by this morning I was extremely disappointed. The pastry itself was already extremely tiny for the $4.25, one this small back home would be around $2 and for $4.25 you'd get one 3 times this size. A vietnamese cafe just west on bloor little past Bathurst has larger ones for $3. Biting into it I was off put by how dry and crumbly the pastry was, but figured maybe it was just a different type of pate chaud than I was used to. But when I got to the meat it was hard as a rock. It was impossible to bite into without worrying your teeth would chip. In the attached video you can literally hear how hard it is when you tap it. Thought it may be a qc issue, but my partner's was just as bad. Comparing it to other pictures, it's very clear that someone just baked this pastry in the oven and then forgot about it. It can't have been just a warmer; I've had pate chaud from a warmer and it gets dry but not hard. Overall, I'm just disappointed because while everything else I've tried has been great, I just can't get over spending $9.50 on a pate chaud that tastes...

I had been following this spot on Instagram since hearing about their opening! I went on a Monday morning around 8 am and was the only one there. As a result, I believe I was in-store for about 10+ minutes total from entering and exiting - disclaimer, the one making the drinks was under training.

I ordered a medium iced white ($5.45) and a large iced white ($5.85) which is one of their most popular drinks. Though this is a traditional Vietnamese beverage available just about anywhere, they have a unique and interesting take on it. As expected, the coffee itself was strong and aromatic. I personally think that Vietnamese coffee is superior to others due to its unique flavor and this Cong Caphe's roast did not disappoint. I did see the barista frothing my coffee, which resulted in a light and airy drink. My favorite part was the sweetened coconut cream which was very evident and absolutely delicious (if you're someone who enjoys cold foam on your Starbucks, this will likely hit the spot for you). My biggest complaint is that 60% of the cup is crushed ice, which left me feeling like I didn't get enough to drink. I'm curious how their hot version might compare.

While waiting, I noticed that they also service cookies of various flavors (which were huge!) and croissants, which were also big in size. A sign showed that they also sell banh mi but it wasn't available at the time I was there.

Service was friendly but my interactions were short. When I was handed off my drinks, I was offered a bag which I declined but they had forgotten to give me straws until I inquired. Their straws are compostable which is great and though they are meant to be non-soggy, they snap like dry pasta (quite literally, feels and sounds) which rendered my straw useless when I cracked it while trying to stir my drink midway.

The vibes are quite cute with a distinct look. I was surprised by the amount of seating present but I can also imagine how this place would get a little claustrophobic, especially with the dark wood finish which makes it feel even smaller, should it be peak hours.

As per your usual downtown expectations, there's only minimal paid parking...

Just yesterday, Toronto welcomed a new Vietnamese gem, Cong Coffee. As someone with Vietnamese roots, I was thrilled to see more representation from my motherland, right here in our city.

I made it a point to visit on opening day at 11am, and was pleasantly surprised to find no line. The hype surrounding Cong Coffee's arrival was palpable, and I was definitely part of the excited crowd.

The staff at Cong Coffee are the heart and soul of the place. Each one is kind, patient, and hardworking, taking the time to explain each coffee or item on the menu. Their dedication to customer service is commendable.

I indulged in their classic coconut coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa) for $6.85+tax in a large, and tried their classic banh mi (Bánh mì thập cẩm) for $8.95+tax. Both were absolutely delightful, living up to the hype and more. The pricing is reasonable, making the experience even more enjoyable.

The ambiance takes you back to the 1960s life in Vietnam - the decor, the interior, the furniture, everything is a tribute to the history and culture of Vietnam. Special thanks to Timothy and the wonderful lady who took our orders and the one who delivered our banh mi.

I plan on making Cong Coffee a regular spot and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic Vietnamese experience. Please disregard any political reviews - they do not reflect the establishment itself. Just come, enjoy what the cafe offers, and let the taste of Vietnam...