La'bean — Restaurant in Bellevue

I’ve been searching for a new spot for a good Vietnamese iced coffee in Bellevue ever since my go-to relocated to Seattle. I found this place through a Google search, and it just so happened to be their Grand Opening today.

The cashier was friendly and even “warned” me that the Viet Velvet is really strong—which is exactly what I look for in a good Viet coffee.

When I picked up my drink, the person handing it to me put a wide stopper in the lid and reassured me it “wouldn’t budge,” so I could shake the coffee to mix it up. Unfortunately, the stopper kept popping out, so that didn’t quite work as promised.

As for the vibe, I was a little underwhelmed by the atmosphere. There was something missing, though I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it was because it was already around noon when I went.

One thing I did appreciate: there were about 5–6 baristas and staff behind the counter making coffee and preparing food. It felt a bit chaotic, but to their credit, orders came out quickly. Honestly, I’d rather see that than the painfully slow service at my old spot, where there was usually only one barista (maybe two) even during the morning rush.

Overall, I’m glad to have a new option in Bellevue for strong Vietnamese coffee, and I’m curious to see how the vibe (and little details like the stopper issue) evolve as they settle in. As for the coffee itself, the Viet Velvet was good, but not great. I’m also looking forward to trying more from them, and as I said, I can’t wait to see how they improve as they get into the...

Ordered 2 drinks. There was only one order ahead of me, and it took 35 min to get my drinks.

Overall: not great but I’ll might give them a 2nd chance after a few months. They are unready for an opening.

Service - needs improvement. Team needs more training as everyone seemed out of place. One lady stood next to the cashier smiling and looking down while I and 6 others wait to place our order. She didn’t know how to operate the register but also couldn’t speak to us.

Drinks: way overpriced. $7.50 per drink. I got the La bean cloud, they didn’t include foam and grass jelly as said in menu. One lady said she didn’t know how to add the foam, next lady said they ran out of jelly, one guy said “oh that’s just the picture on menu you need to tell us and it costs extra” even though it says “included” on the menu. Boba was too firm (means it’s been sitting out). Also ordered the La Bean Tea Infusion, Manuel said a medley of fruit. Only got apples. I asked and they tossed in a little bit of mango. Not what the menu said. Finally their small cookies are $4 each.

Price: don’t buy. Go across the street instead. $7.50+ per drink is way overpriced. $4.00 per small cookie, go to the small bakery 2 min walk away. $9.5 bahn mi, go to T&T instead. Everything is cheaper nearby. They aren’t premium. They are overcharging because the...

Okay first of all—this is legit Vietnamese coffee. Like, the real deal. The kind that’ll slap you awake, read your aura, and then lovingly bench press your soul.

Second, and I say this with all the caffeine fueled love in my heart—everyone whining about the ice, please be serious. This is CA PHE SUA DA. It’s supposed to have ice. That’s literally how it works. The ice is part of the equation. The ice is doing math. It’s chilling the espresso while it dilutes slightly over time to balance the strength, because guess what? Vietnamese coffee is THICC. Like it will personally fight your Starbucks vanilla latte in an alley and win. Twice. This is how we drink it in Vietnam so we don’t spontaneously combust in the heat. The ice is not a scam, it’s structural. You want a warm cup of sugar sludge? Go make that at home. This? This is a whole experience.

Also?? Let’s talk about the price. You’re in Bellevue. This is Bellevue price. You’re paying for Vietnamese rocket fuel, condensed milk magic, and a drink that will spiritually uppercut your brainstem—not some sad lukewarm oat milk situation with whipped foam and a drizzle. For what you’re getting, the price is NORMAL. More than fair, honestly.

So yeah. 10/10 would recommend. Drink it right. Respect the ice. Mind the price. Let the condensed milk carry you to...