Kaafi by Chaiguy — Restaurant in New York

5/5 Stars: A Taste of Pakistan in the Heart of New York

While visiting from Vancouver, Canada, I recently discovered a hidden gem in New York - a Pakistani coffee and tea haven that transported me to the vibrant streets of Lahore. This charming spot serves up specialized tea combinations and expertly crafted coffee, tailored to your liking.

Standout Favorites:

1.⁠ ⁠Doodh Patti: A rich, creamy tea infused with cardamom, ginger, and black tea leaves. 2.⁠ ⁠Rusk Cake: A sweet, crumbly delight paired perfectly with a warm cup of tea. 3.⁠ ⁠Samaoosa: Crispy, savory pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas.

Ambiance:

•⁠ ⁠Cool and Relaxed: Comfortable seating and soothing atmosphere. •⁠ ⁠Pakistani Music: Light, upbeat tunes adding to the cultural ambiance. •⁠ ⁠Pictures from Pakistan: Beautiful images showcasing the country's stunning landscapes.

Personal Touch:

•⁠ ⁠Meet Baaqr Shah: The young, energetic owner who takes pride in his establishment. •⁠ ⁠Attentive Service: Baaqr's genuine interest in customer feedback ensures a personalized experience.

Verdict:

This Pakistani coffee and tea spot is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of South Asia in New York. With its unique offerings, cozy atmosphere, and exceptional customer service, I'll definitely be returning.

Rating Breakdown:

•⁠ ⁠Food Quality: 5/5 •⁠ ⁠Ambiance: 5/5 •⁠ ⁠Service: 5/5 •⁠ ⁠Value: 5/5

Recommendation:

Visit this hidden gem and indulge in the flavors of Pakistan. Don't forget to try the Doodh Patti...

If you're in East Harlem, Kaafi is a MUST try.

It is not just lovely - it is homey (and not just bc of the decor, which I'll touch on below). Where to start; I got the...

✅ Masala Chai - no sugar (came steaming hot - just like I like! This was such a rich and warming cup of chai. It had deep flavor, was so aromatic, and very well caffeinated!) ✅ Turkish Coffee Cookie (wow - this one was a shocker! It was SO rich, not too sweet, and perfect to dip into my chai!) ➕ sample of Kashmiri Chai - no sugar (this came compliments of the owner Baqar, it was so delicately flavored, aromatic (thanks cardamom), pretty (such a beautiful pink), and nutty (pistachio garnish on top added a little bit of nice chew!))

Highlights: 1️⃣ This place exuded warmth. The interior design of this space is so beautiful, with earthy brown tones and touches of green, soft white, and gold, as well as photos and art that each tell a story. It feels more like a living room than a coffee shop. It is a lovely addition to East Harlem! 2️⃣ The warmth extended to staff who recommended the cookie (and accepted my beaten up tumbler to fill my drink order!) and especially Baqar, who told me about the cafe and how he had gotten started. As we chatted, he had me try a bit of the Kashmiri Chai, too. I felt so welcome! 3️⃣ It's a great space to get some work done from, replete with WiFi, outlets, and plenty of tables. It's also just nice for hanging out!! Plus, they're open late!

Can't wait to go back &...

Came across this place randomly and during a chai craving so stopped by. The first time I got the regular chai with a potato samosa and the taste was very authentic. Since they had some other food items, we planned to come again for dinner.

The second time we ordered the samosa chaat and butter chicken sandwich. Great balanced taste. You can ask to have the sandwich toasted which I should've done. It's meant to be a quick grab and eat type thing. The owner/manager was walking around and asking for feedback from everyone. He then randomly served us the gulab jaman donut which is what they are getting praised for. It was on the house to naturally it tasted better 😅. We were gonna order it anyway after dinner. But it was indeed excellent with a very balanced taste. I have had many gulab jamans before and some are either too sweet or too bland. This one was great.

Lastly, they don't have the annoying tipping popup every time u swipe for payment which was very nice to see. Just a couple cups with cash tips labeled on them. This made me more inclined to tip.

The vibe is very cool and you feel you want to spend more time there. Kudos for making it such a nice place to hang out. Wishing you guys...