Discover the Seoul-inspired cafes transforming los angeles’ coffee culture

The vibrant city of Los Angeles has recently seen a surge in the popularity of South Korean-style cafes, a trend that has captivated the hearts and taste buds of Angelenos. From the bustling streets of Koreatown to the chic neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, these cafes are not just about coffee; they represent a cultural phenomenon that combines meticulous attention to detail, innovative drinks, and a communal atmosphere.

Seoul-Style Cafes: A New Trend in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has become a hotspot for trendy South Korean-style cafes such as Damo Teahouse, Camel Coffee, Harucake, and Series A Coffee. These cafes serve inventive and colorful drinks alongside Instagrammable snacks, attracting long lines of eager coffee drinkers. The menus at these cafes are a significant draw, featuring unique beverages like matcha Einspänners, corn lattes, and dalgona coffees.

One of the standout cafes, Damo Teahouse, opened at the end of 2022 and quickly developed a cult following for its Einspänner drinks. The Einspänner, a classic Viennese coffee topped with whipped cream, has been adopted by Korean coffee drinkers and is now a staple in Seoul. Ted Nam, the founder of Damo, aimed to capture the trendiness of Korean cafes and bring it to Los Angeles. Nam’s meticulous attention to detail and ability to transform ideas into realities have resonated with Angelenos.

At Damo, visitors can enjoy matcha Einspänner and hojicha Einspänner, as well as a traditional Korean tea service complete with porcelain teapots, teacups, and an assortment of traditional Korean snacks. The cafe’s decor and drinks are designed to create a casual and communal enjoyment of the space, emphasized on social media.

Expanding Beyond Koreatown

The popularity of these Seoul-inspired cafes has extended beyond Koreatown’s borders. Camel Coffee, a Korean chain, recently opened a location in Los Angeles at the former Cafe Caravan space in Los Feliz. The space is decorated with vintage furniture and art, serving Camel’s signature drinks from Korea, including the Camel Coffee, an 8-ounce drink with two shots of espresso, milk, and a cream top. The cafe also offers unique offerings like the Camel Matcha and a vegan version of their signature drink.

Joshua Park and Alice Kim, the husband-and-wife duo behind Camel Coffee, conducted extensive research on the cafe scene in Korea. They aimed to translate Camel’s branding, coffee, and hospitality aspects to Los Angeles. The Los Feliz location exudes a relaxed, rustic cool, complete with a beige brick exterior and eclectic knick-knacks. The upstairs loft provides a cozy, intimate space for visitors, making it a popular spot on weekends.

Further west, in Beverly Hills, Series A Coffee takes trendy drinks to the next level with visual flair and unexpected toppings. The menu boasts a dalgona latte with honeycomb toffee, an iced Americano with pink tiramisu cream, and a black sesame latte with charcoal cold foam. Series A Coffee’s experimental approach reflects the creativity of cafes in Korea, pushing beyond boundaries to offer a social aspect of drinking coffee.

The Rise of Korean-American Baristas

The rise of Korean-American baristas has also contributed to the popularity of these cafes. In March 2024, Korean-American barista Frank La won the U.S. Barista Championship, with three out of six finalists being Korean Americans. This recognition has brought attention to the talent and skill of Korean-American baristas in Los Angeles.

Coffee shops run by Korean-American baristas, such as Maru Coffee, Tilt Coffee Bar, Loquat Coffee, and Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab, have gained high ratings on platforms like Yelp. These cafes attract customers with their unique and stylish designs, personalized service, and specialty coffee made with high-quality beans. Stereoscope Coffee, with five locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, is set to open its sixth location in South LA this year.

The strong branding of Korean-American coffee shops is another characteristic that sets them apart. These cafes sell in-house roasted coffee beans, retail and wholesale brand-designed products, and maintain active communication through social media. This branding approach allows for deeper interaction and attention to detail, creating a distinctive and memorable experience for customers.

Our Advice on the City

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles, exploring the Seoul-inspired cafes is a must. These cafes offer a unique blend of traditional Korean elements and modern coffee culture, providing an immersive and delightful experience. We recommend starting your cafe tour in Koreatown, where you can visit Damo Teahouse and Harucake, and then make your way to Los Feliz to experience Camel Coffee.

For expert travelers, consider diving deeper into the local coffee scene by visiting lesser-known Korean-American-operated cafes. Engage with the baristas and learn about their craft, as their passion and dedication to coffee-making are truly inspiring. Additionally, explore the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles, each offering its own unique take on the Korean coffee culture wave.

In conclusion, the South Korean coffee culture wave has brought a refreshing and vibrant energy to Los Angeles. These cafes are not just about coffee; they represent a cultural exchange that celebrates creativity, community, and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience, the Seoul-inspired cafes of Los Angeles are sure to leave a lasting impression.