Kem Coffee and Boba
About
Kem Coffee and Boba is listed on FindALoco in National City, CA with address, phone, website, and map location. Common services and related keywords include Coffee Shop.
Kem Coffee and Boba is a delightful coffee shop located in National City, CA, right inside the bustling Chan Dong Market at 600 E 8th St. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of authentic Vietnamese coffee culture and modern boba trends, making it a cozy spot for locals and visitors to enjoy quality drinks in a relaxed setting.
Specializing in cream-based coffee beverages, Kem Coffee and Boba stands out with its signature offerings. The name 'Kem' means cream in Vietnamese, and true to that, they serve drinks like the rich egg coffee, known for its pillowy flavored foam topping, as well as Pandan coffee and blended coconut coffee. Customers often praise the creamy textures and creative flavors, making each visit a treat for the taste buds. Their boba drinks add a fun, chewy element for those who love a bit of variety.
The atmosphere at Kem Coffee and Boba is warm and welcoming, tucked away in the back of Chan Dong Market. The market itself is packed with Asian snacks, drinks, and ingredients, creating a lively and authentic backdrop for your coffee experience. The baristas here are frequently noted for their friendly customer service, ensuring that everyone feels at home from the moment they walk in.
This coffee shop is ideal for individuals seeking flavorful coffee or tea options, with or without boba, at affordable prices. It's perfect for casual hangouts, study sessions, or a quick pick-me-up after exploring the area. With 'Happy Hours' from 2:00 to 5:00 PM offering deals like buy two get one free, it's a budget-friendly choice without compromising on taste.
Overall, Kem Coffee and Boba has built a solid reputation with a 4.3 rating based on 85 reviews, reflecting its commitment to quality and service. Whether you're new to National City or a longtime resident, this spot inside Chan Dong Market is worth discovering for its unique drinks, friendly vibe, and convenient location that adds a touch of charm to your day.
Ratings & Reviews
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Sign in to reviewWhile the flavor of the milk is good, and the Boba is pretty tasty, the spot needs to work on the special requests. I ordered a drink with 25% sugar and less ice. While I believe they did a good job addressing the sugar, the drink was filled to the brim with tons of ice. I know they do this so that they can make more of a profit per drink, but if a customer chooses that customization, this place should honor that. Additionally, you can’t really taste the tea itself, but that’s OK as I enjoy the flavored milk more. Also be aware that if you order off of the giant screen, there is an additional service charge. I’m unsure if this additional charge comes up if you order directly with them.
Kem in Vietnamese means “cream”. They specialize in cream based coffee drinks and the pillowy flavored foam topping. Normally we would get egg coffee just to go basic to judge the coffee but we went with Pandan. Coconut coffee is my favorite and I went with that because it was blended. I have to say, this was not for me. The coffee was thick from the milk and the Pandan foam topping was even more thick. It was hard to stir to blend. Then it was like sipping a milk shake which is probably what they were going for? The coconut coffee was already ice blended. Too creamy and thick for me. They have unique flavors and style that’s different from other shops that’s going to set them apart but it wasn’t for us. I think I would prefer this style for milk tea not with coffee. There are more flavors when you order on the self kiosk. She told me black sesame is popular right now and banana. I know banana has failed me every single time I’ve gotten it from other shops. But who know’s maybe it’ll be strong or settled. Buy 2 get 1 free Mon- Friday from 2-5pm.
Nice little coffee spot in the back of a mini market-which has shelves packed with Asian snacks drinks and a multitude of ingredients. If you like flavored coffee or teas with or without boba. Not as pricey as other boba/coffee/tea places either. Especially with their “Happy Hours” 2:00-5:00 buy 2 get 1 freeeee! Can’t beat it! Barista was a friendly chap! 🇵🇭🇵🇭
I first discovered this coffee shop when I moved to National City, it’s two blocks away from my place hidden inside the oriental market. Ken coffee has a variety of Vietnamese coffee also along with boba drinks and so on. The barista there are welcoming and have great customer service and are very helpful. While you’re waiting for your coffee you can shop around the store and get yourself some unique Asian snacks/food. This has become my favorite coffee shop and I recommend stopping to check it out.
The egg kem coffee was amazing!! Lots of good stuff in the store it's found in as well. All in all great hidden gem.
