Cactus Vietnamese Tea and Coffee

Cactus Vietnamese Tea and Coffee, established in Koreatown in 2021 by founder Anna Nguyen, brings a distinctively authentic approach to the city’s crowded bubble tea scene. While many shops rely on standard Taiwanese suppliers, Cactus differentiates itself by importing loose tea leaves from Thai Nguyen and robusta coffee beans from Lam Dong, Vietnam. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, designed to feel like a home away from home where regulars often chat with the owners. The space retains a collection of board games from its predecessor, which are free for customers to use, making it an ideal spot to linger over a drink rather than just grabbing a quick takeout cup.

For a first-timer, the Iced Yogurt Coffee is a standout, balancing the bold, bitter profile of traditional Vietnamese robusta with a tart, creamy yogurt topping. If you prefer something more classic, the bac xiu—a white coffee heavily sweetened with condensed milk—is a perfect introduction to the traditional phin-filter brewing method. The menu is reasonably priced, with most drinks falling under $8. It is a casual, relaxed environment, so don't feel pressured to rush; it is best visited when you have time to sit, play a game, and enjoy the authentic flavour profile that sets this shop apart from the typical bubble tea chains.