By Minh Ngoc Le
If you are an Orange County local, the popularity of Kei Coffee House will come as no surprise. Nestled in the heart of Westminster, the cozy retreat is the newest branch of Kei Concepts — an Asian fusion restaurant chain based in California.
Recognizing the central role of coffee in every community, Kei Coffee House merges the prevalent hustle culture with an immersive experience. Whether it’s a quick robust cup to go or a leisurely exploration at their tasting bar, Kei Coffee House offers a wide range of items on their menus, suitable for all age ranges to enjoy.
Architecture
Stepping through the entrance, visitors are immediately welcomed into a vibrant community filled with lively conversations and positive vibes. The spacious layout of the shop allows for diverse table settings, making it the perfect location for collaboration or co-working. The many seating options include bars for casual chats, duo tables for coffee dates and bigger, isolated tables, perfect for “locking in” on work or assignments.
The shop boasted a modern Japanese interior, largely made up of smooth, wooden pieces with lush greeneries, providing a refreshing atmosphere and overall flow, where each thoughtfully designed space transitions effortlessly into the next. The overflowing sunlight was definitely a plus, further boosting the light-hearted feeling of the shop. Subtle yet unique highlight pieces adorned each corner, and gentle R&B music enhanced the overall ambiance.
Kei Coffee House offers both outdoor and indoor seating, giving visitors the flexibility to choose their perfect atmosphere for the day. Despite its popularity, the shop maintains a relaxed, unrushed vibe. However, if you’re seeking a quick coffee stop, Kei might not be the best option; The wait times can be lengthy depending on the time of day, and the drink sizes are smaller compared to the price.
With that being said, here are our reviews of just some of the many treats offered at Kei Coffee House.
Corn Matcha Latte with Oat Milk
As a self-appointed matcha enthusiast, I was especially excited to order this drink. Similar to what the name suggests, the Corn Matcha Latte featured a classic, unsweetened matcha latte with sweet corn cream on top. However, this drink was an unfortunate case of “all looks, no taste.”
The corn flavor was extremely mild- and to make matters worse, the cream topping tasted like pure whipped-up milk. The matcha clearly fell short of ceremonial grade, lacking the deep umami richness and sweetness notable of high-quality matcha.
This poor addition of the cream failed to enhance the taste, instead diluting it to a cup of oat milk with a faint whisper of corn.
I give this drink a 4.5/10 and would not order it again.
Strawberry Matcha Latte with Oat Milk
My disappointment with the Corn Matcha Latte was surprisingly replaced with joy as I took my first sips of the Strawberry Matcha Latte. Compared to the previous downfall of a drink, the latte offered a refreshing flavor profile, suitable for those looking to cool off on a hot summer day. The strawberry notes were very prominent in every sip, providing a fruity hint without overpowering the sweetness or taste of the matcha.
Without the cream, the matcha flavor shone through beautifully, though it did feel a bit watered down at times. The balance between the vibrant strawberry and the earthy matcha created a delightful harmony, giving each sip a cheerful burst of flavor that left me eagerly anticipating the next.
I give this drink a 7.5/10 and would order it again.
Banana Toffee Latte
As a non-coffee drinker, I pleasantly enjoyed the flavor profiles of this drink. Though the banana accents depicted in the name did not show through the coffee itself, it was evident in the toffee bits sprinkled on the top, providing a refreshing, unique burst of flavor that was sure to stay throughout.
The coffee was not too bitter and featured the perfect touch of sweetness to complement its rich, bold flavor. Apart from the tiny bits of toffee on top, the latte did not fall far from your average cup of coffee, yet may still serve as a staple drink for those wanting something extra special in their daily routine.
I give this drink a 7.5/10 and would order it again.
Corn Cheese Cookie
Based on my previous knowledge of everything corn cheese related (i.e. Mexican street corn and Korean Corn Dogs), I was especially apprehensive yet very excited to try this fusion of flavors. The Corn Cheese cookie featured a savory sugar cookie with a cream cheese frosting on top, accompanied by a few mingling strands of tasteless shredded cheddar.
To my surprise, the notions of sweet and savory created a delicious combo. The soft, buttery cookie blended perfectly with the cream cheese on top, creating a concoction that was not overbearing of each other. The corn taste of the cookie really came through, though it does leave an aftertaste reminiscent of my childhood favorite Play-Doh.
Apart from its appalling price, the Corn Cheese Cookie provides a very unique flavor that will leave you pondering for a while.
I give this cookie a 7/10 and am unsure if I will order it again.
Popcorn Chicken
Seeing as Kei Coffee House is a predominantly drinks-based store, I was skeptical of ordering any food items from the menu. I couldn’t have been more mistaken.
This popcorn chicken is arguably the best popcorn chicken offered in town. Its savory and sweet seasoning paired with the tangy ranch on the side provided the perfect contrast that left my mouth watering after the first bite. The chicken had a perfect combination of crunchiness on the outside and juiciness on the inside, managing to avoid the desert of dryness that tends to plague most fried dishes.
Aside from the diabolical price-to-size ratio, we give it a 9/10, even ordering a second box to go.
