Step into Kei Coffee House, Kei Concepts’ newest venture — you’ll be greeted by a minimalist cafe inspired by Southeast Asian cafe culture. As sunshine illuminates the window-lined restaurant and plants adorn the sleek furniture, it’s no surprise the coffee shop, still in its soft opening, is Orange County’s latest hot spot with lines out the door.
Unfortunately, while the coffee house’s lively atmosphere is aesthetically pleasing, its offerings fall short of local competitors. From decor to flavor, Kei Coffee House takes minimalism to a new level, leaving an underwhelming aftertaste with a hefty price tag.
Milk & Butter Señorita Bread ($1.50) ★☆☆☆☆
The Milk & Butter Señorita Bread is a beige blob with a greasy and overly sweet sugar and butter filling. Not even the low price compensates for its unremarkable appearance and taste.
Corn Cheese Cookie ($3.25) ★★☆☆☆
Inspired by the savory Korean side dish, this dessert is better left swept to the side of your order. The saccharine cream cheese frosting and wisps of cheddar overwhelm the muffled corn flavor. Each bite is more challenging than the next with its one-note flavor.
Strawberry Matcha Latte ($6.50) ★★★☆☆
Despite its photogenic matcha, milk, and strawberry pureé layers, like its standard matcha latte, the drink suffers from a nearly non-existent matcha taste. While its pleasant tartness adds some allure, it’s ultimately a run-of-the-mill drink most memorable for its Instagram story appeal.
Sweet Corn Latte ($6.50) ★★★☆☆
Corn lattes are an Asian cafe staple, so the drink’s inclusion on the menu is a rightful homage, yet its execution is lackluster at best. The latte feels uninspired, lacking strong Vietnamese coffee or corn flavors. While the presentation is clean and charming, corn fanatics will be disappointed by its muted taste.
Banana Toffee Coffee ($6.50) ★★★☆☆
In line with the Sweet Corn Latte, the Banana Toffee Coffee features a faint hint of the fruit. Although the toffee adds a slight saltiness accentuating the caffeine notes, the flavor is too simplistic.
Mushroom Cream Spaghetti ($10.00) ★★★★☆
A vegan version of a classic Italian dish, this pasta balances a strong mushroom flavor without being overly heavy or rich. It’s perfect for a light bite!
Triple Coconut Coffee ($6.50) ★★★★☆
Adorned with toasted coconut shreds, the Triple Coconut Coffee is a proper ode to its inspiration. The coffee and prominent coconut flavors are a perfect pair, accompanying each other to maintain a fusion twist uplifting the drink.
Chocolate Chip Cookie ($3.00) ★★★★★
This delightful sweet treat is a noteworthy rendition of a classic! Mixing dark and milk chocolate chunks sprinkled with sea salt, the flavors complement each other satisfyingly, elevating a homemade charm.
Yuzu Mayo Popcorn Chicken ($9.00) ★★★★★
A standout dish with perfectly crispy and salty chicken, this snack is generously seasoned with aromatic spices. Paired with the light and tangy Yuzu Mayo sauce, the chicken’s natural saltiness is balanced with a refreshing citrus accent.
While Kei Coffee House isn’t a standout among OC cafes, its contemporary decor and bustling ambiance make for a decent hangout. Otherwise, don’t plan a trip around it — unless your appetite is satisfied by mediocrity.
Kei Coffee House is located at 15691 Brookhurst St, Westminster, CA 92683.
