Asian Cafés: 10 of the best options in Buenos Aires

One of the latest additions to the Asian gastronomic scene, Ko-hi san invites you to discover Japanese café culture with delicious sweet and savory dishes. With a super aesthetic dining area, the menu includes some of the most classic Japanese pastries (such as taiyaki - those classic fish-shaped filled pastries - or tsuki - a type of croissant), as well as the now mega-popular sandos (the Japanese sandwich that can be sweet or savory, with options like roast beef, chicken, tofu, soft-boiled egg, or mushrooms at Ko-hi san).

Tip: If you can't decide what to order, check out the Rituals section. There you'll find a sharing menu where you can combine four sweet or savory varieties, which you can order with coffee or juice.

Where: Arévalo 1888.

Opened at the end of 2023 and located right in front of the Korean Cultural Center, this spot pays homage to the love for coffee and tea in South Korea. You'll find a menu where the flavors of Korean cuisine are combined with more universal ones: from cookies to americanos, you can also try the selection of tea blends inspired by the country or even Korean tofu and kimchi (the classic fermented dish). They also offer classic lunch dishes.

Tip: BTS is one of the most well-known K-pop groups in the world, and Café Seúl has a fun tribute to the band: a violet-colored latte, the color representing ARMY (the name of BTS's fan group).

Where: Maipú 979.

Open since 2019, the uniqueness of this café is that it belongs to the kawaii universe. What does this term mean? While the literal translation is something like “to blush,” it’s used to refer to cute and sweet things. In gastronomy: food with happy faces, in the shape of adorable animals, and smushi. With a mix of Argentine, French, and Japanese pastries, you must try their incredible matcha latte tea, Japanese cheesecake, and Kyoto edition French toast (soaked in matcha and drizzled with kuromitsu).

Tip: It's only open from Wednesday to Sunday from 2 PM to 7 PM. So, if you want to discover a new manga and try Japanese pastries at tea time, you know where to go.

Where: Fray Justo Santa Maria de Oro 2280.

Another gastronomic project by Edgar Kuda (also behind KudaSushi, Kuda Omakase, and Kuda Ramen), this is a specialty café that's the ideal spot for true coffee lovers who are also curious about Japanese pastries. With pieces that aren't too sweet and are characterized by their super soft texture, you can try everything: dorayaki (a type of pancake filled with anko), kurimanju, mochi (a Japanese rice cake), and the now classic sandos and taiyaki.

Tip: The star of the house is the Japanese cheesecake that seeks to fuse Japanese flavors with this classic dish, which originates from Ancient Greece. Ideal to pair with a good coffee, it comes to the table with a goblet of cream and fresh fruit.

Where: Paraguay 3511.

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Although you probably know this place for its vast dumpling offerings, what many don't know is that their menu also includes both sweet croyakis and taiyakis that are fantastic. Ideal to pair with their lemonades or iced tea (the spicy one is incredible with black tea, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, and star anise), they have fillings like dulce de leche and coconut and peanut butter and chocolate.

Tip: If you have a sweet tooth, their dessert section features an absolute delight that you shouldn't miss: a sweet version of dumplings filled with chocolate and almonds.

Where: Lavalleja 1387 (they have more locations, check their website for addresses).

Opened at the beginning of 2023, this Japanese specialty café has become a favorite among coffee lovers. Run by three siblings (first-generation Argentinians) who designed this place as a little piece of Tokyo in Buenos Aires, you can feel it from the moment you step inside and see the decor. With a pastry selection that includes classic options like croissants, cookies, and rolls, it's one of the best places to enjoy mochi, kurimanju, or dorayaki.

Tip: If you've never tried matcha infusions, Toki Moment is a great place to get acquainted with this offering. Iced matcha latte, matcha latte, vanilla matcha latte, and iced vanilla matcha latte are all delicious options.

Where: Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear 664.

In 2013, siblings Mika and Fernando created Taiyaki Brothers, the first venture in the country specializing in Taiyaki (those fish-shaped pastries with waffle-like batter and various fillings). After years of hard work and dedication, in 2022, they opened their first street-front shop, where besides offering their signature Taiyaki, they serve specialty coffees and a variety of Japanese teas.

Their menu offers Taiyaki in different flavors like anko (adzuki bean paste), matcha, matcha + anko, satsumaimo (sweet potato), custard, dulce de leche, dulce de leche + chocolate, and Nutella. They’ve also introduced new flavors: matcha + white chocolate and smoked loin + cheese for the savory team.

Tip: If you want to enjoy a bomb dessert, go for the Taiyaki (choose your favorite flavor) accompanied by tsubuan or custard and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Where: Ecuador 1171.

Another kawaii proposal in Buenos Aires, everything you eat in this café will fill you with sweetness. This is evident from the moment you step inside, where the décor features typical Japanese illustrations in pastel tones that play with the idea of cuteness. There are several savory options, but the menu is a paradise for those who love sweet things: from Japanese cheesecake to character cupcakes and traditional hanami bonbons.

Tip: The star of the place is their rainbow cake. A mega-abundant slice of cake that pairs wonderfully with their coffee offerings.

Where: Av. Medrano 1232.

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Besides having the only soju bar in all of Buenos Aires, the famous market in Villa Crespo has a whole alley dedicated to Asian gastronomy, and among the offerings, there are two fantastic places to enjoy great coffee. The first is Amo Mi Matcha, where you can try a wide variety of matcha-based drinks and delicious cookies. The second is Keki Coffee & Manga, where you can enjoy specialty coffee and take a break to discover a new manga.

Tip: While you're there, take the opportunity to explore the Asian alley, as it's the perfect place to not only discover new gastronomic offerings but also to buy typical Asian kitchen products.

Where: Thames 747.

Having its own boom in the gastronomic world, bubble tea is a drink originating from Taiwan that has become super trendy thanks to its diversity of flavors and those particular tapioca bubbles. Bubble Tea House is one of the most well-known proposals in Buenos Aires and the best place to get to know this unique drink that has gained popularity worldwide.

Tip: If you've already tried the more traditional bubble tea flavors (like milk tea), venture into the more daring ones (like boba taro milk or boba chocolate milk tea).

Where: Darregueyra 2485.