Duo Cafe in East Village, Manhattan
While scrolling through Instagram, I came across Duo Cafe, which was a traditional tea paired with traditional Chinese sweets. Duo Cafe reminded me of Chaya Zoy in Chiayi, Taiwan, with its stunning views and unforgettable afternoon tea experience. I longed for something similar back home in New York.
So, when my girl, Virna mentioned we should visit Duo Cafe, I couldn’t wait to see if the sweet treats and tea could live up the online hype.
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cozy afternoon tea
Duo Cafe specializes in traditional Chinese afternoon tea with a twist of modern dessert. Here, the focus is on delicious, not-too-sweet desserts — perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the sugar overload.
Imagine pairing your favorite tea with a selection of oranges, cake, sweet potato, cookies, and other delicious bites. These treats might seem "not-so-sweet" compared to American desserts, but they definitely hit the spot for Asian palates.
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unique tea selection
Prepare to be greeted by a unique tea experience at Duo Cafe! As you settle into your seat, the staff presents a cute wooden tray filled with small square glass containers. Each one, topped with a wooden cap and white label, holds a different type of tea leaf. Feel free to open them up and inhale the sweet smell of tea! They offer classic options like black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and jasmine green tea.
But here's where Duo Cafe truly shines: a selection of unique Asian teas you won't find everywhere. Think Puer, Chrysanthemum, Red Bean Coix Seed Black Tea, White Peach Oolong, Osmanthus Oolong, Lapsang Souchong, Biluochun, and more!
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hand-drawn menus!
Adding to the cafe's cozy atmosphere are the hand-drawn menus. Each table has one menu per person written in English — which was a unique touch to the cafe experience. On the walls, you'll find additional specials listed in both English and Simplified Chinese, complete with hand-drawn pictures of the tempting desserts. It's a sweet and personal touch that enhances the experience.
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afternoon tea highlights
My friend Virna and I decided to order the Sweets and Tea set, which is perfect for two people. We paired our lychee black tea and black tea basque cheesecake with an array of Asian snacks.
We also couldn't resist trying the Duo Matcha Cake, a rich and creamy cake that simply melted in our mouths. The cake had a surprising texture — soft yet firm, flavorful and satisfying.
Plus, Duo Cafe offers unlimited hot water refills for your tea, but keep in mind there's a 90-minute seating limit per group.
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know before you go!
BEST TIME TO GO
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays are generally calmer. Fridays tend to be the busiest, while weekends are surprisingly less crowded. Weekdays offer the most relaxed atmosphere.
DRESS CODE
Casual
PAYMENT
Card is accepted, but you can score a 5% discount by paying with cash.
PERFECT FOR
Experiencing a unique take on traditional Chinese afternoon tea with friends
PRICING
$$
RECOMMENDED DISHES & DRINKS
White peach Oolong Tea. Duo Matcha Cake. Sweet & Tea Set.
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HOURS
Monday
CLOSED
Tuesday - Thursday
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
LOCATION
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check out my Taichung travel vlog!
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03222024 11:58
Last Updated: 08.15.2024
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