this was by far the best coffee/food experience i've had in LA and i would recommend this to anyone who loves coffee or is curious about coffee. Came here with three other friends on a saturday afternoon. Josh created the most immaculate vibes in his lovely home and put together such a thoughtful, delicious food/coffee pairing with his partner, Mei. He was also incredibly knowledgeable about coffee and we learned so much from him from brewing methods to his favorite cafes in LA. The service was next level! Additionally, every course was memorable and some highlights include the cold brew, the biscuits (perfectly buttery), the plum juice inspired palette cleanser, and the espresso take on boba milk tea. I would totally come back to try their new season. There isn't any comparable experience in the world. read more

Coffee omakase for a society obsessed with $8 lattes and cold brew, hear me out. Ahma opens as an invitation to experience the utilitarian drink as something slower and more intentional, challenging the palate while expanding your understanding of how coffee without the blanket of cream or milk could actually taste. Josh and Mei create the coziest intimate space in their San Gabriel home. Like stepping into your best friend's place who happens to work in fine dining and be a coffee expert. There are different Seasons to Ahma and for this particular one, Taiwan is the Muse and coffee is its medium. My limited discernment between good coffee and bad coffee is acidity--sour and bitter, bleh. Or watered down. I don't douse my coffee with milk (anymore) because of lactose intolerance. But here, Coffee can be strong and bold, or brewed to possess properties that taste more like tea. And decaf (!) could have notes of whiskey without any of its alcohol. Particular care has been given to serve your cold brew in a frozen glass, or hot pour over in a warm pink cup. Josh has all the latest gadgets if you are into the coffee scene. But even if you're not, observing him brew you an espresso is an act of joy, not the beleaguered coffee pot in the workplace break room, but sharing in something worth its time and precision and experience. But because this is coffee, there is also something interesting to pair with it. A blooming osmanthus jelly, translucent and floral and fragrant. A delightfully nutty and buttery biscuit, its recipe took five years to perfect, with pineapple wintermelon jelly and delicate egg yolk shavings. A fried popcorn chicken cutlet with Thai basil pesto sandwich with just the right amount of crunch. The total amount of caffeine came in just about 2 cups of coffee, and I left pretty satisfied, but this being San Gabriel, grabbed some dim sum to go afterwards. The experience was 2.5 hours, and there were a total of 4 guests served at a time. The menu changes periodically and they will return in October if you want to try the next Season. read more

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Wow I'm blown away at how much fun I had at Ahma!! Me and 3 friends (4 total) came for an amazing 5 course experience and it was so educational and new. We were hosted by Josh and Mei, who are both lovely people by the way, and we got to try a beautifully crafted 5 course tasting menu. The coffee pairing with small bites was very very cute and hearing Josh's inspiration behind each ingredient, dish, idea was so special. You can really tell the attention to detail - they provide lactaid when milk is present, there's optional ice cubes for certain drinks, the bathroom is fully stocked with hand towels, lotion, etc. and the space is very beautifully decorated to be warm and inviting. 100% recommend to whoever is planning a date, girls hangout, or if you and your friends just enjoy coffee. The whole experience is about 2 hours, you walk away learning so much, very full of delicious homemade food, and just super happy. There is only 1 gender neutral restroom as ahma is hosted inside a home. Shoes off at the door, they will give you clean indoor slippers. Parking on the street is free and easy. read more

Love this concept and all the delicious, thoughtful pairings that came with each coffee. We came as a party of 4 and it literally felt like going over to a friends house to chill and hang out. Initially I wasn't sure what to expect, but we walked out with bellies full and hearts warmed. The entire experience is timed to your pace with conversations around as much or little into coffee you want. All the "courses" were caringly paired with each coffee tasting, I think there were actually some courses that I enjoyed as "coffee paired with small bites as the whole dish" rather than a "coffee. and then with small bites" if that makes any sense lol Very much a highlight to SGV and I can't wait to see where this adventure expands to! read more

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Gather round, kids. This is the tale of an experience so whimsical and unique... informative and creative... welcoming and charming - that it needs to be shared with anyone with even an iota of adventure in their little body. Josh and Mei created an amazing experience that not only shared with us the story of Josh's childhood, but also the fire with which he clearly puts into his passion - food and story telling. I mean, yes, the food and coffee were absolutely delicious. I simultaneously looked up where he purchased his coffee beans and how to make my own European butter as soon as a buttcheek hit the car seat. There was that, but even more than that, it was so immersive, that my friends and I left with a feeling that we just drank a bottle of wine and that we could create anything we put our minds to. That we, too, could create something that amazing if we simply tried hard enough. read more

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Ahma is singlehandedly the best coffee experience I've ever had in my life. Josh and team take care of you from the moment you walk into their home, where you not only feel like a valued customer, but a part of their family. Perhaps because, yes, it is their literal home (which, of course, has an incredibly relaxing vibe that provides the familiar feeling of visiting a relative or cousin's home, or perhaps dare I say, even "Ahma's" (Grandma's) home). Now to the actual bread and butter: the thoughtfulness of the pairings was next level. But that was somehow topped by the painstaking precision and craftsmanship of Josh and his coffees. He brews them all with not only the utmost accuracy of temperature and ratios, but provides unique and never-before-tasted flavors, with the greatest of passion poured into every drop. I mean, I swear you can taste the actual love he put in there. I highly, HIGHLY recommend this unique experience in the greater Los Angeles area. Ahma is THE BEST! read more

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What an amazing experience this was. My husband planned this date and it was so special. Every course had such a great story in history and everything was planned with great detail and intention. Chef Josh is truly an artist and food scientist all in one and it really showed in this entire tasting. I would definitely do this again and would recommend it to anyone wanting to dive into the world of coffee in a special and unique way. I learned so much about the differences of coffee and have a new found appreciation beyond a vanilla latte with oat milk. Thank you for such a wonderful experience. read more

Ahma - Coffee & Tea Near Me

Josh and Mei are super friendly and they explain each pour and bite in a way that's nerdy but fun and easy to follow. The small bites are legit and actually make the coffees taste better. Highlight for me was the flan. Silky, perfectly sweet, and such a good match with the coffee. Pacing was relaxed, service was on point, and everything felt dialed in without being fussy. Can't wait to be back for the next season! read more

Ahma - Coffee & Tea Near Me

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My wife and I went to the Ahma pop up at Little Ox Coffee in Orange County and loved our experience! Josh's background in food science and fine dining is obvious through his meticulously prepared coffee and food pairings. He is oozing with knowledge and passion for his craft. Seemingly simple things like coffee, biscuits, and cookies just tasted so much better than anything we ever tried before. After this pop up experience we left wanting to try out the real deal in San Gabriel! read more

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If you're a coffee lover, you have to try Ahma's coffee omakase! First off, every beverage was a standout. Each drink, coffee or not, was a unique and flavorful creation. As someone who loves fruity and floral notes in my coffee, I was blown away. These were some of the best-tasting cups I've ever had. The owner, chef, and barista, Josh, is a true expert and his passion for coffee and food is obvious. What I enjoyed most was how freely he shared his deep knowledge. Both he and Mei were incredibly kind and sweet. I also loved the cozy and private atmosphere. With seating for only six people at a community table, the intimate setting makes you feel completely immersed in the experience. They mentioned that the menu changes with the seasons, so I can't wait to visit again! read more

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My wife and I had an incredible experience at Ahma. I drink coffee every day, but this was on a completely different level. Each drink was paired so thoughtfully with food, and the combinations really brought out flavors I'd never noticed before. Everything tasted amazing, and learning the stories behind how each dish and drink was created made it even more special. Josh and Mei were wonderful hosts - warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do. The whole experience felt unique, fun, and memorable, and it gave us a whole new appreciation for both coffee and food. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who loves coffee, enjoys great food, or just wants to share something special with friends or loved ones! read more

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I had so much fun at Ahma today. I brought my girlfriend and we thoroughly enjoyed the 4 seat 5 course experience. Josh is incredibly knowledgeable having worked at a Michelin star restaurant before and been perfecting his recipes like his famous and world class biscuit. We really enjoyed hearing stories of his inspiration for starting Ahma and his journey from food science at UCLA to being a chef to now show casing and sharing his passion for coffee and dessert omakase-- I can't go back to drinking normal coffee!! If you want a world class culinary experience in a fun and intimate setting I would recommend Ah Ma. I'm definitely taking my parents here next :). Josh and Mei were a joy to be around and were attentive, caring and helped us enjoy this magical experience. I would seriously recommend the biscuit and pour over! I loved it so much. read more

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Can we give 6 stars? Josh and Mei provided an amazing, one of a kind, experience. The storytelling, paired with great service, ambient music and tasteful coffee/treats. Can't wait to see what they have next season! read more

Ahma - Coffee & Tea Near Me

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I had such a wonderful time at this coffee omakase! From the very beginning, the welcome was so warm. It felt like visiting friends, complete with a refreshing drink and a little bite to start. (I also liked the little detail with the cookie tin, thought that was a very fun little Easter egg.) After welcoming us in, Josh introduced the experience and let us enjoy our first taste before giving us more background, which made everything feel relaxed and unhurried. I really appreciated the pacing as well. After the welcome course, we moved to the dinning table and after the third course, we got a short break to stretch our legs before continuing. I found that superr thoughtful! The biggest highlight for me was how accommodating Josh was with our dietary restrictions. Instead of simply leaving things out (like many places do), he created thoughtful substitutions that made the dishes feel whole and intentional. Every sip and bite was delicious, balanced, and not too sweet! The whole experience was very special, cozy, and memorable. I can't wait to come back again! read more

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I didn't know a coffee experience could be so informative, wholesome, and impactful. Ahma wasn't your average cup of joe--this was a full-on journey of slipping into Josh's shoes throughout his childhood with each course of the Omakase representing specific memories he had with his Ahma. Not only was each cup of coffee brewed in various interesting ways, but the bean selection, along with the carefully curated (and hand-made) bites to enhance the coffee notes was just simply delightful and informative. Overall, the vibe was super homey but elevated at the same time. Really great date idea or even if you want to experience something new with friends & fam! Make sure to communicate any dietary restrictions/decaf preferences when booking and they'll happily accommodate! Highly recommend this experience-- I'll definitely be back as the seasonal menu changes! read more

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This is my first coffee tasting and it was wonderful! I love the concept of Ahma. I felt warmth and homey feeling as I stepped inside! I loved the pairings of dessert as it was a modern twist of alll my childhood favorites. read more

Ahma - This should be added to all afternoon tea ! So good - Coffee & Tea Near Me

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Thank you Josh and Mei for such a unique coffee experience! Loved hearing the science behind the process and the sentimental touches to each course. The vibe was intimate and cozy, making you feel right at home, and each dish was served with so much thought and care. The espresso mai tai course was probably my favorite out of them all, but honestly they were all so good (I'm going to need yall to start selling those biscuits on the side) read more

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A gateway to specialty coffee--no snobbery required If coffee menus usually stress you out, Ahma in San Gabriel is your happy place. It's a tiny, cozy spot where the pace slows way down--think intimate counter time instead of a busy cafe line. The host walks you through a coffee "omakase" with zero gatekeeping: where the beans are from, how they're brewed, what notes to look for, and why each cup tastes the way it does. I loved how approachable it all felt. You don't need to know anything about processing methods or regions to enjoy this--just bring your curiosity. As the tasting moved along, I actually picked up the differences: bright/citrusy here, floral there, then something deeper and chocolatey. It's the perfect gateway experience if you're coffee-curious and want to understand what people mean by "notes" without the eye-roll vibes. What really sets Ahma apart is the time and attention. In most shops, baristas are slammed and you get a quick pour and a "next!" Here, the host gives you space to ask questions, linger, and really taste. It feels more like a mini class than a transaction--warm, personal, and fun. Bottom line: Come for the cozy setup, stay for the thoughtful guidance. Whether you're a total beginner or just looking to reconnect with why coffee is exciting, this is an easy, welcoming way in. Perfect for a low-key date, a solo treat, or a gift experience for a friend who says "I like coffee, but I don't know where to start." read more

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My husband and I were fortunate enough to have a truly one of a kind experience at Ahma's season 0. Neither of us encountered a coffee omakase before, so we went not knowing what to expect, and we left pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. The intimate, cozy, and homey atmosphere of Ahma's space was combined effortlessly with the charming and relaxed mid-century modern design. But it was Josh and Mei's warmth, authentic energy, and down to earth hospitality that truly made the experience special for us. They created an environment where we felt completely at ease. In each course, chef Josh showcased his unique brewing methods in an informative and passionate way. A dessert dish was paired to complement the coffee in each course as well. All the desserts were incredibly delightful, and they were also made with out-of-ordinary ingredients, textures, and flavors that we never quite experienced before. The courses were designed very thoughtfully and we thoroughly enjoyed the stories that tied everything together. Not only did we taste some of the most extraordinary and innovative coffees and desserts, but we also left with a wealth of knowledge about coffee that we didn't expect to gain. We would recommend this experience to anyone, and we would love to return ourselves for a special occasion in the future. read more

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Visited Ahma during their "season 0" and was really impressed with the experience. I'd describe it as having breakfast in your auntie's home, and the ambiance felt warm and cozy. The coffee omakase was 4-5 courses, with some special surprises sprinkled throughout (I won't spoil it). The chef, Josh, ground all of the specialty beans fresh and brewed everything in front of the table, which meant some incredible aromas from the coffee throughout the ~2 hour experience. He also gave the story and thought behind each of the small-bite pairings that came with every coffee course. As a coffee nerd, I had a blast as Josh walked the table through the brew methods real-time, and shared tons of interesting tidbits on the beans, farms, roasters, and more. Josh and Mei were incredible hosts that made you feel really taken care of. I went with my wife and a friend, and were seated with 3 others at the table - ended up meeting some really cool people and having fun conversation throughout. I'll definitely be back, and would say it's a must visit for any specialty coffee enthusiasts, lovers of a good tea-time, and anybody who is looking for a unique experience. read more

Ahma - Coffee counter - Coffee & Tea Near Me

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What an amazing experience! Josh and Mei, who previously worked at Le Comptoir and Normandie Club, gave us the most thoughtful coffee and desert experience we've ever had. It was super clear how much thought went into each dish and the exacting research put into the coffee and dish pairings. From the Josh's famous biscuit to the corn-topped sourdough bread, you get to experience incredibly unique culinary creations paired with the best single-origin coffees in the world. Given Josh's background as a scientist-turned-chef, it was super interesting to hear how they even make their own water, tweaking mineralization to make each brew perfect. It's a super intimate setting, with only 6 guests per seating and taking place in Josh and Mei's personal kitchen. While 2 hours was the longest I've ever spent drinking coffee, no moment was dull. Come bring friends or family - it takes coffee chats to the next level! read more

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Ahma was such a unique experience- I'd definitely recommend it! As someone who drinks a ton of coffee (but doesn't always pick up on the subtle notes in each brew), this really opened my eyes to appreciating coffee more. Josh's detailed breakdown of each coffee helped me notice all the hidden notes and flavor profiles, and I loved his explanation of the thought process behind each food pairing. My wife is sensitive to caffeine, and I really appreciated that Ahma offered non-caffeinated options too. The flavor profiles were just as good and didn't take away from the experience at all. Overall, I loved our time at Ahma and would recommend it to anyone looking for a super unique experience in LA! read more

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The most unforgettable omakase experience! I chose to go with the decaf option, and was amazed how well the drinks paired with the bites. Josh and Mei truly pay attention to the smallest detail--from the temperature of the room to the angle of the flower placed within the cup. I'll definitely be revisiting for the corn bread. read more

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Ahma is such a special and unique coffee tasting experience. Hosted in Josh and Mei's cozy home, the setting feels incredibly warm, personal, and welcoming. Josh's attention to detail is incredible--he's truly meticulous--and he makes everything from scratch, even milling his own flour for the biscuits and cookies. I appreciated that he even crafted a delicious decaf option for those who enjoy the taste of coffee but can't handle the caffeine jitters like myself. Every pairing was incredibly thoughtful, and I'm still dreaming about the corn sourdough toast. A unique, intimate experience I'd highly recommend! read more

Love the coffee and especially the food pairing. The hosts were kind, friendly, and thoughtful

Wow, what an unforgettable experience. I took my family here and we LOVED it so much. We enjoyed trying different types of coffees and learning all about them from Josh. He is so knowledgeable. The small bites he and his partner May (I think?) prepared were so delicious as well. It was mind blowing how much effort they put into every bite -- even milling his own flour that he used to make the biscuits. Well worth the money. Looking forward to going again and bringing more friends & family. I'd highly recommend taking your loved ones for their special day! read more

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I had the pleasure of experiencing this coffee omakase a second time! Josh and Mei have created such a cute and intimate space to nerd out about coffee in a way that's both approachable for those new to coffee and enjoyable for coffee fanatics. Leaning more on the side of coffee fanatic, having food pairings with the different coffee concoctions really elevated this to a completely novel and unique experience for me. From your first steps in to your last step out, you could tell this was not only carefully curated around the food, but the overall service and experience. Also, having been here twice, it surprised me that Josh has continued improve and refine an already seemingly flawless service; so I'm excited to see what comes next! Highly recommend! read more

Josh was an amazing chef who prepared a unique tasting experience! Recommend for anyone who loves coffee and is interested in learning more about what it takes to prepare different drinks! He even shows off how he prepares the drinks in front of you! The pastries that paired with the drinks were also incredible! read more

my friends and i had the most phenomenal time at Ahma!!!!! this coffee and food tasting is a beautifully unique experience that i will recommend to everyone moving forward. i am not a coffee drinker, but after this experience i have developed a great appreciation for it! Josh goes above and beyond explaining each drink -- where the coffee beans originate, the wash process, the flavor notes, and the machine used to prepare it (drip, espresso machine, etc). and also not being a coffee drinker, i appreciated that Ahma offers decaf options for some of the courses. now for the food. i am not joking when i say that everything was amazing! literally everything. i was especially blown away with the watermelon jelly (i literally told Josh this jelly is the jam! lmao) with the warm biscuit, corn toast with crème fraiche and the fruit platter that ends the tasting. each food complimented the coffee SO well. the cherry on top is that through the courses you learn not only about coffee, but you get a glimpse into Josh's upbringing and how that influences the coziness you feel while you're there -- having tea and cookies ready when you arrive (a nod to his Grandmother), his Aunt Pai's flan, and a sweet parting gift (a nod to Grandmothers making sure you leave with something after a gathering lol) i could go on and on, but i'll end this review by urging you to book a reservation as soon as you can. you will have the best time ever, i promise!!!! read more

Great flavors, cozy ambiance, friendly amd knowledgeable hosts. We felt very welcomed here. I would absolutely recommend coming!

Stepping into the Ahma experience feels like walking into Josh's personal home kitchen/lab in the best possible way--warm, intimate, and totally dialed-in. You can see immediately that Josh is a true master of his craft: the way he talks about each coffee, the precision of his brewing, and how every dessert pairing somehow makes the cup in front of you taste even better. This isn't just "good coffee" - it's a full-on curated experience that makes you slow down and appreciate every sip and bite. Bringing my friends next time, highly recommend! read more

I had an incredible experience with my wife at Ahma. I am not an avid coffee drinker, but Josh was so knowledgable and customized the menu so that it is decaf and ok for caffeine sensitive people. Josh was amazing at walking through the coffee making process, varietal selection, and tips/tricks on how to make better coffee at home. You could see his michelin star training in his attention to detail of both the coffee as well as the food. Would highly highly recommend to both coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers! read more