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I went to Sip Cafe in City Square after doing a few errands with low expectations. I did come here previously and my memory of this place was how busy and tight it was. When I arrived, there were 5 tables and a good amount of chair/bench seats. It smelled delicious like bahn mi! I was here for the drinks though. I saw earl grey was their current flavor and I immediately was gravitated to that. The matcha came out and it was a darker muddled green. I was a little skeptical at first but the flavor was good! The earl grey was sweet but not overpowering. My husband also really enjoyed it too. I'll be back to try other things. I think we had Hojicha last time but like I mentioned, it wasn't memorable.
Finally got to try Sip! It's a little out of the way for me, but I'm glad I made the trip over. I really wanted to try Sip's new earl grey matcha, and matcha in general - it's the main reason I came! I'm really picky about my matcha and prefer making it myself because I haven't found a great spot on the island yet. The color of the matcha was really vibrant/green which is a good sign, but I do like my matcha a lot stronger. I thought the earl grey syrup and milk overtook the flavor of the matcha and I ended up making more matcha at home and pouring it in. Next time I'd love to try a plain matcha latte! As for food, we got a bunch of the pho French dip banh mi and lemongrass tofu banh mi. I really enjoyed the French dip! Sandwiches were super flavorful and fresh! I was impressed by this cafe and was surprised because after just one visit (I guess I had a larger order) I already got a reward of $5 off my next order! Looking forward to returning.
Happened on @sipcafehnl by chance and what a happy surprise. Mom needed to go shopping @citysquarehawaii and MySonShine sent us on some business to @fromthehearthawaii for some stickers. How convenient I already knew I wanted the banana matcha cream latte and D1 got the mango yuzu tonic. So yummy and refreshing. Not too sweet. Everything the both of us had been craving. Plenty of parking in the lot. Simple decor inside. And a few tables inside, maybe 6. Super nice cashier. Will definitely return to try their banh mi next time and a different drink. #supportlocal
Amazing matcha with egg cream was delicious and the banh mi was surprisingly very delicious. Highly recommend the pate and the pho broth on the side. They were accommodating by ensuring no onions are provided on our sandwiches
We're honestly not very familiar with Vietnamese cuisine besides pho and fresh spring rolls, and we'd never tried banh mi before. We always assumed with all the aromatics and hard, cold French bread just wouldn't be our thing. Well, we were completely wrong. We ordered the Saigon Classic and Roast Pork banh mi and both were so good! The sauce was real delicious, the vegetables added the perfect crunch, and most of all, the bread was nice and toasted. Only feedback is that the cucumber is usually left uncut, making it difficult to split the sandwich cleanly. If they finished slicing all the way through, it'd be perfect. I read some reviewers mention their banh mi are on the smaller side, and I can see that now. After trying another highly rated banh mi spot a few weeks later, we actually preferred Sip's by a lot. The flavors, sauce, and bread were just more enjoyable to us. Taste is subjective, especially since we're new to banh mi, but Sip's definitely won us over. As for the drinks, I ordered the Banana Cream Matcha. The banana cream was light, creamy, and very good, but the matcha itself was very light--almost watered down. Since these trendy drinks are quite expensive these days, I'd recommend more for trying the banana cream than for the matcha quality itself. My boyfriend ordered the Einspänner Latte, thinking it would use a regular espresso and milk base like the Korean versions we've had, so we were a little surprised to find out it was made with Vietnamese coffee. It ended up being much thicker and sweeter than we expected. The cafe itself is pretty small with only a few seats, so I'd plan on taking your food to go if it's busy. Highlight for us was the banh mi and we'll definitely be back-- even if the area is such a pain to drive though.
I've been wanting to try this place for a while, and I finally got the chance to stop by. I ordered the egg cream latte and the roasted pork bánh mì. The vibe inside is chill with a few tables if you want to dine in. There's plenty of parking in the area, though it can get busy depending on the time. The staff was very nice and accommodating, which added to the overall experience. The egg cream latte was pretty good, definitely stronger than I expected, even for a latte. The bánh mì was also good: crunchy bread, fresh veggies, and great presentation. Overall, I'd rate my experience an 8/10. I'd come back to try other drinks for sure and it definitely made me miss Vietnam.
I had just fasted for a blood work so I was starving. Came here and devoured my banh mi but there wasn't much to it. Way too much veggies, no pate :( and cold cuts weren't anything special. Their matcha on the other hand was redeeming part of this experience. I got the banana cream matcha. I think this place is more known for their drinks than sandwiches. But the Vietnamese coffee fell short. Their coffee beans or grounds were burnt..
Enjoyed my sip at Sip Cafe! As a matcha girlie, I was taken here by Li Y. to fill my matcha fix. Matchas are decent, and it's nice they offer food offerings. We came on a holiday morning, not too crowded. The cafe is moderately sized, with a few tables. Not much decor, just a chill space. Ordering was a breeze: look at the menu, order at the register, and wait for your drinks to be called out. The service was kind and helpful. I was indecisive because there were lots of matcha options, but ultimately went for what they're best known for -- Banana Cream Matcha with Oat Milk. The matcha was good, with a not-too-strong profile, and I could taste the light banana. I would say it was decent compared to other matcha shops. I'd be curious to try their other offerings. Sip Cafe is located in City Square Shopping Center. Parking is available throughout the plaza. They're also known for their banh mi, so swing by for a drink and a bite to eat!
When I first dated a Vietnamese woman, some years ago, I knew next to nothing about Viet cuisine let alone coffee culture. Now, Vietnamese coffee is more prevalent as the US is in its third wave of coffee. But through the years - I have not had a Vietnamese Egg Coffee... Cà Phê Trứng...until the other week at Sip Cafe in the City Square Shopping Center. I believe they opened this January. I had their Egg Cream Latte ( as they reference it ) and it was very good. Viertnamese coffee uses robusta beans and it's brewed strong. Egg yolks are whipped with condensed milk to create a velvety foam...very refreshing and eye-opening - as in not for the caffeine-sensitive. Also, tried their Iced Mango Coconut Cloud Matcha...a special, posted on their counter. It was quite good. They have bahn mi and and serve a few pastries. Open daily from 800a to 400p. Floor space has enough room for 4 tables. Plenty of parking in the shoppitcenter though it can get very busy during peak hours. Metered stalls are on Kohou Street.
Sip Café has become one of my go-to spots in Honolulu. It's such a cute little café, and every time I stop by, the service is quick and the staff is incredibly attentive. Everyone is always friendly and on top of things, which makes the whole experience feel welcoming. Their matcha is delicious and consistently good, which is honestly what keeps bringing me back. I've also had their bánh mì sandwiches a few times, and they're so good. The bread has that perfect crunch when you bite into it, and the meat is always savory and packed with flavor. Overall, it's just one of those places that's easy to recommend. Great matcha, tasty food, fast service, and a staff that genuinely seems to care about their customers.
Please don't get discouraged by my review. Everyone has different taste buds and this place might be for you. Located in a busy shopping, there is plenty of parking but the area does get really busy so I recommend not coming at peak times. Luckily you can order online and pick up your food. There are about 5 tables spread about the cafe with seating. The place was clean and had AC. The staff were friendly and gave helpful suggestions. The service was fast as well. I ordered the roasted pork Banh mi. Personally, the sandwich didn't do it for me. I felt like they could have cut the cucumbers smaller, like shredded or chop them so you don't have this slab of veggie you're gnawing at as you take a bite. I agree with other Yelpers that the price vs the size, it's a little on the expensive side given what you get. It tasted a little bland for me and when you did get to some of the sauce, it was on the sweeter side than what I've had in the past at other places. What I noticed is a lot of people come here for the drinks. After all they are called a cafe and on their sign they list coffee as the first thing. I didn't order a drink but their menu seemed very popular and people seemed to enjoy jt. They do offer free water cups if you don't want to purchase a drink. They do have QR code menus and you can order online or call your order in if you don't want to order in the cafe. Overall, I think it's an up and coming small business that people should give a try. It might be for you.
My hubby and I decided to try this place out last week. The shop is small and has six tables that you can sit at. We went around noon on a Saturday. Four out of the six tables were occupied with a few people walking in and doing take out. We ordered the roast pork banh mi $13, nem sausage (grilled beef sausage) banh mi $13, large banana cream matcha $7.50 sub oat milk $0.50 and a small Viet coffee $5. Both banh mis were delicious. My roast pork had crispy skin and it was tender. I would have preferred a little more meat as there was a lot of veggies. Along with the mayo they put this brown sauce (tasted kind of like hoisin sauce) which kicked it up a notch. The banh mis were smaller than what I'm used to. I still left full though, but not my hubby. He eats way more than I do. The Viet coffee was perfect with the condensed milk. My hubby said it was strong, but he's not used to it. It was perfect for me. I loved the banana cream matcha. I couldn't stop picking at the banana cream, haha. If you like banh mis you should give this place a try.
I come here often for the matcha and its so cute inside! Kinda small but service is really good and matcha isnt too expensive like some other places on the island. Their drinks are sweet & yummy and if it were closer to where i live i'd come more often Drinks have a lot of ice so if you dont like that ask for less!
I love this little cafe ... I walked in and there are a few tables you can dine in to eat .. it's a cute little cafe and very comfortable looking . there was no menu on the wall so I waited till I got to the front of the line to look at the menu ... I ordered huge Roast pork Bahn mi sandwich and the Hijocha Latte . The sandwich was full and delicious.. love the pickle veggies and cilantro ... Service was fast and didn't wait much longer for my sandwich to be made . My drink was also very refreshing. The server was really helpful and friendly as I had questions on the different kind of interesting drinks they had and she patiently explained to me . Definitely will return to try other sandwiches and drinks . Parking is also plentiful so there was no problem finding a space . read more
24 days ago
Sunday market stroll at City Square Shopping Center brought us to Sip Cafe for a little drink break. I had the Banana Cream Latte, which was smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet. Da fam enjoyed the Strawberry Yuzu Tonic, which was fruity, refreshing, and had a nice citrusy kick. Sip Cafe also has some really cool stickers. We also stopped by the shop next door and picked up some cute Pokémon plushies and stickers. A fun Sunday stop with good drinks and plenty to browse around City Square Shopping Center! read more
I went to Sip Cafe in City Square after doing a few errands with low expectations. I did come here previously and my memory of this place was how busy and tight it was. When I arrived, there were 5 tables and a good amount of chair/bench seats. It smelled delicious like bahn mi! I was here for the drinks though. I saw earl grey was their current flavor and I immediately was gravitated to that. The matcha came out and it was a darker muddled green. I was a little skeptical at first but the flavor was good! The earl grey was sweet but not overpowering. My husband also really enjoyed it too. I'll be back to try other things. I think we had Hojicha last time but like I mentioned, it wasn't memorable. read more
Finally got to try Sip! It's a little out of the way for me, but I'm glad I made the trip over. I really wanted to try Sip's new earl grey matcha, and matcha in general - it's the main reason I came! I'm really picky about my matcha and prefer making it myself because I haven't found a great spot on the island yet. The color of the matcha was really vibrant/green which is a good sign, but I do like my matcha a lot stronger. I thought the earl grey syrup and milk overtook the flavor of the matcha and I ended up making more matcha at home and pouring it in. Next time I'd love to try a plain matcha latte! As for food, we got a bunch of the pho French dip banh mi and lemongrass tofu banh mi. I really enjoyed the French dip! Sandwiches were super flavorful and fresh! I was impressed by this cafe and was surprised because after just one visit (I guess I had a larger order) I already got a reward of $5 off my next order! Looking forward to returning. read more
Happened on @sipcafehnl by chance and what a happy surprise. Mom needed to go shopping @citysquarehawaii and MySonShine sent us on some business to @fromthehearthawaii for some stickers. How convenient I already knew I wanted the banana matcha cream latte and D1 got the mango yuzu tonic. So yummy and refreshing. Not too sweet. Everything the both of us had been craving. Plenty of parking in the lot. Simple decor inside. And a few tables inside, maybe 6. Super nice cashier. Will definitely return to try their banh mi next time and a different drink. #supportlocal read more
4 days ago
Amazing matcha with egg cream was delicious and the banh mi was surprisingly very delicious. Highly recommend the pate and the pho broth on the side. They were accommodating by ensuring no onions are provided on our sandwiches read more
We're honestly not very familiar with Vietnamese cuisine besides pho and fresh spring rolls, and we'd never tried banh mi before. We always assumed with all the aromatics and hard, cold French bread just wouldn't be our thing. Well, we were completely wrong. We ordered the Saigon Classic and Roast Pork banh mi and both were so good! The sauce was real delicious, the vegetables added the perfect crunch, and most of all, the bread was nice and toasted. Only feedback is that the cucumber is usually left uncut, making it difficult to split the sandwich cleanly. If they finished slicing all the way through, it'd be perfect. I read some reviewers mention their banh mi are on the smaller side, and I can see that now. After trying another highly rated banh mi spot a few weeks later, we actually preferred Sip's by a lot. The flavors, sauce, and bread were just more enjoyable to us. Taste is subjective, especially since we're new to banh mi, but Sip's definitely won us over. As for the drinks, I ordered the Banana Cream Matcha. The banana cream was light, creamy, and very good, but the matcha itself was very light--almost watered down. Since these trendy drinks are quite expensive these days, I'd recommend more for trying the banana cream than for the matcha quality itself. My boyfriend ordered the Einspänner Latte, thinking it would use a regular espresso and milk base like the Korean versions we've had, so we were a little surprised to find out it was made with Vietnamese coffee. It ended up being much thicker and sweeter than we expected. The cafe itself is pretty small with only a few seats, so I'd plan on taking your food to go if it's busy. Highlight for us was the banh mi and we'll definitely be back-- even if the area is such a pain to drive though. read more
I've been wanting to try this place for a while, and I finally got the chance to stop by. I ordered the egg cream latte and the roasted pork bánh mì. The vibe inside is chill with a few tables if you want to dine in. There's plenty of parking in the area, though it can get busy depending on the time. The staff was very nice and accommodating, which added to the overall experience. The egg cream latte was pretty good, definitely stronger than I expected, even for a latte. The bánh mì was also good: crunchy bread, fresh veggies, and great presentation. Overall, I'd rate my experience an 8/10. I'd come back to try other drinks for sure and it definitely made me miss Vietnam. read more
3 months ago
I had just fasted for a blood work so I was starving. Came here and devoured my banh mi but there wasn't much to it. Way too much veggies, no pate :( and cold cuts weren't anything special. Their matcha on the other hand was redeeming part of this experience. I got the banana cream matcha. I think this place is more known for their drinks than sandwiches. But the Vietnamese coffee fell short. Their coffee beans or grounds were burnt.. read more
Enjoyed my sip at Sip Cafe! As a matcha girlie, I was taken here by Li Y. to fill my matcha fix. Matchas are decent, and it's nice they offer food offerings. We came on a holiday morning, not too crowded. The cafe is moderately sized, with a few tables. Not much decor, just a chill space. Ordering was a breeze: look at the menu, order at the register, and wait for your drinks to be called out. The service was kind and helpful. I was indecisive because there were lots of matcha options, but ultimately went for what they're best known for -- Banana Cream Matcha with Oat Milk. The matcha was good, with a not-too-strong profile, and I could taste the light banana. I would say it was decent compared to other matcha shops. I'd be curious to try their other offerings. Sip Cafe is located in City Square Shopping Center. Parking is available throughout the plaza. They're also known for their banh mi, so swing by for a drink and a bite to eat! read more
When I first dated a Vietnamese woman, some years ago, I knew next to nothing about Viet cuisine let alone coffee culture. Now, Vietnamese coffee is more prevalent as the US is in its third wave of coffee. But through the years - I have not had a Vietnamese Egg Coffee... Cà Phê Trứng...until the other week at Sip Cafe in the City Square Shopping Center. I believe they opened this January. I had their Egg Cream Latte ( as they reference it ) and it was very good. Viertnamese coffee uses robusta beans and it's brewed strong. Egg yolks are whipped with condensed milk to create a velvety foam...very refreshing and eye-opening - as in not for the caffeine-sensitive. Also, tried their Iced Mango Coconut Cloud Matcha...a special, posted on their counter. It was quite good. They have bahn mi and and serve a few pastries. Open daily from 800a to 400p. Floor space has enough room for 4 tables. Plenty of parking in the shoppitcenter though it can get very busy during peak hours. Metered stalls are on Kohou Street. read more
Sip Café has become one of my go-to spots in Honolulu. It's such a cute little café, and every time I stop by, the service is quick and the staff is incredibly attentive. Everyone is always friendly and on top of things, which makes the whole experience feel welcoming. Their matcha is delicious and consistently good, which is honestly what keeps bringing me back. I've also had their bánh mì sandwiches a few times, and they're so good. The bread has that perfect crunch when you bite into it, and the meat is always savory and packed with flavor. Overall, it's just one of those places that's easy to recommend. Great matcha, tasty food, fast service, and a staff that genuinely seems to care about their customers. read more
Please don't get discouraged by my review. Everyone has different taste buds and this place might be for you. Located in a busy shopping, there is plenty of parking but the area does get really busy so I recommend not coming at peak times. Luckily you can order online and pick up your food. There are about 5 tables spread about the cafe with seating. The place was clean and had AC. The staff were friendly and gave helpful suggestions. The service was fast as well. I ordered the roasted pork Banh mi. Personally, the sandwich didn't do it for me. I felt like they could have cut the cucumbers smaller, like shredded or chop them so you don't have this slab of veggie you're gnawing at as you take a bite. I agree with other Yelpers that the price vs the size, it's a little on the expensive side given what you get. It tasted a little bland for me and when you did get to some of the sauce, it was on the sweeter side than what I've had in the past at other places. What I noticed is a lot of people come here for the drinks. After all they are called a cafe and on their sign they list coffee as the first thing. I didn't order a drink but their menu seemed very popular and people seemed to enjoy jt. They do offer free water cups if you don't want to purchase a drink. They do have QR code menus and you can order online or call your order in if you don't want to order in the cafe. Overall, I think it's an up and coming small business that people should give a try. It might be for you. read more
My hubby and I decided to try this place out last week. The shop is small and has six tables that you can sit at. We went around noon on a Saturday. Four out of the six tables were occupied with a few people walking in and doing take out. We ordered the roast pork banh mi $13, nem sausage (grilled beef sausage) banh mi $13, large banana cream matcha $7.50 sub oat milk $0.50 and a small Viet coffee $5. Both banh mis were delicious. My roast pork had crispy skin and it was tender. I would have preferred a little more meat as there was a lot of veggies. Along with the mayo they put this brown sauce (tasted kind of like hoisin sauce) which kicked it up a notch. The banh mis were smaller than what I'm used to. I still left full though, but not my hubby. He eats way more than I do. The Viet coffee was perfect with the condensed milk. My hubby said it was strong, but he's not used to it. It was perfect for me. I loved the banana cream matcha. I couldn't stop picking at the banana cream, haha. If you like banh mis you should give this place a try. read more
1 month ago
I come here often for the matcha and its so cute inside! Kinda small but service is really good and matcha isnt too expensive like some other places on the island. Their drinks are sweet & yummy and if it were closer to where i live i'd come more often Drinks have a lot of ice so if you dont like that ask for less! read more
5 months ago
It was alright. The wait for 2 Banh Mi sandwiches took a severely long time. Don't get me wrong, both The Saigon Classic & Pho Dip were good, but it's not something I'd stand around waiting for. read more
Love coming to Sip! They have delicious banana cold foam and the matcha it's always on point. The coffee is strong, which is typical Vietnamese iced coffee. Always able to find parking in the area and the employees always do a good job at giving their recommendations. It comes out pretty quick. I want to come back to try their banh mi which I've heard so many great things about! read more
1 month ago
I've been seeing this cafe all over my feed, and sadly I am easy influenced. I've visited this cafe 3 times, each time in hope that maybe I went on the wrong day. You can tell their matcha isn't high quality, and given the price, i would expect at least a decent drink. I was influenced into trying their most popular strawberry cheesecake matcha, and it's prob one of the worst drinks i ever tried. aesthetic was nice, and workers were easygoing, but drinks were not too good, and the food portions looked small for the price. read more
As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by any employee that is near the window. They have a few different types of drinks and also banh mi. I got the Saigon classic and the strawberry matcha drink. It was very tasty, the size was proportionate to the price and they didn't short me when it came to the amount of meat. My drink was pretty interesting. Nice real sweet treat for myself especially since I just got back to Hawaii in recent weeks. I did go again for their Vietnamese coffee, and unless you are a real coffee person. This is very strong! Also, the space inside is cute but also very tight. So if you plan to eat inside make sure to secure a spot to sit first. read more
6 months ago
After seeing Sip Cafe's drinks and bahn mis on Instagram, it's been on my list of places to try. I finally had a weekend to check it out. I guess everyone else also had the same idea because there was a line almost out the door when I came on a Saturday afternoon. I didn't realize how popular it was but you could tell people had been waiting around for their food and drinks. I was worried since I had my toddler with me that the order would take long and she was already getting antsy lol. The line went by fast but unfortunately, the bahn mis were already sold out (it was around 1pm). So I just ordered 2 drinks (one for my sister). I got the Egg Cream Latte for myself and a Hojicha Einspanner for my sister. They also have matcha which I will have to come back another time to try. The drinks thankfully were ready fast and they tasted as good as it looked. The Vietnamese coffee was strong and the perfect amount of sweetness. I really enjoyed the egg cream on top. My sister also liked her hojicha. I guess I'll have to try go earlier to get their bahm mis. Sip is located in Kalihi in the City Square Shopping Center. It was pretty easy to find and there is ample parking which is nice. I see why this place is popular! read more
Another great matcha/cafe spot found!! Love love loveeee the Vietnamese iced coffee! Tastes exactly like the ones in Vietnam. Warning, it is strong and will be keeping you awake for hours! The matcha was also yummy! I asked for no sweetener to enjoy the matcha taste. There is seating available inside and great music playing in the back. read more
18 days ago
I had the strawberry shortcake matcha, amazing! This is what you want matcha to taste like! Real deal! read more
3 months ago
8 months ago
We saw Sip on my Instagram and really wanted to try it out. We opted for their drinks because that seemed really highly rated. My favorite is the Egg Cream latte. Since the coffee is so strong and you mix it with cream on top it's like a nice salty and bitter taste. It's super good I highly recommend getting this!! As for the Vietnamese iced coffee that was really good too. It's definitely more on the stronger side so just be prepared!! The reason why I'm not giving this place a 5 star is because it took around 20 minutes to get 2 drinks and they weren't super slammed, which sucked. But at least the drinks were good. Anyways, I'd come back for the drinks only !! read more
Went here twice because it's a good spot with ample free parking! It's a small cafe, but they have seating inside if you plan to enjoy your drink/food for a bit. Tried 3 different matchas and they all taste good and on point! The strawberry shortcake is on the sweeter side and also gives a fruity pebbles taste. My favorite is the matcha einspanner. Smooth and creamy. Definitely want to try more of their food next time. I tried the roast pork bahn mi, but didn't like the chewy skin of the pork. I did let the sandwich sit for a bit before eating it, so that is my fault. The pho dip is popular and seems to sell out quickly. The service is also quick. The drinks are made fresh but fast as well as the food. Excited to come back! read more
The sip is real... This newbie has been on my list for a bit and it says a lot considering their grand opening was on January 5th...when you have matcha I just can't help myself and I can see why many can't as well. Located in City Square Shopping Center this tiny spot offers quite a huge flavor and after a long morning filled with errands you know I was hungry as well and with six different banh mi it was quite the selection I didn't expect but I was debating between the pastrami and pho dip but as there's just three left decided on the pastrami (yum!) which is loaded with white onions, and cilantro along with pate and mayo was a nice and comforting bite. The baguette was perfectly toasted making it soft and light which no struggle or tugging with each bite. You know it had to be matcha though they do have Hojicha and espresso drinks as well but it was the Banana Cream Matcha with Almond Milk very nice and light sip and love the matcha though was a touch bitter and wished it had a bit more banana kick to it but other than that I enjoyed it as I took a moment from adulting throughout the day. The vibe here is nice with just a couple of single tables and banquette seating with four tables as some spots do have outlets for charging is always a plus for me that's on the go (charging as we speak) the decor is basically none very minimalist that doesn't bother me one bit but do love the relaxing vibe it gives as I take a moment to enjoy. Thank you! read more
Grand Opening on 1-5-26! I was driving in the City Square parking lot when I saw a new green sign (with white words) for Sip Cafe! It took the place of Jay's Cafe... The friendly cashier, Scott, is part owner. He was very patient in helping customers, taking orders, and calling out finished meals/looking for customers waiting outside on the sidewalk! Wow... this place has been renovated well! It looks totally different... modern, simple, clean, and bright! It was packed when I first arrived, but cleared out in a bit. The jazzy pop music gave Sip Cafe a cool vibe! I ordered a roast pork Bahn Mi and a matcha latte (substitute almond milk for a slight upcharge). Scott politely told me that it would be about a ten-minute wait... sure! At first, i wanted to takeout, but then I changed my mind because i didn't want my sister to see what I was eating... plus, a table opened up for me! Yay! (There are six small, round tables... plus chairs and benches for dining in.) Scott placed my Bahn Mi on a silver tray instead of a brown paper bag. Thank you! Everything was beautiful and delicious! The matcha latte was just right... not too sweet, not too bitter, but perfect! The roast pork... mmm... crunchy skin, luscious, juicy, tender meat with lots of crunchy pickled veggies and soft bread with a slightly crisp crust... whoa! I think it's the best roast pork Bahn mi I ever had!!! #truth If you're in the Kalihi area of Honolulu (near Costco), you MUST check out this hipster café! Wishing this new business much success! read more
I have been wanting to come here for a hot minute, finally had the day off to check it out. I went in the morning not too long after they opened, it's a weekday so it was not busy at all. Cute little shop with small menu but perfect. They offer some sandwiches as well but I went for the drinks. I've heard nothing but good things about their matcha. I couldn't decided because I do love a good coffee but an even better matcha. So I grabbed both! Iced Hojicha latte 12oz and a 16oz ube matcha both with oat milk. OMG!!! Their latte was perfection and the ube matcha was the right amount of sweet without taking away from the matcha. I will be back again and again every chance I get! read more
9 months ago
Sip Cafe is earning a lot of attention, and rightfully so! This trending spot offers Banh mi, matcha and coffee! Free parking in the shopping center lot shared by Chuck-E-Cheese. No restroom for customers. Small size, but seating available inside and benches outside in the lot. Ambiance is nice. Simple, clean and easy on the eyes. They make their drinks look aesthetic! The Banh Mis were good but smaller than I'd hoped. I tried bites of the roast pork, pho dip and special. The baguette isn't as crunchy as I prefer, and you have to pay $0.50 extra for jalapeños. The sandwiches cost a bit more than other businesses, but have less in each bite. They do have a rewards program that offers $ off your next purchase though! The star of the show for me was the pho broth. The sandwiches were pretty good. The egg coffee and banana matcha were alright. The coffee was very strong, topped with a delicate, almost custard-y egg foam. The matcha was not too strong in flavor, and tastes mostly of banana milk--tasty but not matcha-y enough for me. Customer service was excellent despite how busy the staff were. Local businesses deserve the best! read more
Super stoked to see a new Vietnamese spot popping up, especially with the different Vietnamese coffee options that I haven't seen elsewhere on island. Unfortunately, the drinks were average, but the banh mi stole the show! + Drinks: We got a Hojicha Egg Cream and a classic Vietnamese coffee. The Hojicha part was good, but the egg cream was a let down. A little too sweet with no egg cream flavor, 5/10. The classic Viet coffee was good but super strong, 7.5/10. + Food: I absolutely love the banh mis! The bread was crispy on the outside and soft inside, stacked with a lot of fillings, and very flavorful. It'll feel a bit heavy, but the pho broth balances it out. Will definitely be back for the banh mi! + Location: In a big strip mall with Chucky Cheese with plenty of parking that gets busy but people go in and out a lot. + Inside: small restaurant with a few seats. read more
I've always wanted to try Sip and I got to go twice...in a week. The first visit I got a Banana Cream Hojicha. It was so easy to order since they have an online ordering system where I was able to schedule pick up time. The second visit I got the strawberry shortcake hojicha and a pho dip banh mi with the broth. Again, ordering was easy. It's pretty busy during lunch time so parking was a little challenging but we got lucky. Both hojicha drinks were good and refreshing. Between the banana cream and strawberry shortcake, I really liked the banana cream. The pho dip banh mi was also delicious. Dipping the sandwich in the broth really enhanced the taste. I would definitely get it again. read more
Happened to the be in the area and thought why not a banh mi for breakfast. Got the Saigon Classic and Egg Cream Hojicha. It's a little pricier for the size for both the banh mi and drink. But when I opened the banh mi, its thick cut meats. The thickest I've seen in most banh mi places. Not much pate spread, very thin silver of cucumber, a strand of cilantro and lots of pickled carrots/daikon. Too bad it wasn't all propionate. The bread has a nice crunch but because I didn't eat it right away when I got it, most of the bread was already soft. If ever in the area again, I want to try the other banh mi. It's very clean inside and very friendly staff. As for the drink, I normally don't drink latte, matcha or coffee. It looked pretty. Gave it away to a friend to enjoy. :) read more
As a Vietnamese girl growing up eating banh mi, I'm pretty particular about it, and I've been seeing Sip recommended all over. I ordered the Saigon bánh mì, and it ended up being a bit underwhelming for me. The sandwich was smaller than expected for the price, and the bread didn't taste like it was baked in-house, a bit soft (which some people do prefer over the crispy crunch). The pickled veggies were on the sweeter side, which threw off the balance for my taste. The drinks were the good. The egg latte was strong and rich, how Vietnamese coffee is meant to be. The banana matcha latte leaned more milky but was still tasty and enjoyable. The location is convenient, though parking can be tricky depending on the time of day. It's worth trying once to try out the drinks, but the bánh mì didn't live up to the hype for me. read more
Parking: located in a strip mall with parking lot. was pretty busy on the weekend to park during lunchtime Service: counter service Ambiance: was a new place, decor was pretty limited. hoping they add some decoration to liven the place up, but branding on cups and plate were pretty cute Food: solid bahn mi and cafe drinks. would rec for a quick lunch/pick me up read more
8 months ago
this small cafe has been all the buzz on social media lately & knew it was my time to try this place out. I went around 10:40am; it was crazy busy. I couldn't wait inside for my order so if you go on a weekend just be prepared for that. The service was great despite how crowded it was getting. There is seating inside just very limited, so we ate in our car hence the not so pretty pictures. The Nem bahnmi was delicious & packed with a lot of meat + veggies. I don't eat these enough to have a strong opinion on them. But it was tasty! I was more pulled to come in to try their matcha it wasn't my favorite but the whipped cold form topping (Eispanner) made it more enjoyable to finish. My Husbands drink was really good he got the banana cream latte I don't like banana but we both could not really taste it. It was a strong coffee flavor that paired so well with the cream! read more
8 months ago
I'm so happy this opened up in Kalihi and that parking is free! I won't need to drive into Chinatown or Ala Moana lol. Service is excellent. Workers are very polite and they seem to care a lot about their business. It might get hot in the afternoon due to the windows. Tint might help. Yes, the sandwich is smaller than traditional ones, but I like it. The bread although short, has a lot of density and isn't rock hard. The flavor is really good and is different from other places I've tried. I liked the matcha einspanner. The egg cream latte was a bit strong and thick for my liking but to each their own. Prices I feel are 'normal' for today's economy. But I don't mind spending my money on a place I like where the food is good and the service is excellent. They just opened too so I think they'll get better with time. The owners seem young as well so good luck to them in their endeavors as business owners. read more
Was so excited to try this place out because I love me a good Bahn mi sandwich and pho broth. We got there about 2 hours before closing time and they were busy. The small dining area was full with people and there was a couple people in line. I over heard the gentleman behind the register tell the people ordering that they were out of match. I was so disappointed because I wanted to try several of their matcha drinks but had to settle for the coffee options instead. We ordered 5 different drinks (hojicha latte, egg cream latte, Vietnamese iced coffee, Einspanner latte, and banana cream latte). All the drinks were very good and strong. Now for the food! I knew I wanted to try the pho dip sandwich and roast pork sandwich but alas they were out of the pho dip sandwich, which was a beef brisket. They did have the roast pork and I was still able to order the pho broth which cost $3. We also ordered a lemon grass tofu sandwich. The sandwiches are tiny! I left hungry for sure lol, but the quality ingredients and delicious flavor was worth the money. The exception is $3 for a little cup of broth, that's little on the pricey side imo even though the broth was very good. The vegetables were fresh and crisp and the pork was well seasoned with that crispy skin and tender juicy meat. There was also a decent amount after meat under the pile of veggies. My daughter enjoyed her lemongrass tofu sandwich. I'd like to return to try the items they were out of but I'll be sure not to come too hungry, lol. I wish this business lots of success in the future. read more
@fortunefoodfinds: "SIP back n' relax! A Saigon classic banh mi, roast pork banh mi, banana cream latte, egg cream matcha, n' side of pho broth from newly opened Sip Cafe off of Dillingham Blvd. When you want a tasty banh mi n' a yummy latte, go on n' head their way!" SERVICE: fully staffed INTERIOR: very small, some seating, can get hot inside with the sun beaming in EXTERIOR: in the same plaza as Chuck E Cheese WAIT TIME: 10 mins PARKING: lot OVERALL COMMENTS: we came later in the day so they ran out of the braised beef brisket, but you can add a side of the pho broth to your order. The banh mi sandwiches were flavorful with a kick of heat from the jalapeños. Bread was perfectly crunchy on the outside n' soft on the inside. Loved the drinks we got. Banana cream was delicious n' the egg cream matcha was sweet n' never got bland. The banh mi was a little more on the pricier side for a somewhat smaller in size sandwich. Although their drinks made it a great combo n' worth trying! read more
Ordered lemon grass tofu banh mi. Very tasty. Good amount of tofu with right amount of seasoning. The sandwich was a little small. The bread crust was pretty hard. Also got the hoji latte. The tea taste could have been stronger. Lots of parking. The lines/wait was long. Could be due to the grand openning. read more
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8 months ago
