Friendly staff. Not too long of a wait. Grabbed their iced banana milk latte. I would say this is one of the better banana milk lattes I've had, if not the best. The flavor is not overpowering and doesn't taste artificial. I would definitely come back. read more

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This was my first visit, my husband and I were looking for a nice quick coffee shop. The coffee was delicious and very convenient. The coffee came out fast and the area had some seating so we were able to drink our coffee and talk for a bit. read more

second smoking tiger i've been to! Drink: -Smoking Spaniard: solid drink and matched the description! Service: -friendly, helpful and prompt! Ambience: -kinda loud but not in a bad way (but if you're sensitive to that, just know) -nicely lit and like a long area with plenty of seating! If I'm in the area, I'll come by again! read more

Stopped by this Korean specialty coffee cafe chain to grab some drinks. Although a bit on the pricey side, the lattes do have a nice, smooth texture that I enjoyed. Their menu has some unique drinks like Banana Milk latte and Sweet Corn latte, as well as more traditional drinks and seasonal drinks. There is also a unique assortment of baked goods and branded merchandise for sale. This is not like your typical coffee shop or bakery. It feels very modern, lively, and trendy. The shop itself is quite small with limited tables and seating inside. It shares a big parking lot with some other businesses. read more

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I got a smoking Spaniard latter with oat milk (4/5) and it was creamy, cinnamony, and sweet. The coffee was not too strong and very balanced. The store was small and had a few tables inside. The service was fast and the barista was knowledgeable about the different drinks. Outside there is a big parking lot where you can park at. read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

02/14/26 Saturday Got the corn latte again, but this time I chose to upsize. The corn flavor wasn't quite as strong and tbh it became pretty bland after the ice melted, but still enjoyable overall before the ice melted. Cappuccino bean taste interesting. I got the true medium roast. It was a little acidic/sour. Busy on Valentine's Day, especially since their space is small. They have napkins and sugar + creamer + stir sticks on the side. It can be hard to miss with folks waiting on the side for drinks. Hard to mix my corn drink because the stir stick is kinda short. Plenty of parking outside but it's a busy plaza so it does fill up sometimes. read more

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Simply yummy coffee. I love their Sweet corn latte!!! Plenty of parking. Quick service, nice and clean interior! read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Sweet Corn Latte - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Came on Tuesday, got a matcha latte & hojicha latte It was decent but I wouldn't come back for it. The hojicha tastes like a toasted milk tea & the matcha was okay. To change the milk is $1 charge which seems a bit high. The service was quick & nice. I would come back to try the coffee read more

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Smoking Tiger is one of my favorite coffee shops to visit when I'm in town. All of their locations are consistently delicious. I recently tried their seasonal Honey Bori (barley) Latte and loved it. You really can't go wrong with any or their offerings. I also love buying their beans as gifts! read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Updated review. It's been a minute since I last stopped by, but came in the other morning and it reminded me why I like this spot. I got a large sweet corn latte and it was perfect. The corn actually pairs really well with the espresso and gives it a unique flavor that just works. I also grabbed a ham and cheese croissant and it was pretty tasty. They add a hash brown inside which I've honestly never seen anywhere else, but it works and makes it more filling. It does get pretty busy in the mornings though, so plan accordingly or you might end up running late for work. Still a solid spot and I'll definitely keep coming back. read more

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Parking: Large free parking plaza. Still quite packed. Interior: Very few seats/tables for small groups only. Wait Time: Ordered online and it was ready when I arrived. The line looked like about 3-5 groups on a weekend afternoon. Items Order: 5/10 Black sesame hojicha $6.50 - Neither black sesame nor hojicha flavor was strong nor good. This was a horrible drink to try. 9/10 Black Forest $6.50 - black sesame was STRONG and yummy. Super creamy and the coffee blended well with the sesame. No option to upgrade to a large. This isn't even regular size, they downsize this drink by default so it's a small LOL smh scammed. 7/10 Smoking Spaniard $7L - Meh coffee, i would not get again 7/10 Tiger Latte $7.25L - same as above 8/10 Corn Latte $7.5L - corn flavor was on the medium to strong side which was good. also natural and not artificial flavor. 8/10 Honey Butter Half Croissant $4.25 - this was HALF a croissant so quite small. honey butter glaze was good but pastry was soft. recommend air frying at home. read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Honey butter croissant - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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Amazing Asian inspired flavors with high quality coffee and desserts. We went at around 12 PM o. a Sunday and there was a short line of 5-6 people. We waited around 20 minutes to order and get our drinks. There were several tables inside the store and we were able to snag one and sit down. The store is clean and well organized and they have pastry cases and merch inside. I noticed some cute mini cakes in the freezer (they had a dubai chocolate one!) and some super interesting pastries like sweet potato mochi and Jolly Pong Rice Krispies. I'll definitely be back to try some more of those. We ordered the banana milk latte and Bori Latte (barley and honey) which was an exclusive drink. We also ordered the sesame chewy cookie, and they also have the dubai chocolate and hazelnut version of it. Super excited to have found it at this store and for relatively cheap ($4.50) too, since they can go for up to 6 or 7 dollars. The drinks were both super tasty, not too sweet with high quality coffee that was the perfect boost of caffeine. The banana milk has the classic banana flavor, not too artificial. The bori latte was well balanced with a nutty and honey like sweetness to it. The chewy cookie was a highlight too, extremely dense and tightly packed but not too sweet with a ton of crunch. The sesame flavors are very strong and nutty but it's not overwhelming at all because of how natural and fresh it tastes. Overall, I would highly recommend this café for some amazing Asian inspired coffee and creative desserts. I'm super excited to try more of their diverse menu. read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Sesame Chewy Cookie and Banana Milk Latte and Bori Latte - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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Super limited seating but I've been lucky to get a table each time I've been here. I LOVE the banana milk latte...it's perfectly sweet and delicious in ways words can't describe. I love bringing both in and out of town friends here, who always hear me rave about the banana milk latte (I refuse to order anything else). read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Banana Milk Latte - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

I dropped into Smoking Tiger around 11:30 AM on a Wednesday and immediately loved the vibe the music really sets the tone for the space. Karis assisted me and her customer service was a total 5/5; she was incredibly friendly and helpful! I tried the Cheese Stuffed Bagel, and "Wow" was the only word I could get out between bites. The bagel was perfectly soft, the cheese was delightfully gooey, and the topping had a savory crunch that reminded me of French Onion Lays--absolutely delicious. I also tried a Banana Latte (oat milk, single shot). I'd give it a 3/5 the flavor leaned toward a Banana Laffy Taffy sweetness, which wasn't quite my thing, but the coffee itself was still very high-quality and creamy. Overall, a great spot! Bonus for the aesthetic lovers: The packaging is absolutely adorable! If you're into scrapbooking or junk journaling, the pastry bags are a "moment" of their own super cute and definitely worth saving for a flat-lay or a memory book. read more

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Discovered this trendy coffee shop while we were shopping for groceries next door. What caught my attention was how many people were in line to place their orders. Obviously, my curiosity got the better of me, and I waited in line to place an order for a banana milk latte (which I did not like one bit) and a small 4-pack of strawberry Dubai chocolate-like cookies (DELICIOUS!!). There are many items listed on the menu that I would love to try on future visits. The vibe here is fun and relaxing, and prices are very reasonable. Parking in this huge shopping center can be a challenge, especially on weekends. read more

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Yum yum yum!! I love a great coffee shop with diverse selections. We came by this morning after a friend's funeral service in the area. We aren't out here too often but there are SO many coffee and food spots to try here!! Parking lot is huge, shared by a market along with other food spots. We got lucky with a 15 min parking right up front. We walked in, a few customers took up the tables and there were a few other people ahead of us but it went by quick and gave us enough time to look over the menu. I got the kimchi spam musubi croissant (shame on me for not taking a pic), the cream cheese garlic bread, Smokin Spaniard iced latte, and the sweet corn iced latte. Prices are great for the quality and amount you get. Got the food warmed up and they have a sweet taste to them which reminded me of 85 bakery. Absolutely delicious though!! Loved the kimchi spam musubi croissant, perfect for the ride home. We enjoyed the cream cheese garlic bread at home, had a bit too much cream cheese and not enough bread to balance it out but the softness and flavors were fantastic! The drinks were delicious as well. You rarely see sweet corn lattes on the menu at any coffee shop but it's one of my favorites. Loved the Spaniard as well!! Looking forward to coming back! IG: @ammysalamii read more

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I always walk by this place and there's always a line. I finally found the time to stop by and grab a drink and pastry today! Finding parking on a Wednesday late morning was a little difficult since this plaza is notorious for being busy no matter what time of the day it is. When you walk into the store, your eyes will shift to their TV display menu and transparent glass pastry display. It's a pretty comfy spot with about 5 tables near the entrance. There's a pretty decent amount of different drink options available but only a few matcha options. I ordered their Signature Banana Milk Latte. I also wanted to try their pastry so I ordered their Cream Cheese Garlic Calic Bread. They do ask if you want it warmed up which is so nice! I waited about 5 minutes since there were a few people before me. Food and Drink: Banana Milk Latte (7/10): I thought this one was just okay. You definitely need to mix it all together because I made the mistake of drinking it without a straw at first and just got straight up espresso. It tasted like the generic banana milk you can find at Korean grocery markets with an espresso shot poured on top and a cold foam on top. I was hoping to taste the espresso a little more after mixing everything together but it just tasted like banana milk. Cream Cheese Garlic Calic Bread (8/10): Definitely will get this one again. I wouldn't recommend eating this in the car if you're on the go. There's parmesan cheese sprinkled on the top with pieces of garlic all over. The cream cheese is piped in the middle of each piece with a sweet glaze on the bread. Definitely will come back again! They craft each drink with scales to make sure there's consistency between each customer. There's so many other drinks I need to try for next visit! read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Cream Cheese Garlic Calic Bread - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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Pretty delicious coffee and pastries, with some flavors are definitely unique. It's a small spot with only about four or five tables, and it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. They also offer breakfast sandwiches and a few small cakes, which are perfect if you want something quick with your drink. If you're sensitive to sugar, definitely ask for half sweet. Their drinks tend to run on the sweeter side, and dialing it back really lets the flavors come through. The service is always efficient, making it perfect for grab and go mornings. read more

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This coffee shop reminds me of all the little coffee shops in Korea, the South Side. It's cute and actually has a animated tiger smoking out of a pipe. Don't worry, it's just a mascot. This coffee shop doesn't sell any tobacco products. Only coffee and merch... This coffee shop is pretty compact, there are not many tables. The register is about a few feet from the entrance. As you walk in, you are greeted. If you are not, it's because they are usually busy af and you'll be in a line out the door. As a coffee addict, I've visited this coffee shop a few times to try different stuff. They have their regular menu but I like to try the seasonal menu as well. It can be a hit or miss... Of the seasonal drinks, they had a sweet potato latte. It was soooooo good that I was sad when they discontinued it. I mentioned it a few times on different occasions/visits thinking they would bring it back and add it to their permanent menu. Nope, it never happened. SO, I am now patiently waiting for it to come back on their seasonal menu. I hope it comes back SOON! read more

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Saw this place popped up on Too good to go so decided to give it a try. Upon reading some reviews and found out it's a Korean coffee shop chain with multiple locations. The bag I got has 4 bread/pastry in it. They got it from the back and from the refrigerator so they are all cold. The pastry case has some interesting item in there and I'd like to try next time. The breakfast sliders look really good from the poster and I'd get it next time too. Seems like this shop is relatively new. It's on the same plaza as 168 market and Sam Woo Bbq. The shop has a really chill neighborhood coffee shop vibe. Some people are studying or doing some work on their laptops in the shop. The person greeted me at the counter was friendly. read more

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SMOKING TIGER | Visited 12/27/25 - Iced Sweet Corn Latte 6.5 My boyfriend ordered the Ice Sweet Corn Latte! He loved how it wasn't too sweet. I wished it was sweeter but tasted pretty on par with other sweet corn lattes. - Iced Hojicha Latte 6.5 I ordered the Hojicha Latte and thought it was delicious especially how strong the hojicha flavor was. I was surprised to see it come in a bigger cup than the sweet corn latte. I asked if they could do a custom strawberry hojicha since they offer a strawberry matcha, they couldn't accommodate. - Garlic Onion Bloom Bagel This was one of the best korean bagels I have had. I tried a few places in the bay, Bloom Bagels in Campbell, but this was almost as good! I would say this was a bit more dense and the cut of the bagel wasn't as deep making it a little hard to pull apart! Still my favorite out of the two pastries I had. - Spam Furikake Croissant This was the perfect pairing because of how savory it was compared to the bagel. The spam and seaweed was delicious together reminded me of a korean version of a chinese hot dog bun! I didn't think the jalapenos added much spice but my boyfriend found it too mild. The vibe inside was cute and parking wasn't too bad but beware for the restaurant next door who took a lot of the parking! Try out Smoking Tiger if you want. read more

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My review is bias, I just came back from Vietnam, and it's top tier coffee there. With that said, the price point is just too high for mediocre coffee. Ordered a Smoking Spaniard. Large with almond milk $8. The coffee was not sweet enough for me. I got this because there was condensed milk. "Was the condensed milk in the room with us?" The coffee was ok. I'm just glad it wasn't burnt. Pastries are on the expensive side. I get it, you have to charge accordingly. But $8 for a drink and $6-8 for a pastries is not it. It was as clean inside and service was fine. Will I can't me back no. Will I suggest trying it at least once, yes. read more

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Yknow, this is only of the few places that I constantly see myself returning too if I decide to not make coffee at home. Their coffee surprises me every time I take a sip! Services is always top notch here as well as the ambiance itself. It hasn't disappointed me yet and they better not! read more

not bad but wish the latte was a bit sweeter! it tasted a bit watered down. pretty small store but there is seating available read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - sweet corn latte - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

After a vacation to Korea, I was missing the Korean cafe culture. Smoking Tiger offers similarly fun drinks in addition to some tasty looking treats. The coffee shop was packed with people when I arrived Saturday afternoon. MSGR (misugaru) iced w/ oat milk (3/5) - non-coffee drink that has a nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor. The misugaru flavor wasn't as prominent as I would have preferred and mostly tasted like oat milk. Garlic Cream Cheese Bread (4/5) - Fluffy brioche bun with a sweet, garlicy cream cheese filling and shaved parmesan. I loved this savory sweet treat and only wished the filling was slightly less sweet. read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Garlic Cream Cheese Bun - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Latte had me up for 3 business days jk but it was delicious and strong. My sis loved the matcha too!

Had a quick-ish work meeting here. I've been to their bread lab location many times in Cerritos, so I was eager to see how the two spots differ. This place is much smaller with just one little pastry window and about 4 tables. Service was just as friendly though. I got a yuzu lemonade and a musubi croissant. Both were great! But i definitely missed the bread options at the cerritos location. Still, this spot focused on coffee and my colleague said she enjoyed hers! read more

I had a really nice friend deliver this iced sweet corn latte from smoking tiger love to me and it was really good. This was the first time that I've had a sweetcorn latte and the taste surprised me. It did not taste like corn at all, and the sweetness was really subtle and paired nicely with the coffee. I've been to smoking Tiger lab before and I would say that this sweet corn latte is probably one of my favorite drinks from here. overall I would definitely recommend people trying this drink. the name threw me off at first, but I'm glad I was able to try it. read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Sweet Corn Latte - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Smoking Tiger (San Gabriel) offers a good experience. I ordered the Tiger Latte (Large - $7.25). It's a brown sugar latte with caramel, oat milk, and espresso. Strangely enough, I'd compare this strong coffee to the fantasized taste of a smoking candle. The first sip carried a honeyed wisp of sweetness. But with each continued slurp, you feel its looming kick of coarse, bitter coffee. This Tiger Latte brought its own unique charm while also injecting that welcomed, loving caffeine. (IMPORTANT: This business is card only. Cash is not accepted.) I arrived at Smoking Tiger (San Gabriel) on Wednesday (around 10:20AM). Parking is plentiful and easy. It's located in a big plaza. When I'd arrived, there was no line at Smoking Tiger (San Gabriel). However, this place quickly became crowded. For example, around 10:30AM (10 minutes after), a line of eight customers suddenly formed! This place can get sudden spikes of customer flow. Staff is helpful, friendly, and welcoming. Staff quickly and thoughtfully answered all my questions. I ordered the Tiger Latte (Large-Iced-$7.25). The drink took one minute and 19 seconds. Very fast! As mentioned, I enjoyed the Tiger Latte (Large - $7.25). Its liquid is plentiful; the caffeine is strong; and the flavor is memorable. As mentioned, the drink begins sweet, but its flavor slowly becomes more burnt and bitter as time progresses. I appreciated how it's an iced coffee that actually made me think of smoke. Concerning ambiance, Smoking Tiger (San Gabriel) is cramped and ugly. The seven tiny tables are very clean, but its floors had many bits of unswept trash. There's no customer restroom. There's barely any electric outlets (about two) for devices. The music is energetic & amped like a nightclub which is distracting for studying. And its decor reminds me of a hospital cafeteria. Smoking Tiger (San Gabriel) felt like a order-and-leave location. Overall, Smoking Tiger (San Gabriel) offers quality coffee. I had a good experience. 4.6 out of 5 read more

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- used to be my go-to spot for hojicha lattes but the quality has been a bit consistent. sometimes its a lot sweeter, sometimes grainier...the cup is 80% ice. their hojicha isn't super nutty but more roasted - always order ahead of time in the morning! throughout the day its fine at most you'd wait 10-15 minutes but there's a crazy morning rush - haven't tried the pastries too much, but the garlic cream cheese is enough to send me to an immediate coma (in a good way). the bacon jam sandwich is yummy, but i don't like how because its white bread and mayo, it sticks to the roof of my tongue weirdly after every bite. scones are not too sweet :3 - nowadays i get the YSL because i love yuzu and its lighter on my tummy read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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I love all the unique coffee drinks they have! I've come here a few times, but my favorite drinks are the sweet corn latte, tiger latte, and the hojicha latte. The sweet corn latte is one of the corn drinks out there where you actually taste the corn! The espresso is a little strong though, so not for those that don't like a strong coffee taste. I also like their hojicha latte a lot, it has a strong earthy flavor. They have menu changes here and there, so worth checking out for specials! read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Sweet Corn Latte - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

I measure all strawberry matchas against the one from Smoking Tiger - it's my gold standard. Creamy, sweet, and just the right amount of earthy, I get mine with a shot of espresso poured over and it's simply perfection. No other cafe has quite nailed that balance. The pastries here are so good too, the cookies are especially irresistible. And don't sleep on the seasonal drinks! Their rotating menu always has something new and creative. The baristas are kind, calm, and intentional; you can tell they care about every drink they make. Ordering ahead on their app is super easy, and I love that you can reorder your previous favorite in one tap (dangerously convenient). The space itself is minimal, bright, and usually filled with that warm buzz of people catching up or quietly working. It does get busy early on weekends, so I like to come right when they open or grab my drink to go. If you're a matcha lover, or just someone who appreciates a coffee shop that does everything thoughtfully - Smoking Tiger will be your new go-to. read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Strawberry matcha + smoking Spaniard - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

This place is right next to one of my favorite Korean food restaurants. Plenty of parking I tried the banana latte which is their specialty and their garlic bread. They have so many different and diverse pastries! Can't wait to go back and try more. The banana latte was good but the banana was overpowering which wasn't the best but I'll be back to try more! read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Big fan of their sweet corn matcha! Not on the official menu, however I'm told you can make most of their coffee drinks with matcha if you ask when you order. Kimchi spam croissant is a MUST if it's there. Hojicha was okay. Maybe it was one off, but it was a bit too watery for my taste. read more

Came back after a year or so, very pleased to see they have added the option to upgrade to a large size. I got the same drink as my first time ( sweet corn latte), just as delicious as before but now with more to sip! Deeeeelishhhhh :9!! Service was great, the whole crew is very nice. read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Corn latte, corn and sweet potato mochi! - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Love the design of the store! Although the upkeep is not super great I still love the way they design their graphics. This place is great for a little coffee chat or to work at. They have lots of Korean inspired drinks and treats from scones to cakes to sandwiches and other sweet & savory pastries. The baristas were also very kind! APPLE PIE LATTE (6/10)- for someone who doesn't drink a lot of caffeine the espresso it is a bit strong and overpowering. APT / APPLE TEA (9/10) - love!!!! It's refreshing and has a nice sour apple and minty taste. Comes with a sweet jam with bits on the bottom to mix in. Great for the hotter fall days MATCHA APPLE CIDER (6/10) - Very strongly carbonated, taste more like a matcha soda but also a good choice if you want something refreshing and has a more subdued sweet drink. Also comes with. Sweet jam on the bottom and chewy little bits -free lot and street parking! -free wifi -limited seat for group of 4, duos, and solos -outlets for working :) -sells both drinks and pastries read more

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I'm officially a regular here because of one thing, the banana latte! It's hands down my favorite drink, the banana foam is smooth, not too sweet, and pairs perfectly with the espresso. A large comes with 3 shots (love that), though as a caffeine addict, I always want more! The drink itself is super balanced and unique, definitely worth trying if you like fun coffee flavors. Seating is limited, and it can get a little crowded depending on the time of day since the restaurant next door draws people in. Customer service is simple and to the point. On the bright side, parking is plentiful, so no stress there. Overall, great spot for coffee lovers looking for something different. Highly recommend trying the banana latte! read more

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I've been here a few times and never got around to writing a review, but I've never gotten a bad item here. Service is always super friendly and quick, vibe is casual, there's a decent amount of seating, and they have a lot of fun menu items. In the past I've tried the corn latte (so creamy and good), the Oreo sconkie (rich but delish), the Pineapple Express (light and refreshing), and the ube and corn mochis (they were ok, not too sweet, I liked the corn mochi more). Today I got the Peaches and Cream latte from their seasonal menu that had a peach cream top and little pieces of peach inside the drink. Wow, it was incredible and I finished it in 10 minutes. Definitely try it before their seasonal menu changes for the fall/winter! read more

Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab - Ube mochi and corn mochi - Cafes Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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Delicious coffee spot with pretty unique drinks like the corn latte. Been wanting to check out this location since I've been to another Smoking Tiger before. We got a few pastries like the masubi & kimchi croissant. Was delicious though I wish it could've been toasted before. The mochi pastries were also delicious, would recommend the corn mochi. In terms of drinks I got a basic house drip coffee and really enjoyed that. Tried a little of the corn latte and it was perfect, not overly sweet either with no changes. Overall, loved the drinks and the pastries were good. Parking - Plenty since it shares a huge lot with other restaurants. read more

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very busy and friendly staff. stuffy ambiance when it's crowded honestly. It's a popular spot, but still good for meet ups! I don't know about studying though. Here's what I got :) Jalapeño cream cheese musubi croissant: 7/10 (8/10 without musubi). Actually spicy jalapeño and smooth cream cheese balances well with the savory croissant. Spicy sausage corn salt bread: 8/10 The spicy chili flakes with korean cheese corn and a sausage in the salt bread is ingenious. I wish there was more of that corn mix and maybe a different type of sausage like a sweet and spicy one to balance out the flavors since everything is pretty salty already. Matcha strawberry sconkie: 7/10 The cream cheese center is awkward but I like the thought and effort. The matcha strawberry sconkie is yummy but one dimensional. I can see why it needed the cream cheese. but still, overall the flavors are awkward together read more

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