Em Coffee House to Debut Soon in Mira Mesa; Kearny Mesa Planned for Next Year

Em Coffee House, an all-day, locally-owned coffee shop specializing in Vietnamese-American coffee drinks, is getting ready to debut in San Diego, followed by more locations throughout the city.

Owner Nick Truong, who owns a few Ding Tea locations around San Diego, is preparing to open Em Coffee in Mira Mesa at 8945 Mira Mesa Boulevard on November 18, followed by a special Grand Opening Event on November 30. This is just the beginning for the company that Truong launched with his wife Li, who realized the city lacked places to experience Vietnam’s specific coffee culture—the two plan to open a second location in Kearny Mesa next year and possibly more afterward.

When the company makes its debut later this month, customers can expect a modern and rustic 1,800-square-foot shop that will serve phin drip and espresso-based coffee drinks using a unique blend of Vietnamese-grown Arabica and Robusta Beans grown from the highlands of Vietnam. The menu will feature espresso-based beverages, including flavored lattes and affogatos, ceremonial matcha, milk tea, and cold brew tea. The menu will also include Vietnamese coffee drinks such as signature cream coffee that is made with traditional phin drip-style coffee and topped with creative and unique flavored creams, including the Tiramisu-inspired Em White Truffle-Misu topped with a white chocolate truffle flavored cream, cacao, and a lady’s finger. In addition to beverages, Em Coffee House will also serve baked goods, desserts, and more.

In Vietnamese, Em is a term of affection, akin to “sweetheart” or “darling,” and Em Coffee House is a love letter to Vietnamese coffee culture. The social culture of Vietnamese cafes is something that people fall in love with, both in Vietnam and abroad. Truong, who grew up in Vietnam and moved to the US when he was five years old, would frequently travel to Vietnam to visit with friends and family. Following a trip two years ago, Truong and his wife felt something in San Diego and were inspired to venture into the coffee space to bring a taste of the Vietnamese coffee culture to San Diego. Nick believes that coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a culture, a vibe, and a lifestyle. Each beverage at Em Coffee House blends tradition and innovation that tells a unique story and inspires customers to savor the premium quality and “BE IN THE MOMENT.”