Round K: A Haven for New Yorkers in the Lower East Side

A Taste of Egg Cappuccino?

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In the bustling metropolis of New York, where fast-paced coffee culture dictates a quick order, pick-up, and go lifestyle, Round K offers a refreshing retreat. This Lower East Side café invites patrons to slow down with a cup of Egg Cappuccino, reminiscent of cozy gatherings of the past.

Unique Coffees: Matt Black and Egg Cappuccino

Round K has made a name for itself amid countless coffee shops through its unique and playful menu. From the world's darkest coffee, Matt Black Latte, to the Wasabi Coffee designed for wasabi enthusiasts, each drink tells its own story. The Egg Cappuccino draws inspiration from traditional Korean Ssanghwa tea, offering a surprising yet beloved combination of coffee and egg yolk. Initially received with curiosity, the Egg Cappuccino has gained popularity among regulars, thanks to the confidence of owner and barista Kang Ok-hyun.

“At first, people think a coffee with egg yolk is strange. But for us, there's a tradition of drinking Ssanghwa tea with egg yolk, and Americans have eggnog,” explains Kang. “It’s similar, and once you explain it, they’re eager to try it.”

True to its origins, the Egg Cappuccino is served exclusively in-house, encouraging patrons to enjoy it in a warm ambience reminiscent of a Korean teahouse.

Introducing Korean Tea Culture to New Yorkers

Round K's cozy setting evokes the charm of a traditional Korean tea room. Barista Kang Ok-hyun has been in the coffee industry for 14 years, beginning with a simple love for chocolate during Starbucks' entry into Korea, leading to a deep curiosity about coffee's appeal despite not being a regular drinker.

Kang's journey included learning in Italian cafés, selling coffee from a portable heater, and eventually studying in Florence. Now, four years in New York, Kang aims to make Round K a new kind of neighborhood café, reminiscent of the 1980s Korean tea rooms, where hosts exchanged stories and shared information.

“Cafés increasingly feel like fast food stops,” says Kang. “I wanted to create a space where anyone can become a friend, share stories, and experience the warm, analog spirit coffee can offer.”