Coffee Project NY East Village

Coffee Project New York started here on East Fifth Street in 2015, when founders Chi Sum Ngai and Kaleena Teoh left their jobs to open a passion project in a cozy brick lined room. It became known for inventive drinks and a playful take on the coffee menu, and the original shop still feels like a neighborhood regular even after the company grew into a roaster, trainer and cafe group.

Ngai leads the roasting team, which buys sustainably sourced and direct trade coffees for the cafes, wholesale customers and consulting clients. The company's academy in Long Island City runs certified coffee classes, and the brand calls itself a passion project of coffee, milk and heart. The East Village shop is closed on Mondays.