Kumquat Café, the go-to coffee shop with Asian-inspired vibes in the 11th arrondissement.

On Rue Saint-Maur in the 11th arrondissement, chef Yin-Line Chea has opened her first establishment: a cozy coffee shop that blends specialty coffees, indulgent breakfasts, and signature drinks with Asian influences.

For several months now, the Kumquat Café has planted itself on rue Saint-Maur, in the 11ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. Behind this coffee shop with Asian-inspired notes is chef and culinary chronicler Yin-Line Chea, owner of her first establishment here. Between specialty coffees, unconventional signature drinks and homemade breakfasts and lunches, it stands out as a gem to discover in the Oberkampf-République district. A calm, tucked-away spot—perfect for working, chilling, or simply eating well without breaking the bank—open from morning until early afternoon.

Who is Yin-Line Chea, the chef behind Kumquat Café?

From childhood, I’ve been hooked on gastronomy, and Yin-Line Chea grew up between her parents’ Asian cooking and the French dishes she discovered in the school canteen. After a detour in pharmacy, she joined the Cuisine Mode d'Emploi school founded by chef Thierry Marx, then built up years of experience in the industry, including several seasons at Boulangerie Sain in the 10th arrondissement. A culinary columnist, she can still be seen in 2026 on the show Chef Pays on France Télévisions, which spotlights ultramarine gastronomy. Kumquat Café is the fruition of a project nurtured since adolescence. "I always knew I wanted a place centered on breakfast, with healthy, high‑quality, satisfying and energizing products, and at prices that are reasonable," she says.

What to drink at Kumquat Café?

The drinks are clearly at the heart of the project. You’ll find specialty coffee offered as espresso, flat white, cafe latte, or filter, but also a whole range around the matcha – usucha, matcha latte, iced matcha yuzu – and fresh juices that round out the menu.

It’s mainly the signature creations that give the place its character: the sesame peanut latte, the house-made chai masala prepared on site, or the hojicha with hazelnut and white chocolate, plus the golden yuzu immunity. These pairings may surprise at first glance, but they perfectly capture the café’s mindset. "I’m not trying to make original products to stand out, but because I know they’re good," she says simply. It’s hard not to agree.

What to eat at Kumquat Café?

Here, everything is homemade, and you can taste it in every dish. The menu is short but well crafted, with out-of-the-ordinary flavor pairings. You’ll find generous sourdough tartines and stuffed croissants, with solid vegetarian and vegan options: pink-lentil hummus, pumpkin cream, a tartine with roasted vegetables and a cashew-walnut tahini sauce.

The menu - à la carte and the set menu

For us, we were won over by the “bowl of the day” (13.50 €): warm cereals, a perfectly poached egg, seasonal velouté, nori seaweed and condiments. A hearty, evocative bowl that nicely bridges two culinary worlds.

The savory croissant (12 €) also deserves a closer look: whipped ricotta, a soft-poached egg, a slice of mom’s lacquered pork, arugula, toasted seeds and grated Comté. A combination that pleasantly surprises.

On the sweet side, the savory tartine made with whipped ricotta, seasonal roasted vegetables and cashew-tahini sauce aims to be generous and truly indulgent.

For the pastries, the cakes are homemade. The standout is the cinnamon-umeboshi roulé with salted plums and the matcha cake, while the viennoiseries come from the Boulangerie Sain, a go-to address in the 10th arrondissement where Yin-Line Chea spent several years. A further sign of quality.

Who is Kumquat Café for, and how much does it cost?

It's a spot for anyone looking for a calm coffee shop in the 11th arrondissement, whether for a carefully prepared breakfast, a light lunch, or a productive work session in a tranquil setting. Regulars from the Oberkampf–République area will be delighted, as will curious passersby on rue Saint-Maur. Expect €6.50 for porridge, €8.50 for the breakfast plate, and between €12 and €13.50 for heartier dishes. The signature drinks are listed at €5.50, with coffees from €1.50. Honest prices for the neighborhood.

The Kumquat Café is located at 71 Rue Saint-Maur, Paris 11th, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with Wednesdays closed.

Our verdict : a sincere and unpretentious coffee shop, very much in step with the moment, powered by a chef who knows exactly what she wants to pour into your cup and onto your plate. We’re happy to return, and we’ll take our time.

Two more coffee shops to check out in the same spirit

If you love Asian-influenced coffee shops in Paris, two more 11th arrondissement spots are well worth a detour. On Rue Neuve Popincourt, Caphette serves specialty Vietnamese coffees imported and roasted in Paris, in a clean, relaxed setting where lingering is encouraged. On Avenue Parmentier, @unreve leans into a Franco-Asian coffee-and-tea salon concept, with homemade pastries and drinks featuring Asian flavors in a polished ambiance. Two great reasons to extend your stroll through the neighborhood.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.