Enjoy Japanese manga and anime culture with delicious eats at Ki Cafe (Ki Tea House) in Burnaby

If you're in Burnaby and you're in the mood for a cozy spot to unwind with some delicious drinks and hearty bites,  Ki Cafe (Ki Tea House) is certainly a place to consider. This charming cafe combines Asian-inspired flavors with a modern twist, offering an extensive menu that ranges from sweet desserts to savory meals. I recently visited Ki Tea Cafe, and while there were definitely some standouts, not everything hit the mark. Let me take you through my experience!

THE BOAR-OMETER

Sow Good, I'd Go Back! Ki Tea Cafe makes it to the four piggy list! See the score sheet below and read more for we rated this way.

Scoresheet

The Pig Pen: Five Piggies

Oink-credible Bites: Three Piggies and a Piglet

Piggy Bank Savings: Three Piggies

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THE PIG PEN

First off, the ambiance at Ki Tea Cafe is absolutely delightful. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by warm lighting, Japanese anime and manga-themed decor, and an overall welcoming vibe that made me feel right at home.

The space is perfect for a casual catch-up with friends or a solo afternoon spent sipping on drinks and enjoying the quiet hum of the cafe. There are also people who do live performances using their piano sometimes. Just be respectful as they ask the cafe to be a No-Laptop Zone. It's refreshing to see this request as it emphasizes their vision of a casual sit-down cafe for hangouts.

OINK-CREDIBLE BITES

Ki Tea Cafe has a broad menu with many intriguing options, but in terms of taste, my experience was a bit of a mixed bag. Let’s break it down:

Autumn Cheesetart

The cheesetart was quite decadent, with a rich, creamy filling that had a slight sweetness. While the flavor was pleasant, it was a bit too rich for my taste, especially after the other indulgent treats I ordered. I would recommend it if you're a fan of heavier desserts, but it might be too much if you’re looking for something lighter.

Mont Blanc Waffle

This was definitely an interesting twist on the classic Mont Blanc dessert. While the waffle itself was light and crisp, the chestnut and syrup on top was a little too sweet for me. It was enjoyable, but I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would.

Okonomiyaki Waffle

Okonomiyaki Waffle

Now this was a pleasant surprise! The savoury okonomiyaki waffle had a satisfying combination of crispy edges, tangy sauce, and a slight smokiness that made it a standout. I was honestly hungry when I tried it, and it hit the spot perfectly. If you're into savoury waffles with a unique twist, this is definitely something you have to try.

Curry Omurice

Curry Omurice

The curry omurice was another highlight. The rice was well-seasoned with bits of chicken inside, and the curry was flavourful without being overpowering. The soft, fluffy omelette on top sealed the deal, creating a comforting, savoury dish. It was so good I just started eating and had to take a picture midway through! Definitely my favourite dish of the meal.

Brown Sugar Oat Latte

The oat latte was smooth and velvety, with a nice balance of sweetness from the brown sugar. It had a warm, comforting flavor that paired well with the savory items. A solid choice for any coffee lover looking for something a little different.

Icy Bingsoo

This was an interesting concept — a combination of bingsu (Korean shaved ice) with bubble tea elements. While refreshing, the flavors were a little disjointed for me. The bingsu itself was fine, but the bubble tea aspect felt a bit out of place in my personal opinion. It wasn’t bad, but I probably wouldn’t order it again.

Hojicha Parfait

For those who are into hojicha (roasted green tea), the parfait is a solid option. It had a nice earthy flavor with layers of crunchy toppings and a smooth creaminess. If you’re a fan of hojicha, it’s worth trying. I would recommend digging in all the way to the bottom with your spoon. About halfway through, we realized that everything underneath needed to be in every bite with the hojicha ice cream.

PIGGY BANK SAVINGS

Ki Tea Cafe offers a fairly priced menu considering the quality of ingredients and portion sizes. While the more decadent desserts might lean towards the pricier side, the savoury items, like the curry omurice and okonomiyaki waffle, are reasonably priced and definitely worth the value. For a meal that covers both drinks and food, expect to spend around $25-35 per person, depending on how hungry you are. I would say it’s an affordable option for the experience you get, though you might want to keep an eye on your budget if you're eyeing all the specialty drinks and desserts.

Ki Tea Cafe delivers a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of creative takes on traditional favourites. While some dishes (like the autumn cheesetart and Mont Blanc waffle) felt a bit too rich for my taste, others — especially the savoury okonomiyaki waffle and curry omurice — really hit the mark. It’s a place I’d definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for a unique cafe experience, though I’d suggest going with a more savoury-oriented food order unless you have a major sweet tooth.

If you're in the area and looking for a comfortable place to sit back, enjoy a drink, and try a mix of exciting flavours, Ki Tea Cafe is well worth a visit!