A Sweet New Social Scene: The Rise of Asian Dessert Cafés in America

From boba to bingsu, Gen Z’s favorite new hangout spots where aesthetics meet indulgence.

We cited Asian dessert cafés as a concept to watch in our 2025 Hospitality Trends Report, and the wave has grown so big, we had to take a deeper dive…

Asian dessert cafés are one of the hottest concepts of 2025. Independent shops with unique offerings are springing up in big cities and smaller markets alike, and major Asian chains are continuing to grow their U.S. footprint. South Korean bakery café chain, Paris Baguette, was ranked #133 on Technomic’s Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report last year, and operates over 170 locations across more than 20 U.S. states, aiming for 1,000 North American locations by 2030. Taiwan-based 85°C Bakery Café has expanded to 10 states across the country, while French/Asian bakery Tous les Jours has over 100 locations in the U.S.

These concepts tap into Gen Z and millennials’ craving for social, visually-driven, and experience-first dining. Unlike traditional coffee shops, which are often designed for sitting with your laptop, or bars, which center around alcohol, Asian dessert cafés offer something different: a vibrant, late-night-friendly “third place” to gather, socialize, and indulge. They’re redefining what it means to “go out,” swapping cocktails for black sesame Einspanners, boba mille crêpe cakes, and stretchy mochi cubes—treats that are as fun to eat as they are to post.

So why now? Bubble tea paved the way, evolving from a niche drink within Asian American communities into a $3 billion industry, and sparking broader curiosity about Asian drinks and desserts. Social media has only accelerated the trend, with hyper-photogenic treats taking over Instagram feeds and TikTok FYPs. (Check out our articles about the Top Ten Asian Desserts Set to Take Over Your Feed!)

From grab-and-go pastry shops to elaborate high tea experiences, the rise of Asian dessert cafés reflects a larger shift in how younger generations want to eat, drink, and connect.

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A Sweet Landscape: From Grab-and-Go Treats to Immersive Cultural Experiences

Asian dessert cafés appear in different formats, shaped by factors like footprint, daypart, dining style, and menu offerings. Some specialize in quick, on-the-go treats, perfect for a midday snack or a late-night indulgence, while others encourage a slower experience, where presentation and ambiance play just as big a role as the sweets themselves. They tend to fall into a few distinct categories.