BLK Dot Coffee: What to Expect
Pumpkin VTM Einspanner
Blk Dot’s newest location in Costa Mesa
Iced Lychee Honey Oolong
Vietnamese coffee is a beloved beverage that has become something of a cultural emblem for the Vietnamese community.
In Orange County, California, home to one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the world (outside of Vietnam, of course), the tradition of Vietnamese coffee has largely been kept alive by mom and pop businesses in Little Saigon. But now, it flourishes throughout the region thanks to brands like Blk Dot Coffee.
Blk Dot Coffee, a family-owned operation, offers a unique modern twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee. What started as a small office-amenity shop on Google’s Irvine campus in 2015 has blossomed into a successful chain with 11 locations (and counting)—and it all began with a deep love for coffee and a passion for sharing the rich flavors of Vietnamese brews.
We spoke with Mai Tran, Managing Partner of Blk Dot Coffee, who shared the remarkable journey of how this vibrant coffee shop came to be, and provides those new to Vietnamese coffee with a little education on what makes it so special. Read on to hear her story.
CAB Sandwich
Blk dot barista working magic
Meet Mai Tran, Managing Partner
Mai Tran, Managing Partner
Tell us about your journey to opening Blk Dot!
Love and passion for food and coffee led us to our journey today. In 2015, we were given the opportunity to open a coffee shop on Google's campus in Irvine. Although this was a new concept for us, we saw it as a great opportunity to introduce our take on Vietnamese coffee to the community. We never imagined that our office-amenity coffee shop would grow into 11 locations today. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout our journey.
What are the unique characteristics of Vietnamese coffee?
Vietnamese coffee is more caffeinated than your traditional espresso or latte due to the process of brewing. Instead of running through a portafilter quickly, it uses a coffee phin. The water seeps into the coffee grinds and slowly drips each drop of coffee. This slow process gives the coffee the strength and boldness it needs to balance with creamers such as condensed milk.
Editor’s Note: Blk Dot’s menu has plenty of non-caffeinated options available as well.
What are some of your most popular items on the menu?
We are known for our take on traditional Vietnamese coffee which we call VTM coffee. This is definitely our best seller. We offer our VTM coffee in hot and iced options. Honestly, any coffee in the VTM family does well, such as our Dulce VTM and VTMatcha.
What do you like about being located in Orange County?
I grew up in Orange County and love the diversity. Orange County will always be home.
Blk Dot Locations
Canvas - 3090 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, California 92626
Crystal Cove - 7958 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Coast, California 92657
The Bluffs - 1314 Bison Avenue, Newport Beach, California 92660
Irvine Spectrum - 924 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, California 92618
Irvine Marketplace - 13786 Jamboree Rd. #B, Irvine, California 92602
Google Center - 19510 Jamboree Rd. #150, Irvine, California 92612
Laguna Beach - 656 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651
Orange - 201 West Chapman Avenue, Orange, California 92866
VKCC - 16905 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, California 92606
Long Beach - 6473 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Unit E, Long Beach, California 90803
The Square @ Cypress - 5247 Katella Avenue, Cypress, California 90720
