A new coffee kiosk in Berkeley, California, is captivating the senses with its innovative Asian-inspired beverages. Masterpiece Coffee, founded by Young Sun, highlights specialty Yunnan-grown beans and other unique flavors from Asian cuisines. The kiosk, opened last October, offers a variety of signature drinks that showcase the natural qualities of Yunnan coffee beans. These offerings include the spicy Hong mocha and the Shiro latte, combining traditional espresso with white miso and brown sugar. Fresh pastries from Bake Sum complement the menu, adding another layer of Asian-inspired flavors to the experience.

Embracing Chinese Coffee Culture

The focus on Chinese-grown coffee at Masterpiece Coffee reflects a growing trend in the specialty coffee market. Founder Young Sun emphasizes the importance of these beans, offering them as pourovers and espresso for customers to savor. The company sources green coffees from China through Torch Coffee Labs and collaborates with Red Fox Coffee Merchants to diversify its selection. This approach ensures that patrons can enjoy a wide range of flavors while supporting sustainable farming practices.

Sun’s background in the coffee industry has been instrumental in shaping Masterpiece Coffee’s identity. Having worked as a barista and lead production roaster at Devout Coffee before transitioning into a general manager role at Artis Coffee, Sun brings extensive knowledge and passion to the venture. Roasting one kilogram at a time on an Aillio Bullet roaster, Sun meticulously crafts each batch to highlight the distinct characteristics of Yunnan beans. Signature drinks like the Osmanthus Latte further enhance the customer experience by showcasing the rich heritage of Chinese coffee culture.

Building Community and Expanding Horizons

Masterpiece Coffee is part of the Imasala Collective, a vibrant hub for Asian American-owned businesses in West Berkeley. Alongside furniture retailer Clove + Whole and children’s apparel store Min’na, Masterpiece contributes to a diverse and inclusive community. Located at 1714 San Pablo Ave., the kiosk plans to remain at this location for at least another year, potentially until the end of 2025. During this period, Sun aims to expand the brand’s online presence and increase roasting capacity.

Future aspirations include opening a full café, but Sun is committed to taking measured steps towards growth. By fostering connections within the local community and emphasizing quality and innovation, Masterpiece Coffee continues to redefine the coffee experience in Berkeley. The blend of tradition and creativity not only celebrates the origins of Yunnan coffee but also introduces new possibilities for coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.