Coffee Project NY is more than a café. It is a community hub for coffee lovers who want every cup to be thoughtful, sustainable, and crafted with care. Founded in 2015 by Chi Sum Ngai and Kaleena Teoh, Coffee Project NY started as a small East Village shop and has since grown into one of the most respected names in the New York coffee scene.
The café first gained attention with creative drinks like the deconstructed latte, a trio that let guests experience espresso, milk, and a finished latte side by side. That mix of curiosity and craft set the tone for everything they do, balancing playfulness with deep respect for coffee as an agricultural product.
At Time Out Market Union Square, Coffee Project NY offers a menu centered on espresso drinks and drip coffee. Guests can expect smooth americanos, balanced cappuccinos, rich lattes, and freshly brewed drip made with beans sourced directly from farmers around the world. Every cup reflects the team’s mission to make high quality coffee accessible while honoring the people who grow it.
Chi Sum and Kaleena are both licensed Q graders, internationally recognized for their expertise in coffee quality. Beyond their cafés, they operate a roastery and training campus in Long Island City, where they mentor the next generation of roasters and baristas. Their goal is to build community through coffee — and at Time Out Market Union Square, that means starting the day with espresso, drip, and a warm welcome.