The first cafe I enjoyed visiting in Rochester was located within a stunning historic building in the heart of East Rochester. This is where I stumbled upon the Winter Swan Cafe, a delightful coffee shop that seamlessly blends the vibrant flavors of Vietnam and Thailand. Tucked within the recently expanded Stacy K’s floral shop, it’s conveniently situated just off University Avenue, a short distance from the entrance to the George Eastman Museum. Quynh and her husband initially started as a mobile coffee bar. They still run the coffee bar, serving at weddings, celebrations, fundraisers, and business events. Winter Swan has found its permanent home near the George Eastman Museum in East Rochester.
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Meet Quynh Bui, the Founder
Winter Swan is the brainchild of a passionate Vietnamese immigrant. Quynh Bui started Winter Swan in her kitchen in 2022. The cafe’s mission is simple yet profound: to introduce a versatile coffee bar that delights fellow Rochesterians with an array of fun and delectable Asian-inspired flavored drinks. Quynh’s profound personal connection to Vietnamese coffee dates back to a time long ago, and it’s an experience I’ve also come to cherish. The Southeast Asian flavors that infuse the menu are unmistakably present, including popular Vietnamese flavors such as Pandan, coconut, matcha, and cardamom, creating a delightful tapestry of tastes for all to savor. Don’t be afraid to try something new, like the iced Vietnamese coffee.
“As a Vietnamese immigrant, I carry a strong connection to the coffee culture of Vietnam and Southeast Asia as a whole,” says Quynh. “I wanted to share this unique blend of flavors with Rochester, my second home.”
I totally agree. Vietnam is one of my favorite places to drink coffee. Abd the cafes are some of the best I”ve encountered while traveling around Asia. Places like this bring those same flavors to an entirely new audience.
And while I’ve yet to find anything that rivals the cafe scene in Korea. Cafes like Winter Swan, Ironclad Coffee in Richmond, and Sweetart Cafe in St. Louis are proving that theme cafes can be successful here in America too.
A Quiet Oasis for Work or Pleasure
The cafe’s seating area offers a peaceful and inviting space for both work and leisure. Its tranquil ambiance and complimentary Wi-Fi make it the perfect spot to relax or get some work done.
The cafe’s spacious layout accommodates both group gatherings and intimate rendezvous. During our visit, we enjoyed a delightful coffee with delectable sweet muffins in flavors like orange-cranberry and coffee cake. Our experience at Winter Swan also included selecting two free bouquets of beautiful fresh flowers repackaged from a recent wedding event. As a result,they have a new home on my mom’s dining room table.
A Blossoming Collaboration with Stacy K
Winter Swan’s collaboration with Stacy K creates a picturesque floral destination cafe. It boasts ample seating, generous parking, and an array of floral arrangements and gifts for sale. The piece de resistance is the lush living wall in the seating area. It oozes with greenery and flowering plants, infusing the air with a gentle floral fragrance.
Quynh was enthusiastic about sharing the cafe’s journey, including insights about pastry suppliers. Winter Swan offers an enticing variety of espresso-based beverages and non-coffee options. In my humble opinion, the more Southeast Asian tastes in Rochester, the better.
Winter Swan Cafe is a welcome addition to Stacy K’s floral shop. It is a delightful cafe and a testament to Southeast Asia’s influence on its flavors. Quynh Bui’s passion for her craft shines through in every cup and pastry. And that alone makes it a must-visit for all coffee enthusiasts and lovers of Southeast Asian flavors in Rochester.
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