When I come back to Harlem, this will be part of my journey because I want to try more items. I was passing time and needed something to eat for breakfast. I searched the area for food and this came up. When I got off the train it was conveniently right across the street and very inviting. I was greeted warmly and ordered the hot veggie wrap and theor bottled Ginger juice. They have a very intimate yet spacious space. I sat amd waiting for my order. They do have a small pastry/muffin section, coffee options as well as very good looking lunch amd dinner options. The wrap was smaller than expected but it was so good. The ginger juice was delicious and very gingery. Next time, I will order cassava fries also, should I choose the wrap again if pressed for time. It's a really great vibe. I look forward to returning over and over again. read more

Ginjan Cafe - Veggie wrap - hot - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

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I love this place to grab a coffee or a quick bite and do some work! There is plenty of places to work, I would just make sure you completely charge your devices in case you cannot find an area with an outlet. I've had the chicken yassa and it was so so delicious. I don't drink coffee too often, but when I need a pick me up, this coffee offered me a smooth energy, so I appreciated that. Some coffees make me jittery and feel on edge. The Moroccan mint tea is also great. The staff are very kind and accommodating. I love the atmosphere, and this is a safe place to visit again and again. read more

Ginjan Cafe - Chicken Yassa - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

I came in this place just for a quick drink and something sweet. That monkey bread lived in my mind. It was not too sweet and had a big of crunch. I would go back regularly if I lived in this area. Also, the bissap hit the spot on a cold day ( I ordered it warm). The service was nice and patient while I asked a ton of questions. The space is wide and clean, a lot of room to sit and do work or read a book. read more

Ginjan Cafe - Monkey bread - I ate a bit before the photo. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

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Whether you emerge from the Lexington Ave 4/5 subway station or you're walking from the west, Ginjan Café is a relieving respite from the busy-ness of 125th Street. Ginjan Café always exudes a calm and welcoming vibe as soon as you open the door. The interior is tastefully decorated, paying homage to Guinean traditional designs. In the mornings, folks are always in there enjoying their coffees and healthy cold-pressed juices for which the Café is well-known. i've visited Ginjan a few times and have enjoyed cups of their chai and monkeybread (in the cute, efficient shape of a muffin). i've always found both of these quite tasty. My only complaint is that my tea never seems hot enough. Even as i walk just two blocks to my office, as soon as i sit down tow ork, it always seems to have cooled off too much. Nevertheless, i recommend Ginjan to anyone looking to have a pleasant and tasty experience in their weekday morning. read more

Really friendly service, convenient location right by the MTA stop, and plenty of seating indoors to get work done! The cortado was perfectly toasty and frothy. The egg wrap was smaller than I expected and a bit bland, but I'm interested in returning to try some of their other menu items. read more

Ginjan Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

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I was with my family in Harlem recently to watch the NYC marathon and once we were done and heading home, we had time before our train. There is always time for coffee so I made my way to Ginjan Café to get a quick caffeine fix. Located steps away from the Metro North station, they offer a vast menu of food and beverages. I didn't order any food but may have to go back for it. I ended up ordering my go to which is an iced vanilla latte. Definitely hit the spot! Will keep this place in mind if I am passing through the area. read more

I like this place. The owners are nice and the staff. I'm typically in and out but there are rare times when I can actually take a seat and enjoy the ambiance and thought put into the space. I've only really had breakfast items here. I'm usually rushing to get the banana muffin it doesn't do it justice but it's compact and filling with a chai latte. I also had the monkey bread and that's amazing too. There's a bathroom, lots of seating and it's right off 125th metro north stop and close to the 4,5,6 train. Looking forward to trying more items on the menu. Thanks for feeding me throughout the year and being so nice! It's really the little things as we start our days. read more

Ginjan Cafe - Oat chai latte & banana muffin (warm) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

Very kind staff. There are a lot of seating options and a bathroom to use for customers. The sound level was average and not too loud. Many customers were working on laptops. I had a chai latte and it was very good. I also had a veggie wrap which was great too. They have a decent amount of vegetarian options. Prices are standard for New York. Located right next to Metro North so it's convenient as the train station has no actual food or drink options. The area is not great due to high rates of homeless and drug using individuals roaming the streets, so just be smart. One person came in to the cafe asking for money but a staff member gently asked them to leave. read more

Not so good. Dirty and not great service. The food choice not a appetizing variety. Would not really recommend. read more

I stopped by on my way home since I had about 20 minutes before my train. I ordered a hot chocolate and an apple pastry that I asked to be heated, totaling $11.45. There were three staff members behind the counter; one took my order while the other two were conversing. As my order was being prepared, another customer accidentally spilled his drink. The staff member who had been handling my order stopped to clean up the spill, and during that time two additional customers were served and left. The customer who spilled his drink was also given a replacement--while my order was still pending. When I finally received my items, the hot chocolate was underwhelming, and although the pastry was good, it was not warm as requested. By then, I only had about five minutes to catch my train, so I couldn't address it. The café has a great atmosphere and vibe, but service execution needs improvement, especially during busy moments. Ratings: Atmosphere 10/10 | Service 2/10 | Hot chocolate 1/10 | Pastry 7/10 (likely 10/10 if heated properly) read more

Ginjan Cafe - GinJan Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

Beautifully made Guinean food and drink. Sleek surrounds. Wonderful, warm staff. A moving creation story. (See: https://ginjanbros.com/blogs/posts/humansofnewyork) I usually don't like to write reviews after only one visit and after sampling such a small portion of the menu, but I feel compelled to spread the word in this case. Ginjan Cafe is a soothing, plant-filled oasis of calm on busy 125th St. in Harlem, nestled right underneath the Metro North station. Read: It's a perfect place to grab a bite to go if you're catching a train somewhere -- or a cup of coffee in winter and the namesake ginjan ginger drink in the summer, sheltered from the elements, while you wait for your train. On a recent visit, we tried the jollof rice bowl with legumes, and an apple pastry. (My nine-year old refused to go all in with me on the seafood soup or tiga peanut stew, sadly.) I'm not familiar with Guinean food specifically, but have enjoyed a fair share of jollof rice, prepared by expats from neighboring Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and other west African countries like Nigeria. The vegan Guinean version we tried at Ginjan Cafe was pleasantly umami even without the fish typically found in thieboudienne, the Senegalese version of jollof rice. It came with separate piles of sauteed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, onion); sweet potato; sweet plantains; stewed tomatoes; and flavorful, stewed, small red beans all arranged over fragrant, flavorful rice. A nice balance of complete proteins and vegetables, this bowl would satisfy vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. The rice, I should mention, is perfection: tender, moist, almost silky, and complexly spiced. I don't remember seeing palm oil in the ingredients for this dish, but whatever the kitchen uses to achieve that silkiness... it works. The dish as a whole packs a non-wimpy amount of heat, which grows on you as you eat. I found it a pleasant bane against the cold; the nine year old (who was fed kimchi in the womb, weened on Indian food, and can tolerate a fair amount of heat) was spiced out after a few bites. Note that there seems to be at least one component that's made to order since we were quoted a 20 minute wait for the bowl. The staff were super kind and accommodating, though, when we checked in at the 15 minute mark and let them know we had a train to catch! The apple pastry... The staff kindly offered to reheat it. Sadly, we wasted their efforts because we didn't get to the pastry for another half hour. But suffice it to say that it would've been very good fresh out of the oven. Flavors were clear and pure, not overly sweet, though we could've used more apple filling. The vibes at this place are so good. This food is made with care and kindness; it permeates the air. I'm coming back for the tiga, the signature ginjan, and hopefully everything else, too. read more

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Ginjan Cafe has some great food and drinks- absolutely no complaints here. I love the ginger drink hot on a cold day- just feels right! I also had the jollof rice with chicken- it was pretty good but I didn't like that they kept the skin of the chicken intact. I did like that the rice was the correct amount of moist as well (for a lack of better terms). All in all, I can see why this place is so busy and would definitely return again. read more

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I go to Ginjan a few days a week and my favorite drink is the Africano, it's an Americano with condensed milk. I also really enjoy the Chicken Yassa wrap for lunch, and if I want something heartier, I go for the Chicken Jollof bowl. read more

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Afro burrito was really filling. Also enjoyed the plantains. We had a variety of beverages and they were all good.

Located just across the street from Harlem-125th Metro North station so went to check it out and get a snack. Small tables and a large wood one in the middle. I liked the decor. I looked up this place online before then I remembered, and one of the owners confirmed that their story was on Humans of New York. Cool! Very friendly and always smiling. First saw the display of pastries and not as enticing. I tried to remember what they were featured for..their juices so had to try one. The ginger juice has other ingredients like pineapple, lemon, vanilla and anise but strong in ginger taste. Labeled as having health benefits which is good. Make sure to check their menu. Would have liked to try jollof but needed something for the train ride. Picked their chicken yassa wrap with olives. Easy to eat. My palate usually looks for some spiciness like from a sauce and I wonder if there were options. read more

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Fantastic cafe vibes. It was spacious with a lot of seating and a comfortable couch. Lots of people had laptops out and doing work. We got a latte which was creamy and delicious. We're always rushing around and this cafe had the perfect vibes to help us slow down and enjoy our coffee inside. Highly recommend this cafe read more

Super spacious and beautiful cafe! Definitely seems like a great place to meet with friends or study! The signature ginger drink 4.5/5 It was super gingery which would be so good if you are feeling a little sick! Not too sweet. I had the hot version but could imagine the cold version would be super refreshing in the summer Almond cheese croissant 5/5 The inside was so creamy, almost lemony. I heated it up when I got home which made it super nice and flaky. I'd definitely recommend warming it up prior to eating read more

Ginjan Cafe - Cheesy almond croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

This is my absolutely favorite coffee shop in Harlem! The baked goods are outstandingly yummy- you got to try the apple one! Staff are friendly and helpful. Coffee is good. My two other favorite drinks are the hot Hibiscus tea and the Ginger tea- both perfect for a cold day and if you need a wellness pick me up! The space & environment is cool. Music and soundtrack is African Diaspora smooth and welcoming. read more

I've spent my stay-cation visiting cafés to evaluate for coffee, vibe, and work space. This place is an excellent spot: spacious with a large center communal table framed by individual two-person spots, friendly service, music that encourages a working mindset, and from what I see, food everyone enjoys. The problem? It's a sauna. Probably too close to 125 St train line to crack the door, the room is so hot! I almost didn't sit down, but wanted to give the place a try as I had been here during a winter weekend. The staff has one fan running from the back corner, but the lack of windows makes for an environment where everyone is productive and glistening. I've managed about 25 minutes to finish my coffee and get a breeze when someone enters but can't last much longer. AC must kick in at some point, and I'll come back read more

I knew I wanted to check out Ginjan Cafe, as I had read about their story on HONY - they were right off the 125th, so getting there was super easy. We ordered the bottles of: +Ginger - made with pineapple, lemon, vanilla, and anise +Bissap - made with hibiscus, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and mint Both were refreshing, but I did prefer the Bissap more, as it was more tart. I don't think I was a fan of the vanilla note in the Ginger drink. They were definitely served cold, but I wished that they had the option of these serving them with a cup of ice? I think it's just a matter of convenience, and the fact that the drinks wouldn't be diluted. The cafe itself is bright, sophisticated, and clean, and such a nice little gem in the Harlem area. There were handful of people having get-togethers, meetings, and doing some work. A communal table, chairs, tables, and a couch were all available. Service was very friendly! Just note that they don't accept the Yelp check-in discount; they stated that they never signed up for any type of promotion, so just be aware. +bottled drinks +friendly service +right off the 125th stop read more

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If you're in search of a local cafe to get both your coffee fix and study on in Harlem, this is the place to check out! I used to frequent a spot on 116th but it unfortunately closed down, and have been on a search to find one ever since and stumbled upon this place. I believe they source their coffee beans from Africa which is great and responsive to the community. I appreciated that they had their own unique drinks to over that are branded as the shop name but also offer a decent selection of coffee flavors with milk alternatives. They did have a food menu and what looked like a pasty selection but it was empty. I assume given the hour that I showed up that maybe the daily selection was all gone. But otherwise this space offered a few options in terms of foo to be purchased like empanadas, as well as some cookies that a customer raved about as they bought them. The ambiance itself feels like a spot you could become a regular if you frequent. I'd definitely check this place out again! read more

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Where have so been!! I'm so mad nobody told me about this place sooner!! Had a work meeting here and only had the ginger juice in an oat milk latte ooh hit it was delish! Had to buy two of the traditional juices to-go! So happy to discover there's a Brooklyn location. Chill vibe an great menu. read more

Ginjan Cafe - My to-go's. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

Baristas were very friendly and kind. The coffee was strong and good and there were fresh pastries. Good seating and open space.

I'm excited this spot is so close to the train! It's a surprisingly quiet space where everyone seemed to be working on this weekday morning. Like, I think I might be scared to have a conversation with a friend here. But still, I liked the sleek space. I went for the Ginjan, which was delicious and perfect for a winter morning. The ginger was by far the most powerful taste. It was ready for me very quickly. I'll be checking out more items from the menu next time. read more

Excellent fresh-tasting specialty drinks, interesting and enjoyable food, and an atmosphere that's consistently pleasant to have a relaxed conversation or get some work done in. Beautifully furnished. read more

It was my first time visiting the cafe. The food & services was really good. The ambiance was very relaxing & laid back. A great place to unwind & enjoy delicious food. A definite place to visit. It's worth it. read more

Very good ambiance and nice staff. I went after 3pm and there was no wait line and there was plenty of seating. The jallop rice with chicken was delicious and the ice tea drink was also good but I did add sugar to it. Highly recommend. read more

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I love Ginjan! This spacious cafe is right by the MetroNorth station and serves excellent beverages (coffee, ginger juices, teas, etc), pastries, creative wraps, and bowls. I especially love their financiers, which are dense, luxuriously buttery, little almond pastries. There's reliable wifi and plenty of seating, and they're open 7 days a week! Unlike some other coffee shops, they say open til 5 or 6pm. read more

I was pleasantly surprised how delicious their vanilla latte was! They also let us stay later then closing time which I appreciated! Quality shop ! read more

This is a very spacious café right by the 125 St station in Harlem. I went on a Saturday noon, and it was super quiet and not many people--I felt like I could breathe. I always get stressed out finding seats and some peace in Manhattan cafés, but this was not one of them. The space is super clean and has good amount of seating and outlets by each of the seats by a wall. I had the bissap tea and the chicken jollof bowl. Bissap tea was very refreshing to have, and it wasn't too sweet, just perfect for my tongue. I wasn't blown away by the chicken jollof bowl, and tbh, I think the portions were kind of small for the price ($17). The mixture of spices, veggies, plantains, and the meat was overall satisfactory. read more

Ginjan Cafe - counter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

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Black owned! Yes! I Love this place! The ambiance exudes the right amount of cozy w/ neo soul music to match. Ordered the Bissap tea(hot). Sooooo soothing! read more

Ginjan Cafe - Indoor - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

Fantastic lattes with african beans and the eponymous pearly-white drink was so hot, creamy, flavorful with a dash of honey and the kick. No caffeine in there but it still wakes you up. A nice cafe to sit and get some work in or a book reading session in. read more

I always wanted to come to this location because it promoted African culture. The pictures and other reviews definitely encouraged that curiosity. Now that I've finally made it, I can agree with other reviews that it is a nice place to visit. The dining area is wide and is arranged in a way that offers plenty of space. You need to have a voice to ask someone to move their bag or make space. The barista today was so kind. She was pleasant and offers a solid recommendation on the cafe's popular drinks and preferred methods of how it's served. Today I got an iced Bissap tea and the banana cream pudding muffin. It is delicious! It's like a dense, sweet, buttery croissant muffin. I wasn't able to finish mine because it's literally so dense, but I'm curious to try out their other pastries. read more

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Went out of my way to get a coffee there. I guess I had high expectation. The lady at the counter wasn't really friendly or maybe just unhappy. ( Had better latte... ) read more

The Chicken Yassa is very flavorful, the vibe is always welcoming, and the iced latte is the best around. The cashier is always friendly and patient. I love coming here. read more

Ginjan Cafe - Chicken Yassa - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

The food was good. The prices were too much for the amount of food. Liked the taste of the food though. Would recommend for a quick stop before getting on MTA trains since it's so close. read more

I like their chicken yassa wrap and their ginjan latte! I asked for the hot sauce for the wrap (extra), and the kick really ups the flavor. The ginger and lemon in the ginjan latte gives it a little zing and just makes you feel like you're receiving a warm hug. I only wish the chicken was a little less salty (or add more veggies to balance it out?) and the latte was hotter. Maybe the milk wasn't steamed for long enough, and it made the latte lukewarm. The people are nice! When I asked about the ginjan, the person at the counter immediately gave me a sample to try. They want to help and they were also super patient with me when I started speaking with them in French haha. read more

I had a few minutes before my bus and stopped in for a bite. I highly recommend the chicken yassa wrap - it was a delicious and filling blend of lemon, onions, spices and warm flavors. The staff are a sweet and friendly group of guys - I'll be back! read more

So I was walking in the DMV and came across this cafe, I had stumbled across their IG a few years back when they first opened and I believe were actually selling sticks in the cafe (bummed I missed out on that). I got excited when I saw the cafe and went right in (after getting ice cream from mr softee!)The best ginger ever. I drink a lot of ginger, like a lot. I have tried it from many of the African restaurants in Harlem. I've also tried most of the commercial brands sold in African and Caribbean markets- I am Sierra Leonean with Guinean roots so I also make it when I get desperate a lot and drink it at almost every family function or Sierra Leonean event. I will say that this ginger is better than mine, and the best that I have had from a cafe/restaurant. I love the fact that it's not too sweet, you can tell it's fresh because it does not have a ton of sediment on the bottom. I love the fact that calories and ingredients are clearly helped so you know what's going in your body, important to me also. I got one for my sister and sister in law and they Immediately wanted more. About the cafe, nice, airy, and good vibes. Greeted by a bright eyed friendly African woman (this is important to me! I love seeing representation in all parts of a business). Please open a shop in New Jersey! Low key don't wanna tell anybody else about this spot- don't take all my Ginjan! Lol JK read more

Ginjan Cafe - Ginjan - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New York, New York

I read all about the two brothers who opened up this place on Humans of NY. It was a heartwarming story and I was so so excited to check Ginjan out when visiting my son, who lives two short blocks away. A friend and I arrived on a Tuesday afternoon. The place was pretty packed, but we were able to find two comfortable seats by the window. I had been passed a pro tip to order a crepe or a kougin-amann with my coffee, i'd heard that both were exceptional and delicious. After ordering two drip coffees, it turned out that they were out of both crepes and kougin-amann, so we went with a chicken and onion wrap sandwich and a plantain chocolate chip cookie. Turned out, both were delicious, especially the wrap sandwich and the drip coffee was great. Sadly, they were also completely out of their signature drink Ginjan, which was a bummer. Hoping they were all sold out due to their story on HONY!! read more