Ray's Cafe And Tea House, Inc.

The dumplings and drinks were amazing! I audibly swore after the first bite, they were that good. And of course the food is the most important part, but the rest was just as good! The cafe was comfortable and clean. Service was exceptional and the presentation of everything was impressive, the best combination of practical and pretty. What a nice spot! I’ll be craving those dumplings for years to come and definitely hope to be a repeat customer. Can’t wait to try more!

The highlight of Rays is definitely their coffee and tea. The only place I know of in the city that serves Siphon coffee. The atmosphere is very cozy, it feels like your in someone's dining room and feels relaxed. Unfortunately the food was overpriced for me to regularly eat here. The ingredients were definitely high quality but the portion was small.

This is hands down my favorite coffee shop in Philly. They family running Ray’s has made incredible coffee since the 80’s. There where one of the first shops in the US to bring siphon coffee from Japan and they have truly mastered how to make great coffee. The food is also solid. Where else can you get exceptional coffee and dumplings at the same place? The little coffee shop has a lot of character and the experience every time is both authentic and magical. If you’re in Philly, you have to come to Rays’s Cafe.

I am eternally grateful to work so close to Ray’s. The slow drip cold brew is a revelation and the dumplings are so fresh and tasty. On my nonprofit pay I can’t make daily visits, but every penny I’ve spent there has been worth it. I hope Grace can continue caffeinating and feeding the neighborhood for a long, long time.

Best cup of coffee I have ever had. I had a Japanese Sumiyaki vacuum siphon. Incredible. This place has been open since the 80s and was probably the first place in the US to have Japanese vacuum siphon coffee back when coffee was 60 cents at a diner. I talked to the owner and her son. Amazing story about starting the place. They personally import coffee beans from Japan (and other places) for the coffee here. You won't find some of the beans anywhere else in the US. Awesome place!

As a Taiwanese American, finding Ray’s cafe has been such a blessing and well-worth the over one hour drive. Upon entering the cafe, you’ll see that it’s a perfect blend of the Asian American experience ranging from the food options to the atmosphere. Sprinkled throughout the cafe, there are so many little things that remind me of home—the organic tea imported directly from Taiwan, the smell of fresh Taiwanese beef noodle soup lingering in the air (a MUST TRY), and the most lovely owner, Grace and family who will host you like they’re your own. Ray’s cafe even offers organic oolong tea directly imported from Alishan. For those unaware of Taiwanese tea, Taiwan is known for its oolong! And while I do not drink coffee myself, my family was incredibly impressed with the wide range of coffee varieties that the cafe carries ranging from Jamaican Blue Mountain to coffee from Sulawesi. They also offer siphon coffee!! Onto the menu, you’ll see quite a stark contrast between the “typical” American breakfasts that are offered and the really traditional Taiwanese meals that they provide ranging from the methodically stewed Taiwanese beef noodle soup that is so incredibly flavorful to the staple egg and tomato dish! Also a must try are the desserts. We ordered the matcha and chocolate cheesecake and its so lovely—very light, fluffy, rich, and strikes the perfect level of sweetness. I am so incredibly thankful that we found Ray’s cafe and I look forward to continually visiting my little cafe that reminds me of my island and all that I love about Taiwan.