The corner of Yew and West 6th finally feels alive again. When Nomad's new Kitsilano spot first opened in the historic Helen's Grocery building, hubby and I stood in line on opening day to check it out. We've been back plenty of times since, and neighbors still show up carrying their own reusable mugs to fit right in with the shop's strict zero-waste policy.
While the lineup wasn't quite as hectic as the massive C Market opening a few weeks ago, the wait moved quickly, and the clean, minimalist interior is incredibly bright and welcoming.
💋 The Smooch Score Verdict
- The Vibe: A gorgeous, sun-drenched, zero-waste neighborhood hub inside a historic brick building. Perfect for a quick catch-up or a morning pick-me-up.
- The Menu Concept: An exciting fusion of classic West Coast cafe staples and bold Korean flavors.
- Price Range: Pastries start around $4–$5, while signature lunches and specialty pour-overs lean toward premium pricing ($15–$20).
- The Quick Verdict: An exceptional addition to the Kitsilano coffee scene. While the drink prices are on the high side, the execution of their savory food items makes it well worth a visit.
Nomad Kitsilano Menu & Food Review
The kitchen menu beautifully mixes classic cafe comfort food with vibrant Korean ingredients. We decided to order the most unique items on the board to see how the flavors stack up.
🥪 K-Soul Melt Kimchi Grilled Cheese ($15.00)
This was hands-down our favorite bite of the morning. Sourdough and kimchi are two fermentation wonders, and pressing them together with a generous amount of rich, stretchy cheese into a golden crisp is pure genius. The sourdough had a perfect crunch, balancing the bright, spicy kick of the kimchi beautifully.
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| K-Soul Melt Kimchi Grilled Cheese from Nomad Coffee Kitsilano |
🥮 The Gochujang Pastries: Scone vs. Cookie
Nomad is playing with savory heat in their bakery case, using deep, earthy gochujang (Korean chili paste) to reinvent classic sweets.
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Gochujang Scone ($5.00): If you are expecting a fluffy,
airy English scone, this isn't it. It’s a dense, tight pastry that carries a
real punch. The heat builds gradually and lingers at the back of your
throat.
Gochujang Scone from Nomad Coffee Kitsilano -
Gochujang Cookie ($4.00): This one is delightfully
confusing. It is flat, heavy, and intensely buttery. It leans almost
entirely savory rather than sweet, highlighting the rich umami depth of the
chili paste.
Gochujang Cookie from Nomad Coffee Kitsilano
The Coffee & Drinks Review
To pair with the food, we treated ourselves to the Dak, NL Hachi Flow Pour-over ($20.00). Imported from the renowned Dak Coffee Roasters in Amsterdam, this particular option featured Colombian Maragogope beans processed through an "Enzyflow Natural" method.
It was served beautifully in a heavy ceramic mug shaped like a traditional Korean onggi (kimchi fermenting jar). The flavor profile lived up to the premium price tag: exceptionally smooth, bright, and subtle, with zero bitter aftertaste and clear notes of candied strawberry and milk tea.
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Dak, NL Hachi Flow Pourover from Nomad Coffee Kitsilano Country of Origin: Colombia Variety: Maragogope Process: Enzyflow Natural Notes: Candied strawberry, grapefruit, milk tea |
I also ordered an unsweetened Matcha Latte with oat milk ($8.90). While it was perfectly smooth and decent, it felt a little typical for the steep price point—especially compared to the extraordinary, deep umami matcha I recently fell in love with over at C Market Cafe.
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| Matcha Latte from Nomad Coffee Kitsilano |
I already have my eye on the Seoul Garden Bibim bowl and their Mango Matcha for our next trip back!
Nomad Kitsilano Menu Board Breakdown & Prices
For anyone planning a visit, here is a breakdown of the current items, prices, and descriptions right off the main board:
| Menu Item | Price | Description / Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul Garden Bibim | $19.00 | A hearty lunch bowl built on a 200-year Korean legacy recipe. |
| K-Soul Melt | $15.00 | Kimchi grilled cheese pressed on fresh sourdough bread. |
| Green Goodness Wrap | $15.90 | Plant-based "chikun" tossed with dairy-free tofu feta. |
| Kitsilano Rise | $9.00 | Fresh artisanal sourdough paired with whipped mushroom butter. |
| Orange Raf Coffee | $7.50 | A smooth, sweet citrus-infused espresso drink. |
| Strawberry Yakgwa Cookie | $5.50 | A sweet pastry twist on the traditional Korean honey treat. |
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| Pastries with prices |
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| Soft Opening Menu Board |
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