Fusion Café Is a New Drink, Snack and Lunch Spot in Kaimukī

Photo: Lynne Tsutsuki

Living in Kaimukī, I started noticing a new café on Wai‘alae Avenue a few months ago. Then I saw photos of scrumptious pastries (ube madeleines!) and affordable matcha lattes on Instagram and decided to check it out.

Fusion Café opened just before Christmas next to Champs Sports Bar & Grill between 9th and 10th Avenue. It’s a cozy spot for quiche, scones, coffee, tea drinks and sandwiches in the daytime on most days. Thursdays through Saturdays, there’s a “wine and dine” bar at happy hour and the menu switches to wine, Champagne and charcuterie boards. Tip: If you want pastries during happy hour, call in advance to place an order, and if they’re available, the pastries will be waiting for you.

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New offerings include pop-up dinners and monthly afternoon champagne and tea service. Since I live practically around the corner, I’m here for the daily café options. Here’s a quick review.

Tiger Chai and Cloud Matcha

Photo: Lynne Tsutsuki

One of the best chai lattes I’ve ever had: The Tiger Chai ($10) is a Hawaiian salt caramel spiced chai latte with coconut milk. Unlike other chai drinks, which are often overpowered by cinnamon or other spices, this one stands out for its perfect balance of flavors.

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With the Cloud Matcha ($10), a base of naturally sweetened coconut water topped with matcha cold foam creates a unique taste that’s not too sweet or bitter. This is lighter and more refreshing than matcha drinks made with milk or milk alternatives. If you prefer your matcha on the creamier, sweeter side, this might not be the best choice for you.

Matcha Scone

Photo: Lynne Tsutsuki

A scone makes for an ideal light snack, and this one ($5) doesn’t disappoint. It boasts the perfect crumbly texture and good matcha flavor. I was happy to keep eating and eating, bite after bite. There are also mango and white chocolate-flavored scones.

Ube Madeleines

Photo: Lynne Tsutsuki

Sold in packs of four for $8, these are a must-try. Two are delicately glazed and topped with a flake of gold, adding a touch of elegance; the other two are plainer-looking. All of them are moist with a hint of ube flavor.

Chocolates

Photo: Lynne Tsutsuki

With their vibrant and distinctive designs, I couldn’t resist these handmade chocolates from Waikīkī Chocolates by Lutgarda (@waikiki_chocolates). Priced at $20 for 8 pieces or $30 for 12, each has a different flavor, including matcha, lychee, strawberry, orange and more. I really liked the strawberry chocolate, filled with strawberry jam and ganache.

Charcuterie Sandwich and Fusion Salad

Photo: Lynne Tsutsuki

Fusion’s most popular sandwich is the Charcuterie ($12), a ciabatta sandwich filled with the day’s Italian cured meats—salami and prosciutto—along with smoked provolone, giardiniera pickles and muffaletta sauce. You can ask to have your sandwich warmed, as these are premade. The salami’s strong and rich taste lingers, but I got this with the Fusion salad, whose flavors and freshness helped balance the intensity of meat flavors.

SEE ALSO: My 8 Favorite Sandwiches on O‘ahu

This signature salad comes with butter lettuce, roasted beets, oranges, baby fennel, basil, bleu cheese and creamy truffle dressing. The oranges and decadent dressing add a special touch.

Photo: Lynne Tsutsuki

The interior has a modern, classy vibe, and there’s plenty of seating, including counter seating and tables for dine-in. You might just catch me here on a girls’ night out.

Open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., wine hour Thursday to Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m., 3457 Wai‘alae Ave., (808) 675-6091, @fusionkaimuki