BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A new coffee shop and eatery on Nostrand Avenue is bringing Korean food to Bedford-Stuyvesant with kimchi and bulgogi on the menu.
Nostrand, a café at 261 Nostrand Ave. on the corner of Lafayette Avenue, opened on Feb. 22, serving a selection of coffee and pastries, according to owner Jiwon Choe.
Choe, 32, launched his first business with his family, saying he always sought to have a café after working in coffee shops while in college.
The eatery will open its kitchen this week to start serving a variety of Korean-influenced dishes, the owner said.
“There are no Korean places in Bed-Stuy now,” Choe added.
The 900-square-foot business takes over the former space of a Chinese food restaurant.
Nostrand’s lunch and dinner menu items, which are all under $15, include a bulgogi burrito, kimchi fried rice, pork bulgogi with rice and avocado, a tofu burger, salads, grilled cheese, and more.
Choe said he sought to keep the menu simple with Korean staples that customers may be familiar with.
“It’s signature to have kimchi and bulgogi,” he said of the fermented cabbage and marinated beef dishes.
“It’s something that people know and not too strong to approach for those who have no idea what Korean food is.
“The food is going to be good, it’s going to be consistent, and that’s what people look for.”
While Nostrand already offers tea and coffee, the new spot will soon serve fresh juices and smoothies, and is looking to have wine and beer on tap, Choe added.
The café is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit Nostrand’s website here.
