Bopomofo Cafe

7951 Othello Ave suite 106, San Diego, CA 92111, United States
$$$ Cafe
(85 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're on the hunt for a unique and delicious culinary experience in San Diego, look no further than Bopomofo Cafe, nestled at 7951 Othello Ave, Suite 106. This vibrant cafe brings a delightful fusion of Taiwanese and contemporary flavors to the table, making it a standout destination for food enthusiasts and matcha lovers alike.

Bopomofo Cafe specializes in a mouthwatering array of dishes that highlight both tradition and innovation. One of their signature offerings is the Heritage Braised Pork Belly, a dish steeped in family tradition and comfort. Tender, flavorful pork belly is braised to perfection and served alongside shiitake mushrooms, mustard greens, soy egg, and crispy fried onions. Each bite melts in your mouth, enveloping you in a cozy embrace of rich, savory flavors—an experience that's truly worth every penny of the $14.25 price tag.

For something a bit more playful, don’t miss the Spicy Popcorn Chicken. This dish reinvents a classic favorite with a spicy twist, perfectly complemented by a tangy Thai chili aioli. Customers rave about its crispy texture and zesty flavor, making it an ideal sharing plate or a satisfying solo indulgence. As customer Natalie Ogden described, the popcorn chicken is "cooked perfectly," promising a crunchy exterior and tender interior every time.

Bopomofo Cafe also boasts an exceptional selection of beverages, particularly their premium matcha drinks. The BALA Matcha, invigoratingly blended with guava nectar, stands out as a refreshing choice that's not overly sweet, making it the perfect warm weather treat. Meanwhile, flavors like the Mint Matcha Latte and Carrot Matcha Latte offer intriguing twists that will appease both matcha aficionados and new drinkers alike. As noted by local fans, this cafe has quickly become the go-to spot for matcha cravings, offering a unique approach that you won’t find elsewhere.

The atmosphere at Bopomofo Cafe is as welcoming as the dishes are delicious. With a clean and spacious layout, both indoor and outdoor seating options are available, providing a comfortable setting for everything from quick coffee breaks to leisurely meals with friends. It's important to note that the cafe can get crowded on weekends, so arriving early ensures a more relaxed experience—especially if you're looking to savor their delightful cuisine.

To top it all off, the friendly staff here adds a personal touch to your visit. Their warm demeanor ensures that every experience is met with genuine hospitality, making you feel right at home while you explore the expansive menu.

Whether you're popping in for a quick bite, a leisurely lunch with friends, or a matcha-fueled afternoon, Bopomofo Cafe delivers a delightful culinary adventure that's not to be missed. Come hungry, leave happy, and surely, you’ll be planning your next visit before you even step outside.

Service options
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
University students
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

85 Reviews
Kemner Frani

16 Sep 2025

Wonderful cafe. So many options. Food is a bit pricey but it is tasty. The mapo tofu has browns are great! Fried chicken is crispy and delicious. Cooked well. Different tea options as well. Can substitute for dairy free which is great. Also cool to see Phil there every so often working hard. Clean place. Weekends in the evening can get crowded so come early if you want to avoid the crowd.

VT

11 Sep 2025

A little bit pricey, but because you can taste and see the higher quality. We came for their anniversary event where they had a special of free Jin xuan milk tea if you order the nori fish tacos and mofo asada fries. The Jin xuan milk tea was okay. Nothing special. The nori fish tacos though were so delicious! just wish they were a little bit bigger. Crispy fried fish and crunchy slaw. The mofo asada fries were also delicious with crispy fries and tender steak pieces. Also wish this was a little bigger. Parking is easy in large free parking lot. Service is friendly.

Linh W

24 Aug 2025

I’ve been seriously obsessed with this place lately, it’s my go-to spot to fix my matcha cravings. Here’s my lineup of faves: 1. Ba-La Matcha (25% sweetness) – Matcha mixed with guava juice? So refreshing and not too sweet. A must-try! 2. Hojicha Latte (50% sweetness) – Rich, roasty, and super comforting. 3. Mint Matcha – I stick with their default sweetness. The mint gives it that cool, refreshing kick! 4. Blueberry Matcha (25% sweetness) – Just the right balance of fruity and earthy. 5. Original Matcha Latte (50% sweetness) – Can’t go wrong with the classic. I always get oat milk in all of them, and the best part? No extra charge for the oat milk! Tried the popcorn chicken too… honestly, it was kinda mid for the price. I’d stick with the drinks! Bonus points for the super friendly customer service :) they always make the experience feel extra welcoming.

Natalie Ogden

20 Jul 2025

Their blueberry matcha was absolutely INCREDIBLE. One of the best matchas I’ve had in San Diego. Their popcorn chicken is cooked perfectly and the basil aioli complimented it so well. I will definitely be back very soon

Bonnie Ye

19 Jul 2025

I finally had a chance to visit this cafe. It’s clean and spacious (but not many tables for dining in). There are few tables outside though. We ordered a Taiwanese chicken sandwich, pork belly rice bowl and a bubble tea. The chicken sandwich got good flavors but the bun was a bit too sweet for my taste. The pork belly rice bowl was delicious. I liked Jin Xuan Oolong milk tea because it’s got natural tea taste.

Nick Cornell

30 Jun 2025

Nice spot, clean with polite staff. Got the strawberry basil ginger tea and it was very refreshing. Shrimp burger was surprisingly light but flavourful. The spicy popcorn chicken was zesty but opt for the dark meat, got the white meat and it was overcooked. Still not a bad little spot.

Andy A

11 Jun 2025

Been here a handful of times. This place is cashless. Staff is friendly and welcoming. Out of all the food and drinks I’ve tried, I haven’t found anything that I didn’t enjoy. My kid does enjoy the bopo bento with dark meat popcorn chicken.

Jilly

26 May 2025

I got the BA-LA matcha, dark meat spicy popcorn chicken and B.O.G. My sister got the corn matcha latte which is a seasonal drink. The B.O.G was really refreshing and as someone who loves matcha and corn on its own, I personally didn’t like the corn matcha latte because the corn flavor was overpowering. Although, the BA-LA matcha was a nice matcha drink to try since I never tried a matcha and guava combo.

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