Awards & Accolades
James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery: 2024 & 2025
New York Times: Top 22 Bakeries in the United States 2024
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James Beard Nominated for Outstanding Bakery 2024
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“The Cambodian-American pastry chef Vanarin Kuch contributed to the revival by opening Koffeteria in 2019. The coffee shop and bakery’s menu captures the diversity of Houston.”
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“It’s quite a feat for a chef to deliver, over the course of a weekend, both a hall-of-fame breakfast taco and a laminated pastry as vivid and supple as anything on the planet"
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“Kuch shows a relentless passion to take inspiration from Houston’s diverse culinary scene and turn them into both sweet and savory pastries that Houstonians want to eat”
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"Vanarin Kuch opened his East-side pastry shop and café Koffeteria and introduced Houston to baked goods and pastries that strike a fine balance between genius and insanity."
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“If you want to step away from the hype machine and enjoy a pastry that speaks to that consistency and execution, try Kuch’s pistachio baklava croissant. Pull apart each honey-soaked layer with your fingers to reveal the pistachios tucked into crevices and lining the walls. It’s a special pastry pulling together disparate ideas in the most delicious way."