Cafe Lily

- 42 Avenue O, Brooklyn, NY 11204

Welcome to a true hidden gem in the bustling New York food scene: Cafe Lily. Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst neighborhood, this unassuming eatery offers a culinary experience unlike any other in the city, specializing in the unique and comforting flavors of Uzbek, Korean, and Russian cuisine. Cafe Lily is much more than a restaurant; it’s a journey into the rich and rarely-seen tradition of Koryo-saram food—the cuisine of ethnic Koreans who migrated or were forcibly relocated to Central Asia, primarily Uzbekistan, during the Soviet era. This distinct blend of flavors and cooking styles makes Cafe Lily a must-visit for any New Yorker looking for an authentic and adventurous dining experience.

In a city that prides itself on culinary diversity, Cafe Lily manages to stand out by presenting a fascinating fusion that is both familiar and exotic. It’s categorized as an Uzbeki restaurant, an Asian fusion restaurant, and a cozy cafe, but its heart lies in its commitment to the Koryo-saram heritage. The menu seamlessly weaves together the meaty, hearty dishes of Central Asia with the bright, vegetable-forward elements of Korean cooking, all while incorporating popular Russian staples. Whether you’re a local food enthusiast, seeking comfort in nostalgic flavors, or simply hunting for a unique, high-quality meal, Cafe Lily offers an authentic taste of this unique cultural crossroads right here in New York.

Cafe Lily is conveniently situated in the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn, making it a valuable neighborhood resource and a destination for foodies across the boroughs. Its exact location is 42 Avenue O, Brooklyn, NY 11204, USA. The cafe’s position on a relatively quiet street provides a welcome escape from the more frenetic parts of the city. While the exterior might appear modest, local patrons know that fantastic, authentic flavors await inside.

The restaurant maintains a casual and cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for a relaxed meal. It is well-regarded for being family-friendly and is an excellent choice for groups as well as for those dining solo. For New Yorkers prioritizing accessibility, the venue provides wheelchair-accessible seating and a wheelchair-accessible toilet, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. The location is easily reachable via Brooklyn’s extensive public transportation network, or by car for local residents.

Cafe Lily is committed to providing a flexible and accommodating dining experience for the local New York community. Their range of services caters to a variety of dining preferences:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly service in the cozy seating area.
• Outdoor Seating: A delightful option for enjoying your meal when the weather is pleasant.
• Takeout (Takeaway): Convenient service for picking up your order to enjoy at home or on the go.
• Delivery: Offering home delivery service, allowing you to enjoy the unique fusion cuisine anywhere in the local delivery range.
• Table Service: Full service is provided for a relaxed, sit-down dining experience.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easier to plan a meal for both small and large groups.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts all major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Child-Friendly Amenities: The venue is good for kids and offers high chairs for younger diners.
• Private Events/Groups: Catering to groups, the restaurant is an excellent choice for family gatherings and special occasions.

The true allure of Cafe Lily lies in its unique menu and dedication to offering inclusive, high-quality food. The cuisine here is a fascinating study of cultural history, blending the best of Korean, Uzbek, and Russian traditions.

• Unique Koryo-saram Cuisine: Cafe Lily is recognized for serving Koryo-saram food, representing the distinct culinary traditions of Koreans from the former Soviet Union, specifically Central Asia. This rare offering in New York is the restaurant’s primary distinguishing feature.
• Halal-Friendly Menu: The restaurant offers a wide array of meat-based dishes that are prepared using Halal meat, catering to the diverse dietary needs of the New York community.
• Diverse Dietary Options: Cafe Lily provides extensive choices, including Vegan options like the Vegan Tofu Soup and Tofu With Vegetables In A Spicy Sauce, as well as numerous Vegetarian options within their salad and appetizer selection.
• Comfort Food & Healthy Choices: The menu successfully balances hearty Comfort food like Plov (Uzbek pilaf) and Borsh (Ukrainian beef soup) with Healthy options like fresh, vegetable-focused salads and the authentic, refreshing cold noodle soup, Kuksi.
• Exceptional Salads and Banchan: Patrons rave about the unique, house-made salads and Korean side dishes (Banchan). Popular choices include the spicy, fermented Tripe Khe, the savory Korean Fern Salad, and the classic Korean Carrot Salad (Morkovcha), which perfectly highlights the Korean-Central Asian fusion.
• Signature Uzbek Dishes: Classic Uzbek plates are a highlight, featuring Shish-Kebab (skewers of Lamb Ribs, Beef, or Chicken), savory Manty (steamed dumplings), and the authentic rice dish, Plov.
• Great Tea Selection: A notable highlight is the Great tea selection, which offers a warm and traditional finish to any meal.
• High-Quality Dishes: Reviews consistently praise the lovely flavor combinations and the use of quality ingredients, with specific mention of the perfectly cooked meats and well-seasoned rice.
• Perfect for a Quick Bite or Leisurely Meal: With a focus on both Small plates and larger, full Entrées, the cafe is suitable for both a quick bite and a full, leisurely Lunch or Dinner.

For first-time visitors or seasoned patrons looking for the best that Cafe Lily has to offer, the menu presents a tantalizing mix of dishes that best showcase the Korean-Uzbek fusion. Based on popular demand and customer reviews, here are some recommended highlights from the menu that you simply must try:

• Kuksi / Кук-Си ($18.00): Often cited as a signature dish, this authentic and unique Koryo-saram style cold summer sweet and sour noodle soup with beef, vegetables, and eggs is incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day. It’s a true centerpiece of the restaurant’s fusion identity.
• Plov / Плов ($21.00): This is the authentic Central Asian Uzbekistan-style pilaf—a hearty dish of perfectly cooked rice, tender meat, and carrots. It’s the essential Uzbek comfort food and a must-try for its complex, savory flavors.
• Manty / Mahты ($15.00): Steamed dumplings filled with chopped meat and onions, Manty is a Central Asian staple. While the texture of the skin can vary, the filling is often described as spectacular and full of authentic Central Asian flavor.
• Korean Fern Salad / Салат Из Папоротника ($17.00): Customers rave about the sauce of this authentic Koryo-saram dish. It’s a fried fern dish served mild and is known for its delicious, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with bread. A variation, the **FERN WITH BEEF ($21.00)**, is also available.
• U-Kadya / Ю-Кядя ($23.00): Described as a Korean-style spicy beef soup, this dish is interesting in its presentation, often served bland for you to mix in aromatics to your own taste. It comes with white rice on the side and is a highly recommended choice for those who enjoy a customized, spicy kick.
• Tripe Khe / Хе Из Требухи ($18.00) or Fish Khe / Хе-Рыбное ($13.50): These authentic Koryo-saram spicy, fermented dishes are a flavorful adventure, showcasing the Korean influence on the menu.
• Shish-Kebab (Starting at $11.50): The grilled-to-perfection skewers, such as the Lamb Ribs and Beef, are a foundational element of Uzbek cuisine and a consistently great choice for meat lovers.

Cafe Lily offers a genuinely rare and unforgettable meal that merges cultures and traditions. It's a culinary experience that has established itself as a truly unique spot in New York City.

For reservations, takeout orders, or inquiries, you can reach Cafe Lily directly:

Address: 42 Avenue O, Brooklyn, NY 11204, USA

Phone: (718) 872-5500

Mobile Phone: +1 718-872-5500

Cafe Lily

42 Avenue O, Brooklyn, NY 11204, USA