As someone who loves coffee and cute cafés, discovering a new spot like this always brings me so much joy.

MAI Coffee House, the newest addition to Pacific Square Shopping Center in Gardena, checks all my boxes: cozy vibes, a creative drink menu, and a bright, modern space that practically invites you to stay a while.

And for anyone who grew up in the South Bay like me, you might get an extra dose of nostalgia—MAI is right next to where the old Sanrio Gardena store used to be. That shop was one of my absolute favorite places as a kid. My Hello Kitty–loving heart still misses it, so coming back to this plaza felt like a sweet little full-circle moment.

Taking over the old Happy Lemon/Sunmerry Bakery location, MAI blends the best of Vietnamese coffee culture with Taiwanese tea creativity. From rich drip coffees to colorful smoothies and refreshing oolong teas, their menu is packed with tempting choices. And while I usually go straight for something caffeinated, I couldn’t resist trying something from their Handcrafted Mochi series—specifically, the Mochi Mango.

Let me just say: this drink is everything.

I’m a big mango fan, and this luscious smoothie hits all the right notes—tropical, refreshing, and perfectly sweet. But what really takes it to the next level? The soft, chewy mochi pieces at the bottom. They add such a fun and unexpected texture, turning every sip into a full-on experience.

Instead of the usual foam topping, I went for their signature Maicheese Mousse—a rich, velvety cheese foam topped with crunchy wafer bits. If you love a little salty-sweet contrast, this is the move. It’s creamy, slightly savory, and balances the fruity mango flavor beautifully. The whole combo is indulgent, unique, and honestly? It might be my new favorite mango drink. Ever.

It’s clear MAI isn’t just tossing ingredients together—they’re putting real thought into every drink. The textures, the balance of flavors, the presentation—it all feels intentional and elevated.

Whether you’re a coffee lover like me or just enjoy exploring fun, creative drink spots, MAI Coffee House is absolutely worth checking out. Gardena just got a whole lot sweeter—and for those of us who remember Sanrio Gardena, a little more nostalgic too.

For more smiles, check out my Yelp Review on MAI Coffee House.