Crafting a Unique Dessert Experience in the RGV
(This article was written by Remi Gibbs and was featured in the September 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
Jacob and Marie Chang, the owners of Tora Coffee & Tea, moved to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) over seven years ago, seeking a better environment to raise their children and start their business anew. Leaving behind the bustling life in California, they found the RGV offered the perfect blend of community, opportunity, and a slower pace of life—just what they were looking for.
Tora Coffee & Tea was born from their desire to create something truly special—a place where people could gather, enjoy handcrafted drinks, and indulge in delightful desserts. It’s not your typical coffee shop.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Moving to a smaller community with limited resources and no connections was a leap of faith, but it allowed the Chang family to spend more quality time together, strengthen their bonds, and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Spirit of Tora
The name "Tora," which means tiger, reflects the spirit of the café—beauty, strength, boldness, adventurousness, and a deep connection to their Asian heritage. Jacob’s background in logistics and supply management enables him to efficiently manage the operational aspects of the business, while Marie, a trained chef with a rich background in culinary arts and hotel management, brings her expertise to every recipe created at Tora.
Before launching Tora, the Changs owned Bara Exotic Food in Brownsville, which helped them hone their skills and prepare for the journey ahead. Their daughter Dior is also involved in the family business, managing Tora's social media and helping to connect with the community.
The Changs opened Tora—Brownsville in January of 2020 fighting their way through the pandemic, then launched their Harlingen location in September of 2023.
What Sets Tora Apart
Tora Coffee Tea offers a unique coffee and dessert experience, blending the rich flavors of specialty coffee with the refreshing appeal of boba tea and indulgent treats. The café has become known for its innovative menu, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to using high-quality ingredients.
Tora sources its coffee beans directly from Sumatra, Indonesia, renowned for their robust flavor, and selects its teas from Taiwan and Thailand, regions celebrated for their exceptional quality. The Changs believe in using only the finest ingredients, even if it means paying a little extra—because the superior taste is worth it.
One of Tora’s specialties is mochi donuts, a delightful fusion of American-style donuts and Japanese mochi flour. Made fresh every Friday and Saturday, these treats offer a unique texture and shape, a little chewy in the most delightful way. Tora is proud to be the first to introduce mochi donuts to the RGV!
What to Try at Tora
For newcomers to Tora, the "Tora Cafe Latte" and "Tiger Rush" are must-try signature drinks. The Tora Cafe Latte offers a brown sugar espresso experience, while the Tiger Rush blends boba with cream mousse (made fresh in-house) for a refreshing treat. For something fruity, the "Toramango" is highly recommended—it’s an ultimate mango smoothie bursting with flavor.
On the food side, Tora’s "BTC Cookie" (Big, Thick, and Chunky) is recommended. Available in a variety of flavors, these cookies are as delicious as they are indulgent. They are crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. And of course, as mentioned above, the mochi donuts are one-of-a-kind. They are likely to become your donut of choice after just one bite.
Looking Ahead
The future of Tora Coffee & Tea is bright, with plans for expansion into franchising, online retail, and wholesale supply. The Changs aim to bring the unique Tora experience to a broader market while maintaining their commitment to quality and exceptional service.
As Tora continues to grow, Jacob and Marie remain dedicated to their customers and community. They believe in enjoying the small joys, embracing the journey, supporting one another, and seeking new adventures. After all, as they say, "Life’s too short for bad coffee!"
Business Name: Tora Coffee & Tea
Address: 620 W Van Buren Ave., Harlingen, TX 78550
Phone: Harlingen Store (956) 230-3224
Order Ahead: www.toracoffeetea.com
Delivery Service: Available via Grubhub
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 am – 8 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 9 pm
Tora Coffee & Tea looks forward to welcoming customers, where every visit is a new adventure in flavor.
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