The Japanese kissaten is an interesting mix of east and west, where quaint European-style tea cups are warped with the traditional coffeehouse’s vintage Showa-era (1926-1989) interior. While some kissaten can seem worn down and outdated, Tajimaya stands out with its impeccable attention to detail and a dedication to providing the most genuine experience.
Six times a week, the staff sift through green coffee beans by hand, throwing out any that may compromise the flavour of the brew before the beans are roasted in-house. There’s a wide range of beans from different countries to choose from, and once you’ve made your choice, your coffee is hand-dripped through a cloth filter and served in a cup that is deemed best suited to your style. The menu also includes a selection of cakes and sandwiches to pair with your coffee, or opt to indulge in nostalgic kissaten favourites like coffee jelly with heavy cream or buttered toast with sweet azuki (red bean) paste.