WORLD TRIP 2010
Zoka is one of few great bets for coffee in Tokyo.
The previous entry mentions latte art in Tokyo. Zoka is very much in on the act; its baristas have competed successfully in competitions and it runs its own classes. Not that latte art is significant if it’s not followed by some lovely coffee, and I’m glad to say that my coffee at Zoka was gorgeous.
It came in an enourmous bowl… a treat on our last day on our memorable Japan stop. So at this stage I say a big boooo to anyone who scoffs at coffee in a big mug. Poo off back to your small portions.
And it was well presented, with perfect latte art despite me stretching the talents of the barista with my supersized order.
We had popped into the branch in lovely Mejiro, an overlooked suburb of Tokyo. It is very easily reached. Just hop on the famous JR (Yamanote) line, which encircles many of Tokyo’s famous sights. I can’t recall if Mejiro station has more than one exit; if it does, head to the north exit. Zoka is just outside, to the left. You can’t miss it.
It’s a friendly spot with plenty of chairs and windows for watching Tokyo-ites go about their business. There are fresh cakes, pastried and brownies and plenty of coffee and tea options, all reasonably priced for Tokyo (which can be fairly pricey).
Zoka is also a roastery, and won Japan’s 2008 Roaster of The Year.
I believed at the time that Zoka was a solely Japanese affair, but later discovered that it’s a Seattle-based company (and not the only one). But it’s hardly the international behemoth. Intriguingly, it has three branches in the US (Washington State), and three in Japan. So I think still small enough to warrant a place in Cosy Coffee Shops.
Whatever its roots, it’s still my favourite place for coffee in a city where decent coffee shops are (for an outsider with other things to see and do) hard to find.
Next to Mejiro Station
Tokyo
Website (for the Japan branches): http://www.zoka-coffee.com/
Website (international): http://www.zokacoffee.com/
