Tokyo | Foodography: A Singapore Food Blog

Butter Coffee Stand

Famed for its instagram-worthy seasonal lattes, caneles and cheesecakes, Butter Coffee Stand is a small cafe in the Nakano area. With just 3 small tables for indoor seating, it is recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid queueing outside.

Since I was in Tokyo in spring, the sakura-themed drinks and desserts were on the menu. Out of which, I had the Beets Latte with Espresso (JPY700, +JPY100 for oat milk). It was an interesting pick, made with homemade beet syrup made from raw, pesticide-free beets and combined with several spices. Overall, the elements blended well and I enjoyed the subtle spices.

I also had the Sakura Canele (JPY500, JPY450 with drink) made by kneading sakura-an (sweet bean paste) and sakura powder into the dough and using cherry liqueur. Though the outer layer was overly hard, the insides had a sakura mochi-like texture with a moderate sweetness.

From the regular menu, I had the Matcha Latte (JPY650, +JPY100 for oat milk) which had a good balance of umami and sweetness, and the normal Canele which I felt could be skipped.

Tip: Check their instagram to find out about their seasonal offerings and time of availability.

2 Chome-1-1 Arai, Nakano City, Tokyo 165-0026, Japan

Mon to Fri 8am – 8pm

Sat, Sun and holidays 10am – 8pm

2. Kasiki

If you are looking for quality ice cream after lunch or dinner in Shibuya, Kasiki is my recommendation. On the menu is a list of interesting flavours, from which I chose 2 after an internal battle with dilemma. I had the Lemon and Saffron and Black Sesame, Sea Salt and Maple Syrup (JPY850 for double scoop) – the former was refreshing with hints of saffron that I could detect, and not overly sour, while the latter was rich with both savoury and sweet tastes.

On top of being an ice cream parlour, Kasiki also serves a selection of wines, coffees, and teas. I found it cute that my Norm Tea House Ocha Japanese Tea (JPY500) was served in a wine glass – it made me reminisce the days before I banned alcohol from my life.

1 Chome-13-2 Nishihara, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0066, Japan

1pm – 9pm, closed on Wed and Thursday

3. Saten Japanese Tea

Slightly off the beaten path is this quaint Japanese tea house in Suginami City. The tea house specializes in single origin Japanese tea, matcha, hojicha and an (red bean paste) butter toast. Sitting relaxedly at the terrace seat which is right by a small street, I thoroughly enjoyed the Matcha Latte (JPY640, +JPY150 for oat milk) which was full of umami and slight bitter tones.

I also got the seasonal Sakura Mascarpone Toast (JPY600) to pair with my drink. The mild cherry blossom-scented sakura-an and mascarpone were topped on white toast and made for a simple breakfast snack.

Japan, 〒167-0054 Tokyo, Suginami City, Shoan, 3 Chome−25−9 ロアジール松庵

10am – 7pm daily

4. Like

Like restaurant is located above the BioTop boutique clothing store in the same building. The atmosphere was lovely – with high ceilings, full glass windows, and even a dedicated area for live band performances. As I went in the late afternoon, their full-fledged lunch and dinner menu were not being served, so I had coffee and dessert instead.

The Café Latte (JPY630) was just normal, but if there was one thing to order here, it would be their signature Peanut Cream Puff (JPY660). Made as a choux pastry, the outer layer was thin and crisp. Hidden beneath is a generous filling of peanut cream that was both light and fragrant without that heaviness or dense texture of peanut butter.

The good thing about coming at mid to late afternoon timing was that the café was barely filled, with no need for reservation, so you get to enjoy the laidback vibes without the crowd and noise.

11.30am – 10pm

Closed on Mon and Thurs

4-6-44 3F, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 108-0071

5. Chigaya Kuramae

The Kuramae area, what used to be an industrial district, is getting popular for the many modern stylish cafes that have taken their places in the neighbourhood amongst the older units (factories, tanneries, manufacturers, etc.).

Chigaya bakery is one of them, with an outstanding décor and theme which took inspiration from classic American bakeries in New York. The red and white gingham curtains are a key feature, paired with wooden tables and chairs, open displays of sweet and savoury bakes and whitewashed walls and cabinets.

I visited right on time when their signature light and fluffy Cream Donuts (JPY470) were freshly fried and out on display, and snagged it together with a Strawberry Danish (JPY450), Maple Cream Bread (JPY450) – homemade maple cream cheese, walnuts, figs and Iced Latte (JPY650).

While most patrons came to takeaway the bread and pastries, I recommend easing into the seats with a book to soak in the ambiance of this cutesy bakery while nibbing into their quality bakes.

8am – 6.30pm daily

2 Chome-8-11 Torigoe, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0054, Japan

Hailing from Kyoto, the long-established coffee roaster expanded to Tokyo with its first flagship in Sakurashinmachi 4 years ago. Being one of the few cafes in Tokyo which open as early as 7am, I visited the café for an early morning breakfast and coffee fix.

I loved how the spacious café boasted a modern concrete industrial look with muted tones, with floor to ceiling windows permitting lots of exposure to natural light. The interior design also featured details such as old paving stones that were used in Kyoto’s tramways.

Before settling down, orders must first be placed at the counter.

From the morning menu (served 7 – 11am), I had the Charcoal Grilled Toast with Avocado and Lime (JPY1,600, SGD13.8). It came with a choice of Pain de Mie or Whole Grain bread for the toast – I would typically have whole grain as a healthier choice but with the excuse of being on vacation, I went for the pain de mie. After being charcoal grilled, it had a crisp outer layer while retaining its soft, fluffy inner layer. As simple as a dish it was (what some people will claim to be something they can easily whip out at home but never do so), the avocado toast was satisfying.

The toast set included a choice of drink, so I had a hot oat milk Latte made from the House Blend Kyoto. It was a well-balanced coffee with a smooth mouthfeel with tasting notes of dried fruit – a daily coffee that was very drinkable.

Their list of signature coffees (created by their baristas) was tempting, so I added on another drink – the Bright Sense (JPY1,100, SGD9.5). The barista served the single origin coffee in a fancy glass to my table, where she then delicately added the fluffy milk foam. The milk foam made a good balance with the passion fruit-like acidity characteristic of the Kenya Gatuyaini beans.

As a sweet treat, I had the Whole Grain Scone with Seasonal Confiture and Tonka Bean-Flavoured Buttercream (JPY1,400, SGD12.1) which was a relatively new item on the menu. Being whole grain in nature, the scone felt less doughy and buttery than the usual scone – in a good way.

With over 21 variety of coffee beans on hand and separate lunch and dinner menus with extensive food choices, I would love to pay another visit.

3 Chome-23-8 Sakurashinmachi, Escalier 1F, Shinmachi Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0014, Japan

7am – 10pm daily

Nearest station: Sakura-shimmachi North Exit (~4 mins walk)

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