CHIHYE COFFEE

Beneath finely steamed milk, the rich, assertive body of the espresso emerges quietly. CHIHYE COFFEE’s cortado, served in a corner of Azabu-Juban, layers a hint of sweetness behind a pronounced bitterness, then leaves a remarkably light finish. Arrive when the doors open at 8 am, and there is a quiet moment to focus on a cup of coffee before the city fully gets going.

The drinks range from a hot Americano with a clean, refreshing finish to a lively variation blended with mandarin or apple juice. For hand-drip coffee, choose between two styles: a medium-dark-roast blend with dark-chocolate depth and a rounded, brown-sugar-like note, or a light-roast Ethiopian with cranberry and floral aromas. The choice can suit your mood or the time of day. Latte drinks can be customised with oat or almond milk, an extra espresso shot, or a switch to decaf.

A Generous Morning Spread of Toast and Sweets

Toast is a natural choice alongside the coffee. Alongside the colourful avocado toast, honey ricotta toast pairs milky richness with gentle sweetness. With a clear, crisp Americano, it makes for a particularly harmonious combination that leaves the palate feeling refreshed. Savoury hot sandwiches include warm bulgogi with jalapeño, tuna and cheese, and tomato, basil and mozzarella—hearty options for a light brunch. Sweets include a rich dark chocolate cupcake topped with firm cream, as well as spiced baked goods—something to linger over with afternoon tea.

A Clean, White Interior for Time Spent Your Way

Order on the ground floor, then head upstairs to the second floor, where counter and table seating are laid out with room to settle in. The uncluttered, white-toned interior includes seats with Wi-Fi and power outlets, making it a practical place to work through your thoughts on your own. There is also a floor where you can stop by with your dog, making the café a pleasant place to pause for a drink during a daily walk.