If you frequent the Yanaka area, you may have seen a lineup outside a dark, 2-storey wooden house. What’s the fuss?

Kayaba Coffee has been around since the Showa Era, which means it’s over 50 years old. That also means this is a traditional kissaten, Japanese coffee house that also serves staple comfort foods. Come here for the food and ambience.  

They are most famous for their egg sandwich, a classic item. It’s light and mild, but the egg comes soft, flavourful, and warm. If you get a lunch set you, you also have a choice of tea or coffee as well.

Since it is run by an organization that aims to promote the neighbourhood, the coffee beans come from a local roaster. However, I wouldn’t have too high an expectation on the coffee. Their menu also explains where they source their ham and some other ingredients (in Japanese).

The best way to enjoy this place is to go on a weekday to avoid the long weekend waits. Go early, such as 12:00 for lunch and 2:00pm for afternoon tea. Request second-floor (ni-kai) seating, especially if you want to work. Bring a book (or pick one off the shelf on the second floor) and enjoy an afternoon here.

Good For:

• Coffee: Pour-over coffee
• Food: Lunch served until 2pm, afternoon tea, dinner
• Space: 2 Floors. Downstairs large table and chairs, and upstairs traditional seating area
• Friends: Hangouts & catching up
• Work: 2/F has enough space to work for 2-3 hours