Hyperlocal Tokyo

One of the cafes we researched beforehand, as we were on a mission to explore independent coffee shops in the Kiyosumi Shirakawa area, known for its abundance of cafes. We were excited to try their famous 'pudim,' but it wasn't as mind-blowing as we expected, perhaps because it was a Brazilian pudim. We had ordered two, so we felt obligated to finish them. It was also disappointing that we couldn't choose the type of beans for our cafe latte.

This was the last stop on my cafe hopping day in Kiyosumi Shirakawa. It was late in the afternoon, but there was still one group waiting in line. I chose it because it was nearby and I was looking for something on the spot, but it seems to be a popular spot. I was worried that the cakes would be sold out, but miraculously I was able to get the last one. It was delicious. My friend ordered coffee and I ordered hot tea, and we spent a relaxing time. The seating capacity itself is not that large, so it's a good idea to come with plenty of time.

I visited in March 2024. After paying my respects at the cemetery in Fuchu, I quickly moved to Kiyosumi Shirakawa. I finally went to the nearby hot spring bathhouse after a year, and I felt refreshed both physically and mentally. However, I was shocked by the price and couldn't afford to go to Haneda Airport. The opening of Yomiuriland is approaching, but I can only go at a snail's pace. Giving up my car has been a big factor. The days when I used to go to 15-20 baths a day are a distant memory. My stomach wasn't hungry at all thanks to the breakfast buffet, but I happened to check out a nearby cafe, so I decided to go there after the bath. It was a little over 10 minutes walk from the bathhouse. There were two people waiting in line, so I joined them. It was past 3 pm, and we were told it would be about 15 minutes. I ordered a Brazilian pudding and iced coffee from Nakatsu. After ordering and taking a seat, they brought the food to us. I had seen this place mentioned as a potential next big thing about a year ago, and as a pudding lover, I had been wanting to try it. It had become somewhat of a topic of conversation. The pudding came out quickly, but the coffee took over 5 minutes. Let's see, first, the pudding I was looking forward to. It was softer than I expected. The base was a cocoa sponge. There was a lot of caramel. I personally prefer it to be firmer and more bitter, but the pudding itself was not too sweet, and overall, I would say it was delicious. The iced coffee was just plain good. I was able to take a break after the bath. After that, I walked to Tokyo Station, taking a stroll along the way. I wandered through Monzen-nakacho on the way. I used to go there often about 30 years ago, but it's been a long time since I last visited. It feels like it's changed, but it also feels like it hasn't changed at all. But I guess things would have changed after 30 years.

I ordered the Brazilian pudding and Tanzanian coffee from Nakatsu-san. I first went there around 2 PM, but the Brazilian pudding was sold out, so I came back early to try it again. The caramel had a strong bitterness, didn't it? I finished the coffee too, but the staff were only talking to regulars, so I didn't get a chance to experience their friendly personalities. I wrote about this experience on my UR site: https://x.gd/li2qf

## TOKAKU Coffee+ ☕ Located about a 7-8 minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, TOKAKU Coffee+ boasts a stylish exterior with a terrace seating area. The interior is calm and features both counter and table seating. I visited on a weekday and found it relatively empty. **My Order:** * **Brazilian Pudding by Nakatsu (¥550)** Nakatsu is apparently a specialist in Brazilian pudding. 'Pudding' in Portuguese actually means 'sweetened condensed milk pudding,' but in Japan, 'pudding' usually refers to a two-layered dessert with a sponge cake base topped with custard. The sponge cake base makes it look quite substantial, but it's actually quite light. The balance of the caramel's bitterness and the pudding's sweetness was good. From a more technical perspective, they use cocoa sponge cake, but the flavor and aroma were faint and overwhelmed by the caramel. The dense sponge cake felt heavy against the soft pudding, and the dry areas that hadn't absorbed the caramel were a bit of a let-down. 💦 * **Iced Latte** The color was quite light, indicating a strong milk flavor, but the coffee aroma was pleasant. The aftertaste was clean and refreshing, making it a good match for a hearty meal. **Important Note:** This establishment only accepts cash payments. As someone who doesn't carry much cash, I had to trek to a nearby convenience store in the heat, returning drenched in sweat. 🥵 **The Biggest Disappointment:** The service was the most disappointing aspect. I wasn't expecting anything extraordinary, but even after returning from the convenience store, I was met with no response. The pudding was served haphazardly, with the caramel sauce spread unevenly and off-center. The staff remained silent when I returned the dishes and even when I left the store. Overall, I didn't get a very positive impression.