The first time I discovered ‘Komeda is’ was after I saw a picture of their famous dessert Shiro-noir and after a little research realised that they also had strawberry sandos – ah, yum!
Serving coffee shop classics, ‘Komeda is’ in Higashi Ginza is the first 100% vegan cafe from the nation’s chain shop Komeda’s Coffee. They serve an amazing array of plant-based items on their menu which includes mains, desserts, snacks, and a varied drinks menu that’ll win anyone over no matter their diet!
Having a massive sweet tooth I was sold and had to get myself there immediately. Now I need to share it with you all so you can also experience this joy in finding “Komeda is’!
About Komeda is
‘Komeda is a plant based kissa’ short for Kissaten (きっさてん, 喫茶店), a Japanese-style tea room also known as a retro cafe that serves sweet and savoury classics. Kissatens are known for their cosy atmosphere and a perfect place to relax, and ‘Komeda is’ does that very well.
They are certified by the Japan Vegan Society and Vege Project and are one of the top-rated bakeries in Tokyo on HappyCow!
The space
They focus heavily on serving sustainable vegan food and they have a space to match that ethos.
As you enter the space, you’ll be greeted by a giant tree sculpture made from recycled wood, a wall made from volcanic ash and coffee grounds, a floor made from glass and natural materials as well as pendant lights made from recycled bottles – a perfect pairing to enjoy your eco-friendly meal.
The space uses a lot of green in its colour palette as well as natural wood, It’s light, airy and inviting, with plenty of seating to choose from.
They cater well for single diners and those who want to study or work, with plug sockets and wifi available. Or come with a date or friends and sit in the cosy booths limiting contact with other people.
‘Komeda is’ menu
Each table has a tablet with a picture menu available in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean making it easy and quick for anyone to be able to order without any trouble. You simply browse the menu on the tablet, add it to your order and send it off.
I was super pleased and excited by the variety of the menu, let me show you some of the things I’ve ordered so far!
Food at Komeda is
Fruit Pancakes
Soft, fluffy and sweet! This was the first stack of pancakes I’d eaten in Japan and they were so good! These bad boys are so incredibly light and airy, served with velvety whipped cream and sweet yet slightly tart fruit.
Price: ¥1280 (£6.94/ $8.73)
Plant-based Shironoir
It’s a flakey, buttery, sweet Danish pastry topped with a creamy smooth almond soft serve. Is there any more I need to say?
When I realised that it was ice cream made out of almond milk, I thought the taste of almonds might be overpowering but I was wrong. It’s just like any other soft serve, there isn’t any strong nutty flavour, instead, it’s velvety, delicious and a perfect pairing with coffee!
Price: ¥950 (£5.70/ $7.10)
Strawberry fruit sando
Aahhhh this taste was so nostalgic to me! I used to get these at my local konbini and brought back so many happy memories – and it tasted just as I had remembered! The bread is soft and fluffy, filled with a thick slab of cream and sweet, delicious strawberries! Every bite was just happiness!
Price: ¥950 (£5.70/ $7.10)
Oatmilk iced coffee with soft serve
Now I’m no coffee connoisseur, and perhaps someone who really knows their stuff wouldn’t go for one of these but, this oat latte with ice cream (and added syrup) is what dreams are made of!
The coffee using oat milk is so tasty, with the added creamy ice cream and syrup making this my favourite coffee I’ve ever had, and I often dream about it during the day! If you love your coffee and sweet things then this will be a real winner for you too!
Price: ¥850 (£5.10/$6.30)
After some more coffee options in Tokyo? Have a look at this list of places with plant-based milks on offer.
Soy cream croquette
These croquettes are warm, crispy little mouthfuls filled with cream and sweetcorn- they are just delish!
Price: ¥780 (£4.24/ $5.32)
Soy ham katsu sando
I love sandwiches, and what makes them even better is when they are toasted- just like this katsu sandwich.
This is one of the popular savoury items on their menu and I completely understand why. The katsu is thick, slightly crispy and has great flavour. The sauce inside has a slightly sweet taste to it and each mouthful is just glorious.
Price: ¥1,380 (£8.25/ $10.30)
Beppin Burger: Abo-teriyaki with fries
In my six months of being in Japan, I have only eaten a handful of vegan burgers in Tokyo and the ‘Komeda is’ one did not disappoint.
It’s a decent-sized burger, especially with the chips – although I was surprised by the sweetness of the bun. Combined with the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce, It almost tasted like a dessert burger.
This may be a good thing or a bad thing depending on who you are. Jonny and I really enjoyed this burger but it’s just worth noting that fact. Not sure about the other burgers because I’m yet to try them.
Price: ¥1,480 (£8.85/ $11)
Plant-based mixed sandwich plate
This is a fresh-tasting sandwich with ‘ham’, ‘egg’ and salad inside two slices of soft white bread. I was super impressed with their ‘egg’ which not only is soft and fluffy but creates a lovely texture in the sandwich.
Price: ¥1,380 (£8.25/ $10.30)
Millefeuille Sandwich
Filled with a huge, fat layer of deliciously flavoured vegetables and crunchy salad between two slices of fluffy soft bread. It’s fresh, light and one of the healthier options but don’t let that fool you because it definitely doesn’t lack in the taste department.
Price: ¥1,280 (£7.65/ $9.55)
Potato Salad
The Japanese potato salad is creamy, smooth and delicious and the one from ‘Komeda is’ was no different. We were shocked by how large the portion was but very happy to be able to eat it again!
Price: ¥830 (£4.50/ $5.66)
Toast
I wouldn’t usually bother ordering toast when there are so many other amazing options on the menu. However, when we visited for breakfast and in the process of ordering our drinks, the offer of free toast came up, (not sure if this is on offer all the time). We were not turning down, absolutely not!
It’s a thick bit of bread that’s been halved and honestly one of the nicest bits of toast I had ever eaten. Now if you’re coming from another country, you might skip past the toast when ordering but for those of us who live in Japan, bread is a bit of a rarity so is a lovely treat!
Price: ¥940 (£5.10/ $6.42)
‘Komeda is’ stamp card
‘Komeda is’ has a points card system- earning a stamp for every ¥500 you spend. 10 stamps will get you ¥500 off your order and 20 stamps will get you a ¥1,000 off.
If you live in Japan or are visiting for an extended period of time, I would highly recommend you grab one of these. Even after two visits with family and friends, I have filled out one stamp card, so it’s definitely worth it and who doesn’t love money off?
Places that are close by
- Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre | 4 min walk
- Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum | 22 min walk, 14 by train
- Kabuki-za Theatre | 3 min walk
- Itōya Stationary Store | 11 min walk
- Ginza Mitsukoshi | 6 min walk
- Matsuya Ginza | 8 min walk
- Chuo-dori | 13 min walk
- Hamarikyu Gardens | 19 min walk
- Starbucks reserve | 9 min walk
- Ginza Six rooftop garden | 7 min walk
Restaurants close by
V = Vegan, VO = Vegan Option
- Ain Soph Ginza | V | 5 min walk
- Umenohana Ginza Namiki Dori-Shop | VO | 16 min walk
- Kyushu Jangara Ramen – Ginza | VO | 8 min walk
- 2foods, Ginza | V | 13 min walk
- Masumoto, Ginza Mitsukoshi | VO | 6 min walk
- Mos Cafe, Nishi-Ginza | VO | 13 min walk
- Ginza Sushi & Ramen Bar | VO | 11 min walk
- Mr.Farmer, Hibiya | VO | 18 min walk, 8 min train
How to get to Komeda is
Address: 〒1-chōme-13-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Nearest station: 4 minutes from Tsukiji Station, 3 minutes from Higashi-Ginza Station
Open: 7:00 – 17:30 Monday to Sunday
Phone: +81-362606369
By now you probably realise how much I love ‘Komeda is’ – I’m so pleased I found it! The desserts are any sweet tooth’s dream, meal portions are great and packed with delicious flavour and the drink selection is really varied – we haven’t had a meal we haven’t enjoyed.
It’s slightly out of the way of Tokyo but it’s worth the trip, I promise! For a lot of you, this kind of food may be your normal. But, living in more inaka (country) Japan than city Japan, this kind of food is a massive treat for us.
Want to eat some delicious ramen when you’re exploring Tokyo? Try this fully vegan ramen restaurant, they have multiple locations!
