The first time I discovered ‘Komeda is’ was after I saw a picture of their famous dessert Shiro-noir and then after a little research realised that they also had strawberry sando’s too *ah, yum!* Having a massive sweet tooth I was sold and had to get myself there immediately. But after visiting ‘Komeda is’ I discovered not only have they got amazing desserts but also tasty meals and a great drink selection too – and now I want to share it all with you so you can feel my joy of finding this space too!
About Komeda is
Serving coffee shop classics ‘Komeda is’ in Higashi Ginza is the first 100% vegan cafe from the nations chain shop Komeda’s Coffee. From meals, desserts and drinks, they have an amazing array of plant-based items on their menu – good enough to win anybody over no matter their diet. They are also certified by the Japan Vegan Society and Vege Project and are one of the top-rated bakeries in Tokyo on HappyCow!
‘Komeda is a plant based kissa’ short for Kissaten (きっさてん, 喫茶店), a Japanese-style tearoom 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.
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.
The 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!
The food
Plant-based Shironoir
How did it taste?
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!
How much was it?
¥950 (£5.70/ $7.10)
Strawberry fruit sando
How did it taste?
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!
How much was it?
¥950 (£5.70/ $7.10)
Oatmilk iced coffee with soft serve
How did it taste?
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!
How much was it?
¥850 (£5.10/$6.30)
Soy ham katsu sando
How did it taste?
Sandwiches are great 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.
How much was it?
¥1,380 (£8.25/ $10.30)
Beppin Burger: Abo-teriyaki with fries
How did it taste?
In my six months of being in Japan, I have only eaten two to three burgers and this one was super delicious. 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.
How much was it?
¥1,480 (£8.85/ $11)
Plant-based mixed sandwich plate
How did it taste?
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 is soft and fluffy and creates a lovely texture in the sandwich.
How much was it?
¥1,380 (£8.25/ $10.30)
Millefeuille Sandwich
How did it taste?
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.
How much was it?
¥1,280 (£7.65/ $9.55)
Komeda is stamp card
‘Komeda is’ has a points card system- earning a stamp 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 one stamp card, so it’s definetly worth it and who doesn’t love money off?
Places that are close by
- Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre: 4 minute walk
- Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum: 22 minute walk, 14 by train
- Kabuki-za Theatre: 3 minute walk
- Itōya Stationary Store: 11 minute walk
- Ginza Mitsukoshi: 6 minute walk
- Matsuya Ginza: 8 minute walk
- Chuo-dori: 13 minute walk
- Hamarikyu Gardens: 19 minute walk
- Starbucks reserve: 9 minute walk
- Ginza Six rooftop garden: 7 minute walk
Restaurants close by
- Ain Soph Ginza: Vegan, 5 minute walk
- Umenohana Ginza Namiki Dori-Shop: Vegan options, 16 minute walk
- Kyushu Jangara Ramen – Ginza: Vegan options, 8 minute walk
- 2foods Ginza: Vegan, 13 minute walk
- Masumoto – Ginza Mitsukoshi: vegan options, 6 minute walk
- Mos Cafe Nishi-Ginza: vegan options, 13 minute walk
- Ginza Sushi & Ramen Bar: vegan options, 11 minute walk
- Mr.Farmer Hibiya: vegan options, 18 minute walk, 8 minute 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
Website: www.komeda-is.com
Instagram: @komeda_is
By now you probably realise 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.
