Komeda’s Coffee is a cafe chain that originated in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and has since spread across the country. Today, the chain has more than 1,000 stores nationwide, with a large concentration in Aichi. I can tell you from experience that Komeda’s is easier to find than Starbucks in Nagoya — which is certainly not the case in other cities!
What to order at Komeda’s
There are two items on the menu you absolutely must try.
The first is their signature dessert, Shiro Noir. It’s a warm, soft Danish pastry topped with creamy vanilla soft serve and served with a generous side of syrup to drizzle over the whole thing. The cool soft serve makes it an especially refreshing treat in the summer months, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of black coffee.
The second thing you should try — although not necessarily at the same time — is Ogura toast. It’s no exaggeration to say that, in Nagoya, breakfast = Ogura toast. A thick slice of shokupan (Japanese milk bread) is toasted until golden brown, spread with lightly salted butter or margarine, and topped with a generous helping of ogura-an, a type of sweet red bean paste, or anko. Beans?? On bread?? Well, those from the UK may find the idea of beans on toast oddly familiar, but regardless of where you’re from, I urge you to give it a try and discover why it’s such a beloved Nagoya breakfast.
Komeda’s history
The first Komeda’s Coffee opened in Nagoya in 1968, and just two years later it was already expanding. By now, the franchise has locations overseas in other parts of Asia as well.
Today, the oldest remaining branch — opened in 1972 and virtually unaltered — is located in Nagoya’s Takaoka neighborhood, according to Sora News. You can check out the photos in the Sora News article and spot which retro design elements are common across the chain and which may be unique to this oldest location.
Pro tip
I highly recommend visiting Komeda’s between opening time (which varies by location) and 11 a.m. to take advantage of its affordable Morning Service. If you buy a drink, you get a free slice of toast and your choice of a small side: a hard-boiled egg, egg salad, or ogura-an. In other words, you basically get a whole meal for the price of a cup of coffee. If that isn’t a good deal, I don’t know what is!
FAQ
- What is Komeda’s Coffee known for?
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Komeda’s is known as a cafe chain that embraces the classic kissaten (coffee shop) vibe. Red, velvety upholstery and a woody interior complete the look. Food and drink-wise, Komeda’s is best known for its coffee drinks and Morning Service (see FAQ 2).
- What is Komeda’s Morning Service?
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Morning Service is a reasonably priced breakfast set, consisting of a drink, a piece of toast, and a small side.
- Does Komeda’s Coffee have an English menu?
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Locations in areas that get a fair amount of tourist traffic are likely to have an English menu, but more rural locations may not. The menu is image-heavy, so it should be fairly easy to navigate even with a language barrier. You can also find Komeda’s menu online (although some menu items vary by location) and use your browser to translate it.
- What makes Komeda’s different from other Japanese coffee shops?
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Komeda’s is unique for having all the convenience of a chain (many locations, menu with picture, etc.) while retaining a classic kissaten atmosphere. In addition, there are more food options, and the portions a little more generous, compared with some other Japanese coffee chains. Finally, Komeda’s is best known as a sit-down cafe, rather than a place to get a quick coffee on the go (although you typically can do take-out).