Komeda’s Coffee is a chain cafe that originated in Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture), and has since spread across the country. I often joke with my friends that Nagoya is typically one of the last places to be informed of the latest fads, but this time around, Nagoya is the trendsetter.
Among the approximately 800 stores across the country, over one fourth of them are located in Aichi Prefecture alone. 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).
In terms of the menu, there are two items you absolutely must try.
First is their signature dessert, Shiro-Noir. It is a warm and soft Danish pastry topped with creamy vanilla soft serve, accompanied by a side of syrup to then generously drizzle over the entire dish. It is a refreshing delight especially in the summer months, which pairs beautifully with a cup of black coffee.
The second dish you should order (but not necessarily at the same time) is Ogura toast. It’s no exaggeration to say breakfast in Nagoya = Ogura toast. A thick slice of shokupan (Japanese bread) is toasted until golden brown, then layered with lightly salted butter or margarine, and finally, topped with an indulgent helping of Ogura-an, which is a variety of sweet red bean paste in Japan called anko. Beans?? On bread?? Well, those from the UK may feel a sense of familiarity with this dish but regardless of where you’re from, I urge you to give it a try and discover why this is Nagoya’s favorite breakfast.
Pro tip! I highly recommend visiting Komeda’s between its opening time (varies by location) and 11AM to get their affordable “morning” service. If you buy a drink, you get a free slice of toast and your choice of a small side (hard-boiled egg, egg-mayo paste, or Ogura-an) for free. 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!
Komeda’s Coffee: https://multilanguage.komeda-coffee.jp/en