Kitamoto, Saitama, Japan｜Karaku

I’ve been going back here for the last 7 years. I also buy my beans from here. The coffee is all imported and toasted by the Master. His espresso blend is matched perfectly to his latte skills to make one of the best lattes I’ve had in the Kanto region. The espresso is damn good too albeit a tad behind Bear Pond which is the gold standard. The bread for the toast and the chiffon cake is baked on site. The taiyaki are all made by individually so they are always freshly made, some people complain that it takes time but I’d rather wait a few minutes for a fresh one than get a lukewarm soggy one that’s been on the shelf for a bit. It’s a small family store. Their warmth and friendliness is not put on because it’s their job like most places. They are truly warm and caring human beings and that comes through in the quality of the food and the amazing atmosphere in the shop.

Good coffee and atmosphere!

"Local hidden gem" Easy to talk to, a wonderful couple, and a soothing local favorite coffee shop. At first glance, Tayaki and coffee are a unique combination, but since Tayaki is a natural product, it is made to order using a single mold and is not made in advance. The characteristic of Tayaki is that it has a brown color and is not crispy, but it looks white? It is white and has a chewy texture. There are grainy bean paste and cream, but I chose grainy bean paste, which is moderately sweet, but it goes well with home-roasted coffee. Masu. Taiki can be taken home, but if you use it in the store, it is a basic coffee shop, so please be sure to order a drink set.