Philocoffea
While walking along the streets of Omotesando, I happened to drop in on a cup of coffee in the basement of a building.
It was not only "delicious," but the aroma, sound, color, and even the conversation were a special experience that stayed with me.
The name of the store is Philocoffea Omotesando.
It is a specialty coffee shop run by Tetsu Kasuya, the first Asian to win the World Brewers Cup in 2016.
What is Philocoffea?
The name "Philocoffea" was coined from the words "philosophy" and "coffee tree.
It expresses our philosophy of "enriching people's lives through coffee.
In 2016, Satoshi Kasuya won the World Brewers Cup, a competition for the best black coffee using non-powered brewing equipment. He is the first Asian to achieve this feat and is currently active in training baristas and at coffee events around the world.
After setting up the main store in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, the store will open in Omotesando, Tokyo, in March 2025.
It has become a hot topic of conversation as a hands-on café that can be enjoyed by all five senses, from coffee connoisseurs to novice coffee drinkers.
potipA secluded location and sophisticated space
Philocoffea Omotesando is located on the basement floor of the same building as the gelato shop.
Only a small sign is visible from the ground. It is truly a hideout that you would pass by if you did not know it was there.
Access is by stairs or elevator. Once you get down to the basement, you will find a simple modern space with a black and white base color and wood grain.
There are no seats, but a standing style around a large counter. The restaurant's stripped-down design allows you to concentrate on the extraction performance in front of you.
The coffee I ordered, "TOKYO BLEND 2506
I chose the store's limited-edition iced coffee "TOKYO BLEND 2506 " (800 yen).
👉 Official product page is here.
The blend contents are as follows:
- Ethiopia Tabe Burka Washed
- Ethiopia Uraga Anaerobic
- Colombia Red bourbon infused
Colombian beans, in particular, are infused with blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry juice.
When drunk on ice, it has a gorgeous berry aroma and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste like blueberry candy.
Philocoffea's TOKYO BLEND changes monthly. Since the contents change from month to month, you may never find the same flavor twice. That is also the charm of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
By mail order, "TOKYO BLEND 2506" was available from 6/29 (Sun.) to 7/5 (Sat.). Will there be mail order for about a week at the end of the month?
An extraction experience for all five senses
The quintessence of Philocoffea is the live extraction after ordering.
They let you smell the aroma of the beans right after they are ground.
The sound of pouring hot water and the aroma rising from the drip
The color of the extract as it slowly builds up on the ice
The time spent tasting the coffee itself turns into an entertainment.
Menu
The menu includes espresso, cafe latte, oats latte, caramel latte, and more.
You can choose a brand of filter coffee, ranging from 800 yen per cup, with some rare coffees costing up to 5,000 yen.
Scones are also available as a light meal.
View of the bean counter
Black-and-white design packaging neatly lined up on the shelves.
This was selected as a finalist for the Design Award 2023 by SPRUDGE, a global coffee website.
Beans are available in 100g increments and can be ordered through the online store.
Philocoffea's Philosophy
Philocoffea's goal is not only to produce "specialty grade" green coffee beans, but also to create the best cup of coffee after roasting and brewing.
To this end, Mr. Kasuya sources his beans based on his understanding of the producer's lifestyle and culture, and on the trust he has built with them.
Philocoffea's coffee is "clean with a pleasant aftertaste.
This is the definition of Philocoffea's deliciousness.
FAQ
