Review of the popular "Hydrangea Ice" at PAP.COFFEE [supervised by Sebastian]. Read in Japanese

Artistic cafe experience combining paper and food in the middle of Harajuku

Only a 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station in Tokyo. COFFEE is a new type of cafe that opened in September 2023.

Don't think of it as just another coffee shop. This store is a coffee shop with "paper" as its main ingredient. It is operated by Sanyo Shigyo, a long-established company that has been in the paper processing business for over 50 years. Using the knowledge and technology of paper cultivated over many years, they have created a one-of-a-kind space designed with paper throughout the store.

Weekday lunch is the best time to visit! Popular shaved ice with zero waiting time!

One of the things that has made PAP. COFFEE a big hit on SNS and among food lovers is its artistic shaved ice menu, which is offered only during the summer season. In particular, the " hydrangea ice" I had this time is a dish that provides the perfect "coolness" and "healing" during the rainy rainy season.

It was a holiday afternoon when I first walked by. There was a line in front of the store, so I gave up. However, I was so curious that I went back another day during lunch time on a weekday. On that day, there was one customer ahead of me and a few more after that, but the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable.

Impressed by the ordering style and the uniqueness of the restaurant

First, order at the cash register to the left just inside the entrance. Note that cash is not accepted and the restaurant is completely cashless (credit card, PayPay, d-pay, etc.).

After placing your order at the cash register, go to the seat of your choice. While the interior of the restaurant is cozy and relaxed, it is filled with the charm of paper here and there. The chairs and desks are paper. Even the cutlery and coasters are made of paper.

Paper items that make you want to take them home

The store cards placed on the counter are designed to be folded into a three-dimensional form, providing a fun way to "play with paper. Furthermore, the jigsaw puzzle-style coasters are made from waste paper, an environmentally friendly approach.

These small touches made me feel the potential and warmth of paper.

Hydrangea Ice" stimulates the senses in terms of both appearance and taste.

Price: 2,300 yen (tax included)

The "Hydrangea Ice" is a dolce-type shaved ice supervised by Hiroshi Kawamata of the famous "Sebastian" restaurant in Shibuya. It will only be available for a short period of time, and is a limited menu item that can only be enjoyed now.

The visual is like an "edible hydrangea. The three-colored hydrangea flowers in jelly on the top and the leaf-shaped paper on the bottom are impressive in their visual perfection.

The taste is a delicate and elegant adult dessert.

The base is elderflower (herb tea flavored) syrup. It is refreshing and cool, yet has a gorgeous aroma that spreads in your mouth. The addition of the white bean paste and mascarpone espuma adds just the right amount of sweetness and creamy richness, creating an exquisite balance.

The three-colored elderflower jelly accents the texture of the shaved ice, and the lychee pulp is juicy and plump, providing a freshness that is different from the "coolness" of shaved ice. The three-colored elderflower jelly accents the texture and creates a visually cool sensation.

An authentic drink for coffee lovers

PAP. COFFEE offers specialty coffee from Mae Chan Thai Village in northern Thailand. You can choose from the following three tastes.

• Washed: A refreshing citrus flavor
• Honey: Gentle sweetness like apricot
• Natural: Aroma and flavor as mellow as wine

This drink is perfect for when you want to take a breather after eating shaved ice.

Also recommended as a souvenir! Harajuku Cafe goods that will stick with paper lovers

The store is lined with original paper goods that only Sanyo Shigyo, a professional paper processing company, can offer, and you will want to pick up one of them.

▶ Jigsaw puzzle-style coasters are eco-friendly and stylish!

The jigsaw puzzle-shaped paper coasters served with drinks are also very cute. These coasters are made from recycled paper waste, and are both environmentally friendly and well designed. The center of the coaster is decorated with the restaurant's logo in foil, making it a gem that makes you want to take a picture of it.

The texture of the paper, the processing technique, and the sense of fun. The texture of the paper, the processing technique, and the sense of fun. These goods will make you realize how fun paper can be.

Summary｜A luxurious experience to enjoy the "warmth of paper" and the "coolness of shaved ice" at the same time in Harajuku

PAP. COFFEE is not just a café, but a place where you can experience the depth and interest of paper with your whole body. In addition to the appealing taste of shaved ice and coffee, the design and craftsmanship of the store shines through in everything from store cards and coasters to sleeves and other small items.

The seasonal "hydrangea ice" is sure to impress with its beauty and delicate taste. This is the only place where you can enjoy the warmth of paper and delicious coffee and sweets together.

This one-of-a-kind Harajuku café is a must-visit for those who enjoy visiting cafes, those who love paper goods, and those who are interested in design and stationery.

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