Job Discussion Forums

[Black_Beer_Man]

I was in Niigata two weeks ago and bought a cup of coffee from this coffee truck. The guy filtered ground coffee by hand. It was the best cup of coffee I had ever had in Japan. The beans were a blend of Ethiopia and something else.

So, my question to the people on Dave's is Have you bought any outstanding coffee beans in Japan? What kind are they? Where did you buy them?

Right now I am drinking the fair trade Starbucks roasted KIRKLAND brand beans from Costco. Not great, but I've had a lot worse. The problem with Starbucks beans is that they over-roast them and as a result, they have a burnt taste. That's why many coffee experts call them "Charbucks".

[Maitoshi]

Yeah, Starbucks usually tastes a bit like ash to me. I've been brewing UCC's Kilimanjaro blend a lot at home lately. It's a great cup of coffee for a fair price.

[mitsui]

My wife likes Ogawa which is from Kyoto.
Their website is in English too.
They adhere to Fair Trade.

[Black_Beer_Man]

[Janiny]

Thank you. I have never liked Starbucks, I mean Charbucks, and now I know why. I mean, goodness gracious! Once after two or three disappointing mornings at Charbucks, I crossed the way to McCafe and damn me if their coffee wasn't ten times better!

I've also noticed that Seattle's Best, if not actually the best, is certainly better than Starbucks. Good cuppa joe if you can get it.

[Black_Beer_Man]

If you're looking for a cup of coffee while you're out, the best for value and taste is one of the convenience store coffees.

Metropolis Magazine, http://metropolis.co.jp/ , ran an article on this a few months back. I believe the rankings were

1. Sunkus
2. 7/11
3. Family Mart

I agree that Sunkus coffee is the best tasting, but I can't tell which one is better between 7/11 and F M. I'll give Metropolis Mag the benefit of the doubt and agree with their list.

Typically, these places charge only 100 yen for a small blend coffee (hot or ice) and 150 yen for the large.

IMHO, these convenience stores sell better coffee than other companies in that price category (Mc Donalds and Mr. Donut).

Of course, the downside is that you might have difficulty looking for some where to sit to enjoy your convenience store coffee.

[ssjup81]

I still can't get into coffee. Tastes like burnt water if you could actually burn water. Since I don't care for the taste in general I load it up with a ton of cream or milk and so much sugar that you might as well ask, "Would you like a side of coffee with your cream and sugar?" lol

[Janiny]

[Maitoshi]

My grandfather used to ask me if I wanted some coffee with my cream and sugar. I drink it black now, but remember this fondly. We began drinking coffee quite young in my home, but I admit that it wasn't until college that I began to enjoy it black. Now I can't stand it any other way, unless the coffees crap, but then I'd rather not drink crap coffee to begin with.

[jmatt]

If you're in greater Tokyo and want decent beans for a reasonable price, the Kaldi chain is good.

There are decent roasters scattered all over as well, but you've got search out ones you like.

With all the coffee shops around town, one thing I've had difficulty finding is a good espresso. Living in Portland OR for years spoiled me. Though spread out, there are some good shops around town---a few of the best in West Tokyo are:

Bear Pond Coffee in Shimokitazawa

Coffee Amp in Koenji

Ryumon Coffee Stand in Kichijoji

Slope in Kami Igusa

Paddlers cafe in Sangubashi has good pour over---the only place to get Portland's Stumptown beans in Tokyo, but no espresso, and a bit dear at Y500 a cup.

[Black_Beer_Man]

Thanks jmatt. You have given us some great leads for some tasty Joe.