Tokyo Weekender April 2017

ROSE BAKERY
THE STORY Originally from Paris, Rose Bakery now has branches in London, New
York, Seoul, and Tokyo. We visited the Dover Street Market Ginza branch, which is
tucked away at the top of the swanky department store, offering a light, bright haven
for shoppers and brunchers who need a break – and a good cup of tea.
WHY WE LOVE THEM Rose Bakery is a chic yet unpretentious canteen-style
space with the spotlight shining directly on their smorgasbord of sweet treats – most
of which will more than satisfy those who are craving British or American-style fare.
As for the teas, they serve all types of top quality brews by Clipper, including English
breakfast, rooibos, and green tea.
WHAT TO TRY We stopped by for a late breakfast, pairing organic vanilla rooibos
(a caffeine-free tea that’s sourced from South Africa and packed with immune-boosting
antioxidants) with a Moroccan omelet, which was gently spiced and served with freshly
baked brown bread. Only want a snack? This is one of the few places in
Tokyo that serves classic scones with jam and cream!
7F Dover Street Market Ginza, 6-9-5 Ginza,
Chuo-ku, rosebakery.jp
TOKYO SARYO
THE STORY Described as the world’s first
hand-drip green tea shop, Tokyo Saryo opened
its minimalist doors in Sangenjaya this January.
Inspired by coffee culture, they designed their
own dripper, which the barista uses to extract
green tea from their selection of seven types of
sencha leaves.
WHY WE LOVE THEM Aside from the
aesthetic beauty of the café, which is all white and
wood and clean, straight lines (and the handiwork
of Lucy Alter Design), we love how they are reviving,
modernizing and simplifying the traditional
tea ceremony. Also, instead of offering blended
tea, which is the norm these days, they serve single-origin
green tea sourced from around Japan,
allowing you to appreciate the contrast in flavors.
WHAT TO TRY Go for the tasting course
menu (¥1,300) which includes your choice of two
sencha varieties (Harumoegi and Yoino Shichiyousei
are the most popular) served with wagashi
(traditional sweets). You’ll get five cups in total,
with the first and second steeps done at different
temperatures to influence the taste and bitterness,
and the third steep done with genmai (roasted
rice). All the teas can be bought in store, too. 1-34-
15 Kamiuma, Setagaya-ku, www.tokyosaryo.jp
YOU CHA
THE STORY One of the first Chinese tea speciality shops in Tokyo, You Cha opened
in Omotesando back in 1997, but has recently had a mini facelift, giving it a fresh
new look. The original idea was to change the perception of Chinese tea in Japan – 20
years ago, there was a lack of knowledge in Japan about Chinese tea, and most of the
types sold were not high quality. Today, the shop offers 80 varieties of Chinese and
Taiwanese teas as well as distinct Japanese teas.
WHY WE LOVE THEM Based on the concept of offering a memorable Chinese
tea experience, You Cha also has a tea school where they hold classes for people who
wish to learn how to select and prepare Chinese tea as well as keep abreast of the
latest developments in the world of Chinese tea.
WHAT TO TRY No idea where to start? Take up a seat at the small counter to
sample high-grade Chinese teas for free before choosing which ones you’d like to
purchase. Japanese-, English-, and Chinese-speaking staff will happily assist.
5-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, youcha.com
TOKYO WEEKENDER | APRIL 2017 | 15