COBACHI CHAI

At the counter, guests take time to inhale the distinct fragrances of whole spices and tea leaves before settling on a cup to suit the day. Set within a sleek space shared with an apparel shop, COBACHI CHAI in Kuramae pours individualistic chai blends inspired by the textures of different textiles.

The core line-up carries 4 textile names: Cotton, Linen, Wool, and Silk. Cotton weaves together 6 spices, including sweet cardamom and cinnamon, yielding a light, nicely balanced cup. Linen pairs refreshing mint with turmeric; Wool leans into black pepper and clove for a warming, grounded profile; and Silk layers fragrant Okinawa jasmine with French lavender for an elegant, floral character.

A variety of sweets are available to accompany the teas. Churros made from cornmeal come crisp on the outside and chewy within, served with toppings such as sugar, cinnamon, or chocolate sauce. Scones baked with fermented butter and wholemeal flour, as well as spiced chiffon cake infused with the house tea leaves, also pair comfortably with the drinks.

As the day winds down, the menu shifts to spice-accented cocktails, including Rum Chai made with house Wool chai, and the Spice Gin Sonic featuring a 5-spice syrup combined with gin and tonic. Remaining open until 22:00, the café works just as well for an afternoon tea break while strolling through Kuramae as it does for a calm drink to finish the evening.