Kotori

Tucked into a quiet residential pocket not far from the Shinkawa promenade, Kotori offers an unhurried cafe atmosphere. One of its main draws is the house bread baked on-site from soaked raw rice, which has earned a loyal following for its tender, mochi-like chew and gentle natural sweetness. For the open-faced sandwich topped with steamed chicken cured in house-made shio-koji (salted rice malt), the tender poultry is layered with herb salt, cellulose-free natural cheese, oil-marinated onions, and fresh vegetables to draw out clean, savoury notes. A side of potatoes pan-fried crisp with herb salt rounds out the plate.

Those looking for a fuller meal can turn to the pasta selection, including seafood spaghetti tossed in shio-koji and shiso oil, or a preparation featuring sun-dried mushrooms. Guests can choose between durum wheat spaghetti and a gluten-free noodle option, and each set comes with a salad dressed in a house blend textured with grains of savoury koji.

The dessert list features airy chiffon cake leavened solely with rice flour and meringue, chocolate French toast made from raw-rice bread, and house-made tofu chocolate cake. Coffee jelly prepared with the cafe's own drip blend comes lightly sweetened with fresh whipped cream, and can also be enjoyed in an assembled parfait alongside brown rice flakes and vanilla ice cream.

The beverage lineup centers on cold brew iced coffee steeped patiently over 15 hours. Rounded, mellow, and cleanly finished, it pairs naturally with savoury dishes and desserts alike. The wider selection includes blends sourced from a longstanding roastery, single-roaster Mottono Coffee beans, herbal infusions, and house-brewed red shiso juice, making lingering over the drinks menu part of the visit's charm.