Glitch Coffee Tokyo Nihonbashi is a new outlet of the specialist coffee shop with a cult-like following. It is known for its light roasts and award-winning single origin beans. After seeing long queues at their Ginza and Jimbocho outlets, we were surprised to see an almost empty cafe in their Tokyo outlet. It was an opportunity we could not resist and we made an unscheduled coffee stop.
Specialist Coffee Shop in Nihonbashi Tokyo
Glitch Coffee Tokyo is housed in a small nondescript building five-minutes walk from the Takashimaya Nihonbashi department store. It is on a side lane, away from the main streets in the area. We may not be coffee aficionados but we immediately knew this would be a coffee shop with a difference. Two things stood out when we entered the place. The friendliness and passion of the crew and the amazing decor of the place. Half of the space is used for the preparation of coffee and the display of coffee beans
The ofter half is used for coffee roasting and the display of two mean looking motorbikes. The lighting was subdued, creating a mood that was industrial yet warm and inviting.
Glitch Coffee Tokyo Man Cave in Nihonbashi
In addition to the macho Harley Davidson bikes, there are other big boy toys at this coffee shop. A vintage stereo hifi system provides the vinyl cafe vibes. Classic Tannoy speakers and Mckintosh amps push the aesthetic factor up a few notches. With the coffee roaster and associated industrial equipment in the background, the impressive coffee making machines and dark interior, this looks like a bat cave for a caffeine addicted super hero.
Glitch Coffee Tokyo – The Coffee Bean Categories
The available coffee beans were displayed in a row in jars. We were encouraged to open the covers and sniff the aromas before making a selection. The coffee beans are grouped in categories. Glitch Coffee “Competition” beans are rare, competition-winning coffees from around the world, “Hard to Find” beans are difficult to come across e.g. from rare and valuable farms such as “Geisha” varieties. “Innovation” grade beans are from farms whose own processes and innovative initiatives may lead to unprecedented taste experiences. “Traditional” beans are made using traditional processes to show the uniqueness of the regions of origin.
The most expensive Competition beans cost around 3,000 to 4,000 yen per cup. The Hard to Find beans cost 2.300 to 3,000 yen per cup. We settled on two kinds of Innovative beans.
Colombian Coffee in Nihonbashi, Tokyo
We had a drip coffee made from Colombia Cauca el Paraiso (Lychee) beans from the Innovative category (1,000 yen per cup). These beans were described to be double anaerobic washed with peach, floral, apricot, bright and juicy flavours. We found this to be a light, refreshing type of coffee. It was mildly fruity but we were not sensitive enough to detect the individual fruit flavours.
Our latte was also from the Innovative category. Made from Colombia Bruselas Los Nogales (Bourbon Pimienta) beans (1,400 yen per cup), it was described to have apricot, fig, floral, smooth and lactic flavors. In this instance we were not able to detect the fruit or floral flavours. Perhaps they were overwhelmed by the milk. I think we should stick to drip coffee in the future when trying expensive coffee beans.
Overall, it was a great coffee experience at Glitch Coffee Tokyo Nihonbashi. Having the place almost entirely to ourselves made it especially enjoyable. The friendly and helpful baristas made the visit a memorable one.
Glitch Coffee Tokyo
Address: 〒103-0023 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashihoncho, 1 Chome−1−3 立石本町ビル 1F
Open Daily 9 am–6 pm
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