Jul 27, 2021
Coffee for Life: Coffee Shops in Hiroshima
As someone living abroad, I often find myself thinking to things back in my home country and trying to figure out how to find them here in Japan. Being from Seattle, the home of multiple global coffee chains that I won’t bother naming, home means a very good cup of coffee. Even though Kobe is the Western Japanese city that is most associated with cafes, my mind always goes to Hiroshima when I want a latte that will make me feel like I am back home.
Hiroshima, despite its relatively small size, delivers an impressive selection of coffee shops that can pull a proper shot of espresso and top it with some well done foam art. This selection and quality of coffee is all despite Hiroshima being relatively small for a big city in Japan. Despite not quite making the list of the top ten cities in Japan by population, its coffee easily bests several larger cities on that list. Here’s a list of coffee shops for that keep Hiroshima on the map for coffee.
Obscura Coffee Roasters
Obscura Coffee Roasters is on a side street of Hondori and can be a bit hard to find the first time around. In addition to excellent coffee, in the past they have hosted coffee events such as cupping. Their affogato alone is worth the trip.
3-28 Fukuromachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0036, Hiroshima Prefecture (map link)
+81 82-249-7543
Miyajima Coffee
A short walk from Itsukushima Shrine and right on the Omotesando shopping street.
464-3 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima (map link)
Kiki Coffee
Not easy to find but worth seeking out. Good coffee served in a DIY set up kind of atmosphere with cakes or thick cut toast.
3−3−3 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima (map link)
www.facebook.com/Kikicoffee_hiroshima-424924257874689/
24/7 coffee&roaster
On the South side of Fukuromachi Park. A great place to take a break from shopping on Hondori and enjoy some quality espresso and a sandwich.
1−26 Nakamachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima (map link)
Progress LIFE STYLE COFFEE
Just off Chuo-dori and another great place to stop while shopping.
1-15 Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima (map link)
https://www.progresscoffees.com
Akam Coffee Works
Serves excellent dark roasted espresso from beans the owner roasts and he also gives beginner to advanced workshops on hand-roasted coffee.
1-9-7 Kokutaiji, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City (map link)
If you’re not quite sure what to order, here’s a handy guide as well. My go-to is always a double-tall latte, but you do you.
- Solo: Simply a single shot of espresso.
- Doppio: A double shot of espresso.
- Ristretto: A more concentrated stronger espresso.
- Flat White: Originating from Oceania, it is milk heated to be creamy and poured over a shot of espresso.)
- Caffè Latte: Steamed (or scalded) milk and a single shot of espresso. It is usually quite frothy, and you’ll find that generally in Japan, cafes (notably Starbucks and Tully’s) don’t understand the difference between this and a flat white.
- Cappuccino: Possibly the most popular type of coffee, it consists of three layers: a shot of espresso, a shot of steamed milk, and finally a layer of frothed, foamy milk sometimes garnished with cocoa powder.
- Macchiato: Not the Starbucks drink, but rater a shot of espresso topped off with foamed milk dashed directly into the cup. Similar to a very small cappuccino and accordingly served in a more diminutive cup.
- Long Black: Two shots of espresso poured into a cup of boiled water. In that order.
- Caffè Americano: Inspired by American GIs in Italy who wanted their espresso watered down. Boiled water poured over a shot of espresso coffee. In. that order.
- Caffè Mocha: A ‘mocha’ is a latte with added chocolate powder or syrup, sometimes topped with whipped cream.
- Irish Coffee: Coffee brewed with whiskey, sugar, and a thick layer of cream on the top.
- Caffè Vienna: Two shots of particularly strong espresso together before whipped cream is added as a substitute for milk and sugar.
- Affogato: A shot of espresso poured over a desert (Usually ice cream).
Hugh Cann subscriber
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