Hygge is a cute little cafe on the ground floor of a matchiya on a quiet street in Shimogyo. The décor on the inside was minimalistic and contemporary with traditional Japanese elements (i.e. back room with a tatami mat floor). There was an eclectic mix of furniture, dried flower arrangements, and books about architecture, design and travel. This would be a perfect spot to hang out on a hot, sunny day since the concrete floors, air flow through the open windows and dimmed lighting made the air fresh and cool. There were only a few people there at the same time as us, so it was a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It is a mom-and-pop type establishment with only one staff member serving clients and preparing food, so serving time is understandably a little slower than what you may be used to. As for the food, it was delicious! To drink we had the coffee and the chai tea, which was exceptional (closest I've had to the chai in India). For food, we ordered the pizza toast which came on a delectable, thick piece of spongey bread, and the chicken curry which was another great example of Indian spices being perfectly deployed. The pizza toast bread was so delicious that we decided to order the cinnamon and brown sugar toast for dessert, which we devoured in seconds. For all of the above-mentioned food and drink, we paid around 3,000 yen. This price is a little on the pricey side when we compare it to other meals we had in Kyoto (where we got a lot more food for a similar price). However, the flavours were on point. This place has really figured out how to use Indian spices (and how to make delicious bread). It's perfect for a quick and quiet breakfast, brunch or lunch near Tambaguchi station prior to heading out for a day of...
Read moreCharming little gem! This café is full of character, with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that immediately makes you feel at home. The food is absolutely exceptional—every dish is made with care and bursting with flavor. The cheesecake, in particular, is a must-try; rich, creamy, and simply unforgettable. The space itself is beautifully decorated, with lovely ceramics that add a unique and artistic touch. The ambience is calm yet vibrant, perfect for enjoying a relaxed meal or coffee. It’s also a wonderful spot for photos, thanks to the thoughtful design and charming details everywhere you look. A delightful experience all around—I’ll definitely be...
Read moreCoffee is okay. Food is great. But the owner is not friendly and has a bit of an ego. I enjoyed the place until he walked up to me and said: this is not a studio, this is a coffee shop - when seeing me putting my book on his shelf and take photo 😂 Mood destroyer. Highly recommend for a quick stop and a toast - just don't bother the owner or he will make you feel like a criminal in his...
Read more