Sip, Savor, and Soak in Serenity: % Arabica’s Coffee Paradise in Kyoto
Nestled in the enchanting Higashiyama district of Kyoto, a realm renowned for its timeless beauty and cultural treasures, lies a coffee haven that beckons to the connoisseurs of the bean – % Arabica. Founded by the intrepid Ken Shoji, a former professional windsurfer turned coffee maestro, in the year 2014, % Arabica transcends the realms of a mere coffee shop. It is a testament to the essence of supreme quality coffee and minimalist design that resonates with the soul.
Upon crossing the threshold of this coffee sanctuary, you’re greeted by the intoxicating symphony of freshly brewed coffee, a rhapsody of beans being ground to perfection. Natural light cascades through the ample windows, transforming the space into a sunlit alcove. The interior, while elegantly understated, boasts a wooden bar where masterpieces are crafted, accompanied by a handful of stools, beckoning you to savor your coffee while engaging in delightful conversations with the skilled baristas.
% Arabica’s story unfolds its chapters back in 2014 when it unfurled its inaugural curtain of aroma in the bustling streets of Hong Kong. In the intervening years, this haven for coffee enthusiasts has expanded its reach, with more than 30 locations worldwide. But it is in the heart of Higashiyama, Kyoto, that you find the pièce de résistance, the flagship store, where the magic began. Ken Shoji, a man passionate about coffee and obsessed with creating the perfect brew, scours the far reaches of the globe in his relentless quest for the choicest coffee beans. His dedication and expertise are evident in every cup that bears the % Arabica emblem.
The menu at % Arabica is a lyrical composition of coffee, each note struck to perfection. It features a symphony of coffee drinks – the delicate pour-over, the robust espresso, and the velvety cappuccino, each prepared with meticulous precision. The coffee beans themselves are sourced from diverse corners of the world, such as the highlands of Ethiopia, the lush terrains of Brazil, and the serene plantations of Guatemala. This kaleidoscope of origins ensures that each cup of % Arabica coffee is a journey to a different world, a new flavor profile, an adventure awaiting your palate. The menu isn’t limited to coffee alone; it extends its warm embrace to tea lovers, offering an assortment of tea flavors that echo the same dedication to quality. Accompanying these liquid delights are pastries and light snacks, lovingly prepared to elevate your coffee experience.
But % Arabica is more than just a coffee shop; it is a temple of tranquility amidst the bustling streets of Kyoto. While the aroma of coffee tantalizes your senses, the serene ambiance invites you to linger a while longer, to escape the frenetic pace of the world outside. As you sit on the wooden stool, cradling a warm cup of perfection, you’re not just sipping coffee, but also savoring an experience. The friendly baristas are not just skilled artisans but also storytellers, narrating the tale of each coffee bean, each brew, and the journey that brought it to your cup.
As the day unfolds, % Arabica transforms. In the morning, it’s the perfect place for a contemplative cup of coffee, perhaps accompanied by the sweet melody of a croissant or a flaky pastry. In the afternoon, it’s a cozy haven to escape the midday heat with a chilled coffee creation and a selection of light snacks. In the evening, it becomes an oasis of serenity under the warm glow of soft lights, where you can unwind and indulge in an espresso or a latte.
In a city that’s a tapestry of tradition and modernity, where the echoes of history resonate through ancient temples and modernity finds expression in sleek architecture, % Arabica bridges the gap, offering a haven that feels both timeless and contemporary. Here, in the heart of Higashiyama, you’re invited to embark on a sensory journey, to sip, savor, and soak in the serenity of % Arabica, a treasure for the soul and a pilgrimage for coffee lovers.