Flat White Coffee Factory

One of the things I like about Japan is that you can get the feeling of exploration even in the city. Trying to find certain cafes can require a good map, a good sense of direction, and a lot of patience. Getting to the Flat White Coffee Factory isn't that bad, but going there does feel like you've stepped out of the city center for a moment.

There are actually two locations of Flat White, but the first is up in Izumi, and hard to get to without a car. I went to the newer location, in Ichibancho, which is much easier to get to but sacrifices some of the menu variety due to space restrictions. So you can't buy french toast or pasta, but you only need to go around the back of Royal Host on the Vlandome shopping arcade to get there.

The name Flat White Coffee Factory is taken from a way of serving coffee, similar to a latte, that originated in New Zealand (and Australia). The owner has been to New Zealand, and so there's English on the menus. The menus themselves are very cool – you can browse and order using an iPad. If you're unsure about how you want your coffee, there's a helpful guide on the wall near the counter to let you know the ratios of coffee and milk etc. I'm not actually a big coffee drinker, but the chart persuaded me to try a cold raspberry latte, which had great natural raspberry in it.

If you don't like coffee, though, there are other things on offer. You could try a spirulina drink, apparently quite popular in New Zealand. Some of the food in the case at the counter is New Zealand-inspired, too. All items are available to take out or eat-in, and the former might well be necessary during busy periods. One of my favorite treats is the butter chicken and cheese pasty. It's buttery and flaky and satisfying. There are also paninis on offer, but sadly nothing vegetarian. I've also enjoyed the cheesecake and tiramisu, but I found the muffins a little dry. Perhaps they're made to be eaten alongside a cup of coffee? The flavors of these big muffins change regularly, and you can check the board to the right of the entrance as you step in to find out what's on offer.

I've been back several times, and even dragged friends along, and we've all enjoyed Flat White Coffee Factory. It's a great place to take a rest from the city center, while still being centrally located.