You’ll find this unassuming café in Higashi-Nagasaki, a quiet neighbourhood along the Seibu Ikebukuro line that’s becoming a hotspot for cool cafés and trendy shops. At the centre of it all is Mia Mia Tokyo, a friendly coffee joint run by husband-wife duo Vaughan and Rie Allison. Well-versed in Tokyo’s third-wave coffee scene, the duo have created an inviting space that’s not just about the coffee, but also about welcoming you into the local community.
Coffee beans are sourced from roasters in Japan and Australia, including Scandinavian mainstay Fuglen, and even a special blend from Tokyo kissaten Chatei Hatou. Mia Mia also serves up a handful of baked treats including canelés, ice cream sandwiches and rice flour shokupan (Japanese milk bread).
A handful of seats are available inside the café, but there are also benches that spill out onto the street, where you can people-watch while you enjoy a cuppa. Don’t be surprised if you run into Vaughan or Rie on your visit, as they often strike up conversations with many of their visitors, sharing tips on the best spots in the ‘hood.