While we were in Japan during the winter, we spend a day in Asakusa. After having a small-ish breakfast at Misojyu and walked around the vibrant streets of Asakusa, we were ready for some brunch-type food. We went during an off-season and off peak-time, so there was no line. Depending on the time and season, there could be a line here, but I heard that the turnaround is quick too. It has a small storefront, with red bricks and cute coffee design on their awning, it was inviting/
The inside is quite small too, maybe around 10 plus seatings total. There were a few customers, enjoying the quiet coffee time. The kitchen in the back was small too, but it was “organized chaos” with everything placed perfectly organized. Only two ladies working, but very efficient. They opened in 2005, but with more of the “nostalgic era” look from way before. Making it more “homey” and cozy.
As most Japanese restaurants and eateries, they had a basket at each table where you can put your bags, jackets, etc. so they stay clean while you dine. I really love that extra consideration to their customers. The interior was simple with lots of cute and colorful items, most of which you can purchase. There was even a small paper house of this very coffee shop! The word “Tengoku” means heaven, so their coffee shop is called “Coffee Heaven” and with this cute little house, you can have your own coffee heaven in your home!
Their menu is not so big, mainly their famous Hot Cakes, and hot dogs. They do have several different kinds of drinks, such as all sorts of coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice, and beer. They also have a couple of desserts too. We were there for their popular hot cakes, so we were excited to taste them! They had three hot cake sets, but we wanted a particular kind of coffee, we ordered the Hot Cake (ホットケーキ単品) (680 yen, ~$4.47/Jan 2024), and Vienna Coffee (ウィンナー・コーヒー) (720 yen, ~$5.11/Jan 2024) from a la carte menu. The Hot Cake came with a butter and syrup, and the Vienna Coffee topped with cinnamon. We like coffee and whipped cream combination, so we really enjoyed the coffee. The aroma and flavor of cinnamon makes it extra fancy.
Their famous hot cakes were very fluffy looking, only two stacked on top, but had a nice height to them. Each hot cake is made to order, from mixing of the dry ingredients to cooking them. They use their special branding iron to place the word “Tengoku” meaning heaven on top of each hot cake. Nice crispy surface that gives a small yet very appetizing crunchy texture when you put your knife into it. Although it does not have sugar in the hot cake, it had a natural sweetness to it. With the butter and a bit of maple syrup, it was perfection! With the quality and its natural sweetness, you really don’t need much syrup. Hot Cakes are a bit more tight and texture and heavier than pancakes, but their hot cakes at Coffee Tengoku was light and fluffy, yet very satisfying. I can see why their hot cakes are so popular!
We also wanted to try one of their hot dog dishes. Since the size of the hot cakes are not that large, if you didn’t come here for afternoon “snack” then you might still have enough room for a hot dog. We ordered Hot Chili Dog (HOT チリドッグ) (550 yen, ~$3.90/Jan 2024). It is hard to see in the photo, but it also had the hot iron branding of “Tengoku” here, on the side of the hot dog bun. They use their extra long hot dog, wildly sticking out of the bun. It is topped with spicy ground beef with chili sauce. The hot dog had that perfect crunch when you but into it. The bun had extra color from the oven, with that crispy exterior. The spicy level is not that spicy, but had a nice kick to it. The chili was packed with flavor, very tasty. We really enjoyed the hot dog.
We had a really nice, relaxing lunch here. The hot cakes were as good as I wanted them to be, and the addition of the hot dog was great. I had the opportunity to speak with the owner for a minute, and she was so lovely, welcoming, and friendly. Definitely the kind of place you want to have in your own neighborhood…I so wish! We would love to visit the Coffee Tengoku again when we go back to Japan the next time for another heavenly hot cake time.
Coffee Tengoku is located near by the oldest shopping street with lots of shops eatery, and historical sights like Sensoji temple and more. You can sure to have a good time walking around to walk off the tasty food afterwards. A couple thing to note: They require that every customer order one drink each. Which is kind of interesting. Also, they are cash only, so be sure to bring cash!
Coffee Tengoku – 1 Chome-41-9 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan
珈琲 天国 – 東京都台東区浅草1-41-9