This is our review of “Raw Sugar Roast” (Maps), visited in March 2026 and April 2026.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the north exit of Kyōdō Station, the hidden gem “Raw Sugar Roast” quietly sits on the ground floor of a brick-style building. This specialty coffee roastery café, which opened in April 2022, was originally known for supplying high-quality beans to numerous coffee shops as a roasting facility near Haneda Airport. Owner Mr. Kosakada, inspired by memorable café experiences both in Japan and abroad, decided to open his first café-style location where he could recreate that same sense of atmosphere and quality.
The shop’s philosophy is subtle and sincere—there’s only a modest sign, as the owner prefers the café to grow through word of mouth. The interior combines exposed concrete with antique furniture, creating a refined yet cozy ambiance. Here, beans from around the world are roasted lightly to highlight their regional characteristics, captivating everyone who walks through the door.
The Allure of the Flat White and Ethiopia Idido G1
After placing your order at the counter, a steaming cup of Flat White with Oats Milk (about ¥760) arrives at your table. Served in pristine white porcelain, the drink is crowned with a silky layer of fine microfoam—smooth and visually irresistible. Made with a ristretto shot of espresso and a touch less milk than a latte, this Flat White accentuates the rich character of the coffee itself.
The aroma blends the sweet notes of the roast with the mellow scent of milk, gently stimulating the senses. Hints of floral fragrance from classic beans and a whisper of caramel intertwine, making you want to pause and take a deep breath.
Depth of Flavor and Lingering Finish
Take a sip, and the concentrated richness of the espresso merges with the silky sweetness of milk. The bitterness is soft and balanced, leaving a long caramel finish that lingers pleasantly.
Though liquid in form, the creamy microfoam melts luxuriously in your mouth, gliding down smoothly. Leaning more toward espresso than café latte, the Flat White delivers the nuanced terroir of the beans—an addictive depth that keeps customers returning. The owner’s passionate talk about coffee origins makes each visit even more enjoyable.
Another drink we ordered is Ethiopia Idido G1 Yirgacheffe hot coffee. It is a bright, aromatic highlight that showcases the elegance of high‑quality single‑origin beans. Lightly roasted to preserve its delicate character, it opens with floral and citrusy notes, often carrying hints of bergamot and stone fruit, followed by a clean, tea‑like finish. As a pour‑over or drip offering, it’s served hot in a simple ceramic cup, allowing the nuanced sweetness and gentle acidity to shine alongside the café’s deeper espresso‑based drinks. For day‑drinkers and origin‑curious coffee lovers, this cup is a perfect choice to savor the terroir of Ethiopian coffee in a relaxed, intimate setting.
The café’s caprese focaccia is a delicious savory option that pairs beautifully with coffee. Soft, fragrant focaccia is topped with fresh tomato, creamy mozzarella, and basil, creating a light yet satisfying bite with a Mediterranean feel. Its balance of juicy, cheesy, and herbal flavors makes it an ideal snack to enjoy alongside a Flat White.
Complementing the coffee lineup, Raw Sugar Roast also serves a comforting mugi no campagne 麦のカンパーニュ (whole wheat campagne bread) and a decadent Basque cheesecake (バスクチーズケーキ) that feels perfectly at home in this roastery café.
The campagne has a rustic, slightly chewy crumb and a gentle nutty wheat aroma, making it ideal for nibbling with a cup of Flat White.
The Basque cheesecake, on the other hand, delivers a rich, custard‑like creaminess with a softly caramelized surface, offering a subtly sweet contrast to the bright acidity of the coffee. Together, they complete the café’s atmosphere as a place where simple, honest flavors and specialty coffee come together seamlessly.
A Space Worth Visiting
Relaxing on an antique sofa with your cup in hand, you’ll forget the noise of everyday life. Whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening, Raw Sugar Roast fits seamlessly into any moment—reading, working, or simply unwinding. This café has quickly become a new favorite in Kyōdō and a must-visit destination for true coffee lovers.
