A Hidden Gem in Komazawa: Mint Chai and Coffee at “awhile chai & soda”

This is our review of “awhile chai & soda” (Maps), visited in September 2026.

Tucked away on the second floor of a quiet building just a 10-minute walk from Komazawa-Daigaku Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, awhile chai & soda is the kind of café you stumble upon and instantly want to keep as your secret. Opened in December 2023, this intimate spot specializes in chai and soda but quietly shines with equally impressive coffee, making it a perfect hideaway for adults seeking a moment of calm.

The Story Behind the Name: “Awhile”

The café’s name, “awhile,” means “a short time” in English—and that’s exactly the experience owner Furukawa-san hopes to offer. After years of serving chai at various events, fascinated by the endless combinations of tea leaves and spices, Furukawa-san finally opened this dedicated chai café in Komazawa. The space is simple yet inviting, with just a bench seat for relaxed lounging and six counter seats. On sunny days, soft natural light floods in through large windows, highlighting the warm wooden interiors and hints of greenery outside.awhile.

Ice Mint Chai: A Refreshing Sip of Late Summer

The Ice Mint Chai is a seasonal favorite that perfectly captures the transition from summer to autumn. Made with high-quality tea leaves from the Doors region of Northeast India, it’s simmered with a house-made spice blend of Ceylon cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to draw out maximum aroma.

Served in a clear glass, the drink has a translucent amber hue with hints of green from the mint. The first sip delivers the smoothness of cold milk, followed immediately by a cooling rush of mint that glides down your throat. The richness of raw cane sugar balances the depth of the spices, leaving a clean finish with a lingering fragrance of black tea. As the ice clinks softly in the glass, the contrast between the mint’s coolness and the spices’ warmth creates a uniquely refreshing experience—ideal for a break during work or reading.

Hot Coffee: A Quiet Morning Ritual

Though known primarily as a chai café, awhile chai & soda also serves a Hot Coffee that will satisfy even discerning coffee lovers. The rich aroma of roasted beans fills the air as you watch the barista slowly pour hot water over the grounds, with each drop of extraction falling into the cup like a quiet ritual.

The coffee arrives in a simple white ceramic cup, steam gently rising to set the tone for a peaceful afternoon. Its fragrance brings to mind nuts and chocolate—deep and comforting. The taste strikes a perfect balance between acidity and bitterness, with a clean aftertaste that still allows the bean’s natural richness to linger. Add a touch of milk for extra smoothness, and you’ll find a sophisticated flavor profile that offers a different kind of calm compared to the chai.

A Feast for the Five Senses

Both drinks are designed to engage all your senses. The Ice Mint Chai’s glass showcases the beautiful layers of ice and liquid, often garnished with a single mint leaf for an extra touch of visual coolness. The Hot Coffee, by contrast, presents a minimalist aesthetic with its white cup and rising steam, evoking a sense of quiet luxury.

In terms of taste, the Ice Mint Chai plays with the contrast of “coolness × spice warmth,” while the Hot Coffee追求 s “depth × smoothness” harmony. Texturally, the cold drink offers the crisp chill of ice alongside the liquid’s silkiness, whereas the hot coffee provides warmth from the steam with an equally smooth mouthfeel.

What Visitors Are Saying

On Tabelog and social media, reviews frequently mention how “the spice aroma is so healing,” “the mint chai is refreshing and perfect for summer,” and “the coffee is authentic and highly satisfying.” Many also praise the café as “an ideal quiet space for work or reading” and “a perfect stop after a walk in Komazawa Park,” making it a beloved spot among locals and students alike.

Essential Information

• Name: awhile chai & soda (あわいる ちゃいあんどそーだ)
• Address: 2F Yokoyama Building, 4-16-16 Komazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 10-minute walk from Komazawa-Daigaku Station (Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line)
• Hours: Monday 12:00–17:00; Tuesday–Saturday 9:00–17:00
• Closed: Sundays
• Payment: Cash and cards accepted

Whether you’re in the mood for the cooling refreshment of an Ice Mint Chai or the deep comfort of a Hot Coffee, awhile chai & soda offers a unique sensory experience that goes beyond typical café offerings. It’s a small but memorable gem in Komazawa where every cup tells a story of craftsmanship and care.