Okinawa Coffee Map: Iconiq Coffee
Welcome back to the Okinawa Coffee Map series. For this second stop, I recently checked out Iconiq Coffee in Kadena, and it did not disappoint.
A House With History
Iconiq Coffee opened recently, in June of this year, inside an old gaijin jutaku, a classic American-style house. There's something really special about stepping into a space like this. It carries a certain charm and nostalgia that you just don't get from a newly built cafe, and it sets the tone for the whole visit before you even order.
What We Ordered
We came hungry and left happy. Here's what we tried:
Iconiq Plate — fresh, well balanced, and a genuinely lovely brunch option
Basque Cheesecake — unbelievably creamy, the kind of texture that makes you slow down between bites
Espresso Tonic — crisp and well made
Brown Sugar Lemon Squash — more on this one below
Americano — a solid, no frills classic
The Standout
Every single item we ordered was delicious, but the brown sugar lemon squash stole the show. I had genuinely never had anything like it before, and it turned out to be the most refreshing thing on the table. The combination of the Okinawan brown sugar's warmth with the brightness of lemon was unexpected in the best way, and it's one of those drinks I keep thinking about even after the visit.
Final Thoughts
Iconiq Coffee is a wonderful addition to the island's coffee scene, with a setting that feels like a piece of Okinawa's history and a menu that delivers on every front. If you're in Kadena, it's absolutely worth a visit, if only to try that brown sugar lemon squash for yourself.
More stops on the Okinawa Coffee Map coming soon.
Okinawa Coffee Map: Coffee Kashi Chatan
Welcome to the first post in my new series, Okinawa Coffee Map, where I'll be exploring coffee shops around the island one cup at a time. First up: Coffee Kashi Chatan, a newly opened cafe tucked into a quiet residential pocket of Chatan.
A Sister Shop Worth Knowing
If the name sounds familiar, it's because Coffee Kashi Chatan is the second location from the same wonderful people behind Skip Coffee in Urasoe. I already knew going in that I was going to love this place, because I already love Skip Coffee, and I'm happy to report the magic carried right over to the new spot. The owners are just as sweet here, and the menu is thoughtfully written in both English and Japanese, which makes it easy for anyone to walk in and feel welcome.
Finding It
The cafe sits in a residential area between Lester and Foster, so it's a bit of a hidden gem rather than something you'll stumble across on a main road. If you're driving, don't worry about parking logistics ahead of time. Just check the highlights on their Instagram page, where they've laid out all the parking information you'll need.
What We Ordered
We went with two espresso treats that ended up being absolutely perfect for a warm, late summer afternoon:
Hibiscus Espresso Tonic — bright, refreshing, and beautifully balanced
Espresso Zenzai — a twist on the classic Okinawan zenzai, shaved ice topped with sweet beans and mochi, with a shot of espresso running through it
Both were spectacular. The espresso zenzai in particular was such a clever combination, cool and sweet with just enough bitterness from the espresso to keep it from being one note.
The Space Itself
The vibe inside is wonderfully chill, with retro wood paneling and original wood carvings preserved from the house the cafe now calls home. It gives the whole place a warm, lived in feeling rather than the sleek minimalism you see at a lot of newer cafes. And every now and then, someone picks up a sanshin, Okinawa's traditional three stringed instrument, and plays a little something. It's a small touch, but it makes the experience feel distinctly local and unhurried.
Don't Skip the Desserts
Every baked good we've tried from both Skip Coffee and Coffee Kashi Chatan has been genuinely excellent, and today was no exception. We tried the hibiscus wagashi, filled with a rich chocolate paste. What I love most is that the wagashi are colored using only natural ingredients, so the colors feel soft and organic rather than artificially bright.
A Building Made for a Spa Day
One fun detail about this location is the building itself. Upstairs, you'll find a stretching studio, and just to the left of the foyer as you walk in is an esthetic salon. Naturally, this has given me an idea: a full spa style day where I hit up all three businesses in one visit. Coffee, a stretch session, and a little pampering, all under one roof. I'll report back once I make that happen.
Final Thoughts
Coffee Kashi Chatan is a lovely addition to the island's coffee scene and a worthy sibling to Skip Coffee. If you're in the Chatan area, it's well worth seeking out, even if it means driving down a few residential streets to find it.
More stops on the Okinawa Coffee Map coming soon!