Buna

At Buna, the coffee ritual begins before the first drop is poured, as guests choose a cup from the varied collection displayed behind the counter and take a seat. Located down a flight of stairs in the basement of a building in residential Ekoda, the café makes this small preference part of the experience. Watching the hand-drip pour into a cup chosen for its floral motif or rich glaze reflects the steady rhythm of a classic kissaten.

The menu features Buna's signature house blend, valued for its balanced, mellow profile, as well as an ample roster of single-origin beans, including robust Mandheling, Brazil Santos, and Honduras. Decaffeinated coffee is available for those moderating caffeine intake, joined by crisp iced coffee, café au lait, and various herbal infusions.

Small slices of cheesecake—offered plain, matcha, or strawberry—pair well with the coffee. Dense yet restrained in sweetness, they complement the deeper bitter notes of each cup. A tiny bite of coffee or lemon jelly offered after finishing a drink is another thoughtful gesture remembered by regular patrons.

Wood accents define the interior, where counter and table seating provide quiet corners for reading or reflection. Payment is cash only, making it best to have notes or coins ready before visiting for an afternoon dedicated to fine coffee.