Rooted in Nature: Exploring 1110 Cafe Bakery & Brooks Greenlit Cafe

Where green meets the plate, two green escapes rooted in nature. A tale of two sister plant based cafes that should be on every Japan itinerary. Where plant based dining flourish surrounded by nature.
Green space, Great Food, One inspiring Vision…..

Heading back to Tokyo from Gunma I wanted to make a stop at 1110 cafe bakery 川口・埼玉カフ

Kawaguchi/Saitama Cafe

Just outside Tokyo, hidden among old industrial buildings, 1110 CAFE/BAKERY feels like a peaceful escape as soon as you enter the gardens full of cherry blossom trees.

This fully vegan café and bakery in Kawaguchi is known for its plant based brunches, fresh artisan breads, cinnamon rolls, seasonal pastries, and beautifully presented dishes made entirely from natural ingredients.

With the popular “The Cinnamon Roll” as a signature item. &  craft “_SHIP” kombucha on the premises.

Surrounded by a huge green garden, the atmosphere blends modern industrial design with quiet countryside calm making it one of Japan’s most aesthetic vegan cafés.

The original owners of the property started as  foundry makers, making  manhole covers and iron works and the wife of the owner planted the garden you can now enjoy while relaxing with your meal. Then the family went on to property management while generations lived on the site in their family home.

After many family generations the current owners have now turned the area into the cafe and kombucha brewery you see today.

I was very lucky to be granted a tour of the old family home and estate.

I also got to meet the master kombucha craftsman trying their delicious range  of organic certified “_Ship” kombucha.

If you’re not familiar with kombucha it is a slightly sparkling beverage made by fermenting tea and scoby (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) It is characterised by fruity acidity and refreshing taste.

The fermentation process creates live, friendly bacteria that may support gut health and digestion. It contains various B vitamins and organic acids produced during fermentation. Especially when made with green tea, it provides polyphenols that help reduce inflammation and protect the body’s cells.

Making it the perfect beverage for the health conscious.

I started my tasting with “original” which was very much like sparkling wine it has a fruity aroma and would pair very well with a special meal, having a tartness reminiscent of white grape and pear.

The next was pickled kito yuzu from Tokushima Prefecture which was light and refreshing, having a rich aroma and sour taste.

I also tried red shiso which had a perfect summertime fragrance it has the appearance of pale rose wine.

And lastly the hops,carrying flavours of grapefruit and scents of lychee and herbs. The bitterness of hops is refreshing and I think it would be a delicious alternative to having a cold beer being non alcoholic you can have it any time of day.

From vegan Eggs Benedict and kombucha to freshly baked artisan bread and pastries enjoyed beneath the trees, every detail feels slow, peaceful, and thoughtfully crafted.

I decided to choose breakfast items and went for an açai bowl which contained  granola cacao nibs and fresh berries.

Along with french toast which came with ice cream and vegan cream & of course a cinnamon roll which was warm and freshly baked crispy on the outside and soft inside.

This cafe is a hidden gem for café lovers and anyone looking for the quieter side of Tokyo.

The cafe is currently celebrating their 6th year by offering some special menu and seasonal items.

5-4-1 Ryoke, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture

Open

WEEKDAY 10:00-17:00

WEEKEND & HOLIDAY 8:00-17:00

Brooks Greenlit Cafe twinned with 1110 cafe bakery

PLANT BASED, BEYOND TASTE.

A variety of plant based menus that defy the bland image.

Enjoy the deliciousness and satisfaction of combining 100% plant derived ingredients with the power of fermentation, such as salt koji, miso, and amazake, based on the theme of “plant-based x fermentation x sustainability.”

Brooks Greenlit Cafe had their opening debut in December 2024 the phrase “GREENLIT” (meaning “Go sign”) implies the intention of spreading plant based (GREEN) in a playful and sophisticated form (LIT) without being overbearing.

The hope is that you will take the first step towards a sustainable future in a fun way.

As a step towards a sustainable future through plant based cuisine, the cafe which is based in  Aoyama propose a more free, playful, and sophisticated style with exciting food and a welcoming atmosphere.

This cafe is owned by 1110 cafe bakery so expect to see their house made fermented sparkling tea “_SHIP KOMBUCHA,” which is served up in a wine glass.

Their original kombucha is perfect to enjoy like a glass of wine without the alcohol while the hops can be drunk like a cool glass of beer to refresh on a hot day.

Their seasonal menu features plant based ingredients that value the blessings of nature and consideration for the environment.

With dishes ranging from plant based artisanal sandwiches using dough made from a blend of Hokkaido-grown “Yumechikara” wheat with oatmeal kneaded into it, nourishing salad and açai bowls and refreshing drinks such as kombucha floats along with smoothies and cold pressed juices.

The cafe has a chill ambience, set in a tranquil hideaway urban oasis space right next to Aoyama Park which, is dog friendly. Brooks Greenlit Cafe is a lovely place to relax for breakfast with a coffee as they open early at 8am

Why not give their next generation signature tunacado 2.0 sand a try layered with house made plant based tuna mayo and creamy avocado. Or their fermented bolognaise grilled eggplant sand, featuring a rich bolognese paired with sautéed eggplant, topped with plant based fermented cheese for added depth and umami.

I went for their vegan egg sandwich which was creamy and had a lovely crunch with the toasted bread.

I also had another açai bowl which felt super nourishing. Brooks is a place where you can refresh yourself with food in harmony with nature and take a step towards protecting the earth.

A place where vegans and non vegans alike can enjoy their meals together with peace of mind.

I only regret that these two places are not my local cafe if you live in Tokyo please stop by or if you’re visiting do not miss these places on your vegan cafe and restaurant list.

They also have a range of snacks and accessories you can takeaway.

_Ship kombucha can also be found at the following partner stores.

Again I wish I could buy this kombucha in the U.K. it’s that delicious!

4-minute walk from Aoyama-itchome Station / Free Wi-Fi / Pet Friendly

MIDORI.SO AOYAMA 1F, 1-7-12 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan.

Open 8:00-18:00

At both these cafes it is a place to feel the changing seasons with your family, beloved dog, or friends.