"KOTI" is a traditional Okinawan house cafe nestled in a quiet alley in Yaese Town, Okinawa. In August 2024, the 65-year-old house was renovated and reopened as a specialty shop for Ryukyuan sweets and tea.
At KOTI, you can enjoy Ryukyu sweets such as Hanabouru and Kokuto Agarasa, each one carefully handmade. Their charm lies in their gentle sweetness, achieved by adhering to traditional methods and using carefully selected ingredients.
This time, we'll introduce the teas and sweets you can find at "KOTI," as well as Okinawan goods sold in the store that will enhance your sweet moments.

1. A warm and inviting interior created by renovating a 65-year-old traditional Japanese house.

The shop, a renovated 65-year-old traditional Okinawan house, retains the unique charm of an old Okinawan house by removing parts of the walls and ceiling to allow views of the attic and thick beams.

What was originally a corridor has been converted into seating. The trays and cushions were made by Okinawan craftsmen, and the large glass doors offer a view of the garden's greenery.


Enjoying the cafe menu in such a lovely setting, you'll find it served in Yachimun pottery, Ryukyu lacquerware, and Ryukyu glass, allowing you to savor a pleasant time while subtly experiencing Okinawan culture.

2. Ryukyu sweets made with carefully selected ingredients and traditional methods.

During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, there were said to be over 100 types of Ryukyu sweets, including "royal sweets" that developed as part of the royal court cuisine and "local sweets" that were loved by ordinary people, but now only a fraction of them remain.

At KOTI, eight types of Ryukyuan sweets, along with tea and coffee, are offered, all made with traditional methods and ingredients, under the guidance and recipes produced by Keiko Tsukayama, a master of Ryukyuan cuisine.

▲Menu available upon visit▲

The most popular item is "Brown Sugar Agarasa".

▲The regular size was sold out on the day I visited, but they kindly provided me with two mini sizes.▲

Here are some of the sweets from KOTI.
Agarasa means "steamed," and this is a steamed cake made with brown sugar. The brown sugar used is from Iriomote Island, giving it a rich, deep flavor. It's chewy and fluffy! It was delicious served warm, with a gentle brown sugar taste.

A gorgeous "flower ball"

The beautifully presented Hanabouru is a confection originally made in the royal court and is still highly valued as a celebratory treat. Knowing that each one is carefully handmade using traditional methods, it almost feels a shame to eat it. When you put it in your mouth, a soft, moist, and gently sweet flavor spreads throughout.

Cute and crispy "Chinsuko"

The colorful, round, and plump shape is adorable. It has a crisp yet crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
Following traditional methods, lard is used and no additives are included. In addition to the plain flavor, the colorful shikwasa, purple sweet potato, Okinawan black tea, and Okinawan green tea flavors are all made with ingredients sourced from Okinawa Prefecture.

"Okinawa Zenzai" is shaved ice

Beneath the shaved ice topped with brown sugar syrup from Iriomote Island, you'll find plump kidney beans cooked in brown sugar and domestically produced rolled barley. The purple mochi balls add a cute touch!

KOTI tea and coffee

For drinks, we have tea made from tea leaves grown in Okinawa Prefecture, and coffee.
The black tea uses "Benifuki" tea leaves from Okinawa Prefecture, characterized by its gentle aroma and clean aftertaste. The Sanpin tea uses high-grade spring jasmine-scented tea leaves. The coffee beans are from "AGURO ROAST COFFEE" in Yaese Town. It is characterized by its gorgeous aroma and rich, mellow flavor, and it paired very well with the Chinsuko and Hanabouro!

3. Okinawan goods that showcase great taste

The shop is filled with a wide variety of Okinawan artisans' products, including Yachimun pottery, Ryukyu lacquerware, Ryukyu glassware, and other Okinawan goods. Everything is so lovely and cute that you'll want to buy it all. You can also purchase the plates and glasses used in the cafe here.

Each item comes with a description of the maker, allowing you to learn about the place where it's made and the maker's dedication to their craft. If you find an item you like, you can even visit the workshop in person.

In addition to tableware, they also offer kitchen goods such as mini steamers and hand towels, as well as individually packaged sweets. Gift boxes are available, so if you're looking for a stylish Okinawan souvenir, you're sure to find something you like.

4. Access and Business Hours

KOTI, created with the desire to pass on Okinawan traditions and culture, holds workshops irregularly, offering opportunities to learn about the recipes and history of Ryukyuan sweets such as Hanabouru and Chinsuko (check KOTI's official Instagram for details).
Why not relax and experience Okinawan culture in a beautifully renovated old house cafe while enjoying some delicious sweets?