Miche Miche

Afternoon Tea In Japan!

You heard right my friends! Afternoon tea! This quintessentially English tradition has found itself a little home right here on Okinawa! Intrigued? Let me tell you more.

Miche Miche Cafe is a small, cozy establishment sited amongst a residential locale in the Hiyagon area of the Island. A hidden gem. It’s an 11 minute drive from the Chatan area, past Rycom’s Aeon Mall. Parking is limited, sadly, but there are public parking areas only a short walk away if you find the front area full up. Open from 11.00 am until 9.00 pm, there’s plenty of opportunity to try them out. Inside is ultra clean, fairly modern, and with a relaxing atmosphere. staff are warm and welcoming. The decor is muted, with a European feel. You could be sat in a cafe in Paris for all you know!

They have several options, but I went there specifically to try out the afternoon tea. I’m English, typically so, and I love nothing more than a great cup of tea and some nibbles! So, how well can Japan emulate this very British tradition? Firstly, a little background. Afternoon tea is a tradition dating back to the 19th century, around the time Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, started to take a mid afternoon snack with tea in her boudoir. During this period of history, it was common to only take two meals per day. Later, friends were invited to join her, proving so popular, she took the practice back with her to London. Today, afternoon tea is somewhat of a novelty for tourists and visitors to England! It’s not really something you’d associate with Japan, yet here we are! And disappointed we are not!

Miche Miche have nailed it. At only 1000 yen per person, you have a choice of teas (or coffee), including Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and breakfast, which is served in a traditional ceramic pot, tea bag brewing. You also get with this eight finger sandwiches (cucumber, egg and ham, all fresh and delicious), a side salad (a small dish containing potato salad and fresh leaves, crisp and delightful), two small slices of fruit (kiwi and grapefruit), two slices of cake (apple and tiramisu), and a butter scone, complete with clotted cream and preserve. It was wonderful! I felt right at home! Everything tasted great. The scone was so very close to the type you find pretty much everywhere in England, with the clotted cream tasting like it came straight out of Cornwall! (a county in England synonymous with making clotted cream). I opted for Earl Grey, a rich, fragrant blend. Add a dash of milk and enjoy not only the taste, but the aroma. The pots were a fair size, I managed to get 4 or 5 cups from it. Surprisingly, it was very filling, though a quick glance over the pastry counter could have convinced me I was still peckish! You don’t get to choose what comes out, but if you have any dietary needs, I’m sure they can accommodate.

The pastry counter is awash with sweet treats, and are inexpensive, so if you do find yourself a bit hungry still, you can always indulge! I didn’t, this time, but it gives me an excuse to go back and sample more of their delights.

So if you’re looking for something a little different, I highly recommend a visit!

Price: Afternoon tea is 1000 yen per person, other options available.

Accepts: Yen only