Tan Tan Coffee Shop

21.10.11. Peaceful 2nd visit

Brought mom decade ago.
An rare elegant peaceful place to
escape and zone out.

Cheadtnut dessert
Very tasty
Not overly sweet (vs red bean)
Creamy chestnut paste piped on top of
Cream center
Complimented the matcha I ordered

Matcha set
Matcha presented in a artisanal bowl
Red bean dessert
More sweeter than the chestnut dessert

Civilized mild conversations (patrons)
Can be quiet (solo guest)
Proper clients (ah rare in cafe/coffee shops)

Reminds me of old world European Style cafe
on Japan or Europe, seen on NHK TV.

Observation:
Regular clientes
(wonder mall/local business staff?)

Old World charm
Japanese service
Qaint
Elegant plates

I WOULD had visited here more often ... But
Small place ... Filled up often
(This visit was late weekday afternoon)
Took a day off ... Hence this opportunity.

If you want a place that is nice and cozy to pass the time or catch up with an old friend this is the place. The proprietor is very kind and the drinks are good.

It is not the type of place where people get out their laptops, which makes it a great alternative meeting spot to some of the more corporate semi-coworking coffee shops in the area where anyone in your industry might be listening in on your conversations.

Upper level of the mall. Small place - There's like 5 tables that each seat two and then 3-5 stool seats at the bar - so could be a cute and intimate sitting. Not for people who talk loudly lol

Ordered the Japanese matsu cha - presentation is cute but overall expensive and not worth the money. Would much rather go to boba guys for their strawberry matcha and get more volume of drink AND better taste for same price

I would say the only reason to come here is if you're REALLY into supporting small mom and pop shops. Otherwise, don't go out of your way

A delightful tea and coffee shop. Located in the mall in Japan town, this sweet shop has about five tables and five countertop seats. We came in on a rainy day which felt like the perfect ambiance to enjoy some hot tea. We ordered the Earl Gray which was perfectly seeped and served in an elegant tea pot. The owner was so kind and helpful, as she quickly brought the tea over. We felt that the price is justified by the location and coziness of the shop. I can't wait to be back soon and try the rest of the teas. Best of luck to this business and it's owner!

This tiny shop is absolutely adorable. It's in the middle of a very busy part of Japantown. But it's quite expensive for what you are getting. Each drink was about $7 because rent isn't cheap? I got the coffee float which had ice cream in a cup of coffee but it wasn't very impressive The presentation is really cute and it's a nice spot to sit and get away from the hustle and bustle around it but it's very small and has very limited seating. I don't think this is somewhere I would return for the taste or convenience because the price is too steep for what you are receiving. But the cups and plates are cute and the lady who served us was kind.

The iced tea is smooth and refreshing, the Vienna coffee is rich, and the cheesecake is soft and delicious. The decor helped my wife and I relax, especially when the bottom door is closed and it feels like a hidey hole away from the world.

Definitely check this place out!

I found this to be a cute hole in the wall tea place with fine china teacups. Tan Tan feels homey, cozy, and like it's stuck in time in the ever busy and trendy Japan center.

Looking at pictures at Yelp I had wanted to try other offerings here. I've come back no less than 5 separate times since and every time it's closed. The phone rings and rings during business hours with no one answering or a machine picking up. I thought it might just have gone out of business but I asked some other business around and the general consensus was 'sometimes she opens, sometimes she doesn't, sometimes she just opens up later or closes earlier'. I find that to be a really weird way to run a business. It's disappointing because it's very cute and one of the few places that has whisked ceremonial matcha tea (most places just do a latte with pre-sweetened powder).

If already in Japan Center it might be worth checking out. If they are closed and you are looking for a ceremonial matcha tea fix Kisako downstairs has that as well as there is some new place downstairs that has matcha frozen desserts.

Quaint place in a bustling area mainly due to that it's generally empty. It is cash only though.

One of my favorite cafes in Japantown. This cafe serves full teapots of tea, coffee, and a variety of desserts. They have about six to eight Japanese teas. My favorites being the matcha and hojicha. The hojicha comes in a teapot with a with an adorable teacup and the matcha comes in a traditional Japanese tea cup and includes a traditional dessert with beans. The coloration of the cups and the entire spot has a Victorian style that allows you to feel like you've stepped back in time upon visiting this place.
The desserts are also impressive. Initially when I saw the term parfait I was assuming it was just going to be a boring mix of items, but I was wrong. The parfait I purchased had kiwi, strawberry and oranges in whipped cream mixed throughout layers of green tea ice cream. It was a flavor filled extravaganza on my tongue and totally worth the wait.
A few final tips about this location is that it's not always open when Yelp says it will be. I always look to see if the half door is open when I visit Japantown and if I'm lucky like Alice in Wonderland follow the teas and crumpets to a delightful tea experience. Also, it's not a big place so I'd say it's good for groups under 5 as there are only about 16-20 seats in the entire place.

I would come here again for the delicious coffee but not for the atmosphere. It left a strange impression on me. My friend and I almost didn't come here initially because it looked closed. Upon closer examination, the top part of the front door was open, but the bottom was closed. No customers were inside, and the older lady who supposedly runs the place was not very inviting. We entered the coffeeshop anyways because we needed caffeine and Yelp said it was legit.

Talk about wanting to get away from the tourist scene! Felt like walking into another world with all the cute furniture and delicate-looking chinaware. It was difficult to communicate with the older lady, but we managed to order a Vienna coffee and Cappuccino. The drinks were amazing, and it really was a good way to get away from the rest of Japantown and take a break. This is not your usual cafe but conveniently located for your next caffeine fix!