A Historical and Unique Coffee Experience in Osaka – Zeroku Hommachi

On a recent trip to Osaka, Japan, I wanted to find some good coffee in the morning. I ended at at a very unique, and turns out, historical, place – Zeroku Hommachi. Apparently, there are more than one location, but the one I went to was at 1 Chome-3-22 Honmachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0053. According to the info I found, the place started in 1913 as a rice cracker manufacturer. Stepping in, was like stepping back in history:

The menu was simple and focused:

So what was so great about this place? They served something called Monaka with the coffee. Basically, its the rice crackers they were originally known for, with vanilla ice cream inside. Kind of like an ice cream sandwich, but not too sweet, and with more lightness from the crisp rice crackers (they are crisp but also soft once bitten into, you have to just experience it for yourself). They are the perfect compliment to the coffee:

While I was there, I saw the staff wrapping multiple monakas in newspaper, presumably for to go or pick up orders. They place is popular and I can see why. I wanted another, but I held back. I would go back and highly recommend.