#Japan #Tokyo #Specialty Coffee #Urban Coffee Roaster #Gary Au

Urban Coffee Roaster: Bringing Hong Kong's Coffee Culture to Tokyo

Hong Kong's acclaimed specialty coffee brand, Urban Coffee Roaster (UCR), is set to launch its first independent store overseas, titled URBAN COFFEE ROASTER TOKYO, in the upscale Minato district of Tokyo on August 7, 2026. Since its inception in 2014, UCR has carved out a niche for itself by sourcing premium coffees from various regions around the globe and creating meaningful experiences centered around each sip.

A Legacy of Quality and Hospitality

UCR has built a strong coffee culture over the past 12 years in Hong Kong, where it now operates five stores alongside a state-of-the-art roasting facility. The upcoming Tokyo location is not just another café; it aims to bring the brand's dedication to quality and hospitality to Japanese coffee enthusiasts, providing a unique coffee experience driven by rich narratives of each coffee bean’s origin and the stories of the producers behind them.

Experience Beyond Just Coffee

The vision for URBAN COFFEE ROASTER TOKYO goes beyond merely offering exceptional coffee. This café strives to create an immersive environment where customers can enjoy not only the flavors but also understand the backgrounds of the beans, the aspirations of the producers, and the artistry of the baristas. The blend of Hong Kong's culinary traditions with specialty coffee will culminate in a delightful and innovative drink menu tailored for Japanese consumers.

Signature Drinks Inspired by Hong Kong's Culture

Among the exciting offerings at the Tokyo location will be original drinks that reflect distinct elements of Hong Kong's culinary experiences. The Coffee Eggnog, inspired by the traditional egg tart, brings a smooth texture and rich flavor to the forefront, serving as a signature drink for the café. Additionally, Bon Blessing Irish Coffee, reimagined by co-founder Gary Au, pairs the complexity of whiskey with specialty coffee, delivering a truly unique taste. Also on the menu will be Specialty Yuen Yeung, a take on the local tea restaurant staple, tailored through the lens of premium coffee.

The Innovative 2-Way Cup

To further elevate the coffee experience, URBAN COFFEE ROASTER TOKYO will feature the 2-Way Cup, a groundbreaking tasting product designed to allow patrons to experience dual flavors from a single cup. Developed by Gary Au, a champion barista and co-founder, the 2-Way Cup won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award and is celebrated worldwide for enriching the coffee-tasting experience through its unique design.

Celebrating the Grand Opening

To commemorate the grand opening, the cafe will introduce a limited edition model of the 2-Way Cup, named Ginkgo Tokyo Opening Edition, inspired by the ginkgo trees lining the street outside the store. The grand opening event will be held on August 7, 2026, starting at 10 AM, and will feature tastings of UCR's signature coffees, providing attendees with an immersive introduction to the UCR world.

Meet Gary Au

Gary Au embodies the spirit of UCR as its joint founder, green bean buyer, and champion barista. His extensive knowledge and experience in the specialty coffee industry shine through in his dedication to sustainable coffee culture and quality enhancement. As a representative for Hong Kong in various international competitions, Au has consistently pushed the boundaries of coffee artistry and is devoted to forging connections with producers around the world. He will be present at the opening to serve special cups personally to customers, making the experience even more memorable.

Store Information

• - Store Name: URBAN COFFEE ROASTER TOKYO
• - Grand Opening Date: August 7, 2026
• - Location: 2-11-14 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• - Seating Capacity: 20
• - Instagram: @urbancoffeeroaster.jp

As URBAN COFFEE ROASTER expands its horizons, coffee lovers in Japan can look forward to an extraordinary journey that marries quality, culture, and innovation, offering a new chapter in the specialty coffee world.