CAFE SCHAFT

Stroll down a quiet backstreet in Minamishinagawa and you will come upon CAFE SCHAFT, an unassuming yet welcoming neighborhood cafe. The main draw here is the lineup of sweet potato confections, led by tsubo-yaki imo—sweet potatoes slow-roasted inside large ceramic pots to coax out their natural sugars. You can enjoy them piping hot, or opt to have them served chilled during warmer months, sliced in half or into rounds to your preference. Adding melted butter and salt, or pairing the potato with light milk espuma and caramel sauce, transforms the humble root vegetable into a rich, composed dessert.

Shaved Ice Layering Rich Warmth and Cool Texture

Another house specialty not to miss is the shaved ice. The popular Tsubo Imo Brûlée Shaved Ice combines the concentrated sweetness of pot-roasted sweet potato with the caramelized crunch of a brûléed crust, served alongside a cup of hojicha roasted green tea to cleanse the palate. Other variations include matcha with roasted soybean flour (kinako), pumpkin with nuts, and rotating seasonal fruit creations. For families visiting with children of elementary school age or younger, there is also a vibrant Rainbow Shaved Ice topped with marshmallows and colorful syrups.

Relaxed Breaks with Sweet Potato Drinks

For an afternoon pause, smooth beverages such as sweet potato milk and sweet potato lattes offer a gentle alternative to standard cafe fare. The sweet potato milk can be topped with cinnamon at no extra charge, accentuating the sweet root flavor whether ordered hot or iced. With sweet potato affogato finished in your choice of sauce—such as espresso or caramel—alongside Taiwanese teas served with hot water refills and standard espresso drinks, the menu easily adapts to any time of day. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, making the cafe a convenient stop to pick up takeout on a walk or settle in for an unhurried dessert.