REC COFFEE could very well be the first cafe I visited in Fukuoka, and it is probably one of the city’s most recognisable coffee names.
The brand began in 2008 as a modest mobile coffee truck in Hakata, operated by Yoshikazu Iwase and Osamu Kitazoe.
At that time, the concept of speciality coffee was still relatively new in the city.
The two founders wanted to bring high-quality beans and expert brewing techniques directly to the people.
This eventually led to the opening of several permanent REC COFFEE locations across Fukuoka, as well as expansion into Tokyo and Taiwan.
The coffee menu is designed to highlight the unique characteristics of different beans.
Because the baristas are trained to a high standard, there is a level of consistency that is hard to find elsewhere.
Coffee options include REC Coffee Latte (¥580), Cappuccino (¥550), Americano (¥560 to ¥660), Espresso (¥440), and “arranged lattes” such as Hazelnut Latte (¥650), Vanilla Latte (¥650), Caramel Latte (¥650), and Honey Latte (¥650).
The signature Hakata Blend is often the first choice for many, providing a balanced flavour that works well in a flat white or a latte.
This medium roast offers caramel-like sweetness, balanced by a refreshing citrus acidity with a pleasant aroma of roasted nuts.
Food-wise, the selection is relatively small but focuses on items that complement a caffeine fix, such as Hot Dog with onion mustard (¥770), Reuben Sandwich (¥790), and Thick Honey Toast with coffee soft cream (¥880).
The dessert counter offers a small but well-judged range of cakes, including Unbaked Cheesecake topped with blueberries (¥520), Chocolate Cake with espresso notes (¥470), and Strawberry Shortcake made with Kyushu strawberries (¥620).
I decided to go for the Kyushu Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc (¥640), featuring finely piped marron cream layered over a custard-filled tart base.
Other than the Tenjin outlet, the Hakata Marui location offers a particularly impressive view of the busy station area, making it a popular spot for people-watching.
REC COFFEE Tenjinminami
Hotel the Park 1F, 5 Chome-1-19 Watanabedori, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0004, Japan
福岡県福岡市中央区渡辺通5-1-19 ホテルザパーク1F
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Thu, Sun), 10am – 12am (Fri – Sat)
Google Maps – Rec Coffee Tenjinminami
REC COFFEE Hakata Marui Shop
Hakata Marui 1F, 9-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture 812-0012, Japan
福岡県福岡市博多区博多駅中央街9-1 博多マルイ1F
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – REC COFFEE Hakata Marui Shop
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