01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Clear floral notes rise from the cup to meet the robust character of brewed tea leaves at ORIHŌKA TAPIOCA. Located in Higashi-Ikebukuro, this tea stand looks well beyond standard milk teas, presenting a colourful lineup infused with flowers, fruits, and toasted elements. The signature Osmanthus Oolong Milk Tea is particularly well suited to being ordered iced, where the gentle, sweet perfume of osmanthus blooms effortlessly against the pleasant astringency of oolong and the softness of milk.
Those eager to explore distinctive tea profiles will find plenty to contrast across the menu. Unusual combinations abound, including the Sticky Rice Fragrant Green Milk Tea with its comforting undertones, a White Peach Oolong Milk Tea that highlights juicy fruitiness, and a Lychee Oolong Milk Tea made using hand-peeled fresh lychees. For a creamier, more decadent sip, the Avocado Milk Tea offers a thick, velvety texture, while the Longan Coconut Frappe delivers crisp refreshment by blending the tropical sweetness of longan with coconut in a frozen base.
When you want pure, direct tea depth, the matcha selections stand out. Alongside a balanced classic Matcha Latte that plays subtle bitterness against milk sweetness, the shop brews a Triple Rich Matcha Latte packed with concentrated matcha umami, as well as an icy Matcha Frappe capped with savoury cheese cream. Toppings allow for plenty of customisation: choices include light, snappy white tapioca pearls, chewy matcha warabimochi, and a rich matcha cheese cream that lends every order the feel of a layered dessert.
Inside, the shop features a compact layout with around 2 tables, making it primarily convenient for takeout. Doors stay open until 23:00 from Wednesday through Sunday, and cashless payments via PayPay are accepted. It makes for an easy, tailored beverage stop while wandering Ikebukuro or heading home after work.
