Tel Aviv Café Ko-hi Brings Japanese Precision and Calm to Local Coffee Culture

Ko-hi, a new café in Tel Aviv, offers a unique blend of Japanese culinary values and local urban vibes, focusing on precision, respect for ingredients, and minimalist aesthetics. Founded by Sarvar Golomov, who spent over 13 years in specialty coffee, the café draws inspiration from Japan’s disciplined approach to everyday rituals, especially coffee preparation. Ko-hi’s name means "coffee" in Japanese, reflecting its dedication to authenticity without merely copying Tokyo’s café scene.

The menu at Ko-hi reinterprets traditional Japanese dishes with a fresh twist suited to Tel Aviv’s atmosphere. For example, the tamago sandwich features a soft brioche filled with creamy eggs, cream cheese, kale, and tomato jam, while the dorayaki pancake is reinvented as a fluffy cloud pancake filled with red bean paste, topped with butter, maple syrup, and berries. The café emphasizes high-quality specialty coffee beans sourced globally, highlighting each variety’s unique character from origin to roasting method. Additionally, carefully selected Japanese matcha is served for its balanced flavor profile.

Ko-hi’s interior design mirrors its culinary philosophy, combining clean, minimalist lines with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space aims to be a welcoming spot for morning coffee, brunch, work meetings, or casual breaks. Sarvar Golomov explains that the café’s goal is to honor the Japanese ethos of discipline and respect for materials while adapting it to Tel Aviv’s dynamic culture. Ko-hi demonstrates that inspiration can lead to innovative reinterpretation rather than imitation, bridging the calm of Tokyo with the energy of Tel Aviv.

Ko-hi is located at 155 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv, and invites visitors to experience a refined coffee culture that respects both tradition and local spirit.