Review: Cafe Kawaii, a bubble tea and art toy gem on London Road

Cafe Kawaii is a delightful splash of colour and charm on London Road. I believe this review is timed perfectly to celebrate their first birthday, and what a year it has been for this wonderful little store.

My first impression, and one that has lasted over dozens of visits, is of a place with a huge heart. Google Maps rightly points out that it is a female-owned business and LGBTQI+ friendly, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere. It’s a small place, but it’s packed with personality.

The Bubble Tea

Let’s be clear, while it’s called a cafe, Cafe Kawaii is a bubble tea and collectables store. And it serves what I consider to be my favourite bubble tea in all of Edinburgh.

The drinks are a perfect blend of a sweet treat and a texture sensation. You can choose from milky teas or fruity concoctions, both brimming with tasty additions like tapioca balls. The service is always quick, the drinks are fairly priced, and they are consistently delicious. For me, it’s the perfect refreshment when I’m on a long walk.

What truly sets them apart is the thoughtful details. Your drink comes in a cute cup with moulded cat ears for a lid. This is a welcome change from other places that vacuum-seal your drink in layers of plastic and challenge you to pierce it with a flimsy straw. Cafe Kawaii also offers a simple loyalty card; a full card gets you a free drink. I’ve filled up several, which tells you just how often I visit.

The Collectibles

Beyond the excellent drinks, Cafe Kawaii has carved out a special niche as a collectables store. As a pin badge collector, I’ve found some great additions here, but that’s just the start. The shop is filled with adorably cute plush toys that could test the willpower of even a nearly 50-year-old man.

The store’s true passion is for art toys. Recently, the world went wild for Labubu dolls, and Cafe Kawaii was the local answer for a global craze. The owner, a fan herself, was ahead of the curve. She had already sourced authentic, original dolls, and the city’s collectors quickly found out. This isn’t just a shop; it’s a hub for a community of fans.

This popularity means the wee store can get busy. I have queued outside for my bubble tea, which is something I rarely do. The fact that I, and many others, are willing to wait speaks volumes about the quality of what’s on offer. The shop’s perfect 5 out of 5 score on Google Maps is a rare and remarkable achievement, and it is entirely deserved.

Things to do near the City Centre

Cafe Kawaii is conveniently located on London Road, a short walk from the top of Leith Walk and the east end of the City Centre.

The area is a great base for exploring. You are right next to the Edinburgh Playhouse for hit shows and musicals. For a panoramic view of the city, a walk up Calton Hill is a must. Transport is easy, with Edinburgh Waverley train station a 15-minute walk away, putting the rest of the UK within reach. You can check timetables and book tickets with TheTrainLine.

If you’re visiting the city, there are plenty of accommodation options. You can find unique holiday lets and apartments through sites like VRBO, offering a more local experience.

Overall

Cafe Kawaii is a fantastic independent business that brings a unique energy to the city. It’s more than just a place to get a drink; it’s a passion project that excels in its niche, serving up superb bubble tea and curating a wonderful selection of collectables. It’s a place run by fans, for fans, and that authenticity shines through.

It is, without a doubt, a 5/5 experience and a business I hope goes from strength to strength in its second year.