Embark on a Flavorful Journey through Shizuoka with “Japanese Tea Confectionery store, Conche”, the Tea Confectioner: Elevating the Fusion of Chocolate and Japanese Tea【Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture】

While mass-produced goods dominate the market, there’s a rising interest in small-batch products that prioritize raw materials and handmade craftsmanship, often referred to as ‘craft’ or ‘artisanal’ goods. Consumers increasingly value quality over quantity, leading to a surge in demand for these meticulously crafted items. This trend extends to the world of chocolate.
In this context, we ventured to “Tea Confectionery store, Conche”, a renowned chocolatier nestled within Shimizu S-Pulse Dream Plaza. Here, the art of pairing tea and chocolate has captured the attention of Shizuoka’s tea enthusiasts.

This article delves into the allure of Tea Confectionery store, Conche’s tea and chocolate pairings, exploring how they not only tantalize the taste buds but also serve as a vehicle for showcasing the unique charms of Shizuoka. Through an interview with Katsunori Tanaka, chocolatier and representative director of Conche, we uncover the passion behind the creation of these delectable treats and the mission to promote Shizuoka’s appeal through chocolate craftsmanship.

Introducing Japanese Tea Confectionery store, Conche

“Tea Confectionery store, Conche” is a cozy café that debuted on October 27, 2023, nestled on the ground floor of S-Pulse Dream Plaza in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City. Serving as the second branch of Conche, renowned for its artisanal chocolate craftsmanship, the café extends the brand’s legacy from its original craft chocolate shop located in Hitoyado-cho, Shizuoka City.

At the flagship store, Conche specializes in craft chocolate, following a meticulous process from sourcing cocoa beans, the fundamental raw material for chocolate, to roasting and shaping them into delectable chocolate bars. This establishment adheres to the Bean to Bar approach, renowned for its dedication to every step of the chocolate-making journey.

▲ Situated on Hitoyado-cho Ninjo Street in Shizuoka City, the first Conche shop finds its place among a charming array of specialty stores.

Conche’s chocolates have garnered widespread acclaim, notably securing the prestigious Gold Award at the 2021-2022 International Chocolate Awards ASIA-Pacific.

Moreover, since 2021, Conche has been a consistent presence at the renowned Isetan Shinjuku shop during the Salon du Chocolat, drawing attention not only for its exceptional quality but also for its diverse product range. This includes over a dozen varieties of chocolates crafted from Shizuoka ingredients, showcased during the Valentine’s Day event.

▲ At the 2021-22 Convention, Mr. Tanaka (far right) introduced and retailed a diverse range of craft chocolates to Asia. In the accompanying image, Mr. Tanaka is pictured with friends at Cult de Choco.

The interior of the shop exudes a stylish ambiance with white as its primary color scheme. Every detail, from the counters and tables to the café plates, is meticulously crafted with lumber from the local mountains, offering a tactile connection to the lush natural surroundings of Shizuoka.

The café’s interior beautifully captures the essence of nature amidst the bustling city center, with views of the sea visible from its windows.

Additionally, an entrance on the Marine Park (sea) side allows patrons to grab their drink to go and venture out onto the deck to relish the invigorating sea breeze.

The shop features chic illustrations and an array of books on display, offering insights into the art of chocolate appreciation, along with intriguing tidbits about its origins. Adding to the ambiance, authentic cocoa beans, in their raw form before their transformation into chocolate, creatively showcased as part of the interior decor.

▲ The logo, featuring the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji, mirrors the vibrant hue of the torii gate at Sengen Shrine. Interestingly, it was meticulously painted by a skilled lacquer artist who contributed to the shrine’s renovation.

The shelves boast an extensive selection, offering not only traditional flavored chocolates but also a diverse range of options, including chocolates showcasing distinct flavors from various cocoa-producing regions. Moreover, there are creatively crafted chocolates infused with local Shizuoka specialties, alongside delectable baked goods and more. Visitors can browse these offerings to find the perfect gifts and souvenirs to suit any occasion.

An Introduction to the Menu at “Tea Confectionery store, Conche”

Conche takes pride in crafting original handmade chocolates, starting from the fine cocoa beans and meticulously attending to every step, from roasting to conching, and selecting the perfect sugar types and proportions. In their commitment to quality and purity, they refrain from using any additives such as flavorings or emulsifiers, ensuring a safe and authentic chocolate experience.

Here’s a glimpse of the café menu at “Tea Confectionery store, Conche”, where some of their delectable offerings are available for enjoyment on-site.

Ochanotomo Set(Japanese tea pairing set)

Experience our Ochanotomo set, a curated pairing of Conche’s artisanal cacao sweets with authentic Japanese tea. This unique fusion showcases the interplay of cocoa flavors with the gentle aroma of Japanese tea, offering a diverse range of experiences. From accentuating the bouquet to adding depth to the flavor, each pairing unveils a fresh perspective, creating a delightful harmony that only pairing can achieve.

Select 1-3 delectable sweets from their enticing counter display. Pair your chosen treats with a carefully selected Japanese tea from our collection, which includes sencha, Japanese black tea, hojicha, and varietal tea.

(*During your visit, the counter may showcase tantalizing options such as dorayaki, cacao monaka, cacao madeleines, gateau chocolat, and hojicha chiffon, with seasonal variations in the lineup).

In the Ochanotomo set, dedicated staff meticulously brew the first cup of tea for you. For subsequent servings, help yourself to refills from pots brimming with four distinct Shizuoka tea varieties.

▲To preserve the quality without compromise, glass thermos bottles instead of stainless steel are utilized to store their teas. Additionally, during the warmer months, they offer refreshing cold tea options.

So why not savor the delightful aromas of their teas while contemplating the local landscape and the dedication of those who cultivated the ingredients?

Cacao Region Selection: A Comparative Chocolate Tasting Journey Across 8 Regions.

Indulge in this set of mini-sized chocolates crafted from cocoa beans sourced from diverse regions such as Tanzania, India, Grenada, Haiti, Brazil, Ghana, Venezuela, Belize, and Ecuador. Each bite offers a unique glimpse into the distinct flavor profiles of cocoa cultivated in these regions. Prepare to be amazed by the rich tapestry of chocolate’s global heritage with every delectable mouthful.

Conche’s Shizuoka Selection Chocolate Comparison

This exquisite set features eight distinct chocolate varieties that artfully blend cacao with ingredients sourced from Shizuoka’s abundant natural landscape. Delight in the Ghana Cacao x Arashio Chocolate, combining Ghana cacao with large grains of Suruga Bay deep water salt. Or savor the unique flavors of the Suruga Bay Specialty Sakuraebi Soy Sauce Chocolate, crafted with Sakuraebi and re-fermented soy sauce from a renowned Shizuoka soy sauce brewery.

Discover other enticing offerings like the Shizuoka mandarin orange dried fruit chocolate, Yaizu Marineage chocolate, and strawberry chocolate. Each creation boasts seemingly unconventional pairings yet delivers a delicate and precisely balanced taste experience.

In addition to its renowned craft chocolates, the first Conche shop offers an array of tempting options, including cocoa drinks and coffee.

Interview: A Fusion of Japanese Tea and Chocolate at “Japanese Tea Confectionery store, Conche”

We caught up with Katsunori Tanaka, the managing director of Conche, to delve into the world where Japanese tea meets chocolate.

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The Distinctive Appeal of Conche: A Tea Confectionery Embracing Shizuoka’s Local Flavors

–Could you introduce “Tea Confectionery store, Conche” to us?

“Tea Confectionery store, Conche” is a café that provides a unique pairing experience, combining “sweets crafted with cacao infused with ingredients sourced from Shizuoka” and “Japanese tea.” It stands as the second establishment of Conche, a craft chocolate shop nestled in Hitoyado-cho, Shizuoka City.

–How does the second shop at Shimizu S-Pulse Dream Plaza differ from the original one in Hitoyado-cho?

The initial establishment, Conche, focuses on crafting artisanal chocolates, delivering a lavish chocolate indulgence that accentuates the essence of cocoa. Here, chocolates and baked treats like terrine chocolates and sablés are meticulously created using cocoa beans sourced from various regions.

▲Inside Conche, the craft chocolate shop located in Hitoyado-cho.

The second shop, “Tea Confectionery store, Conche”, provides a delightful fusion of chocolate and Japanese tea, crafted with the expertise of a skilled chocolatier.

▲Expanding their offerings beyond the chocolate and Japanese tea pairing experience, we proudly present an array of tantalizing tea sweets, refreshing drinks, and indulgent parfaits crafted with the finest ingredients sourced from Shizuoka.

–The name Conche is quite charming.

Indeed, it holds significance in the chocolate-making process. Conching is a crucial step where chocolate undergoes refinement post-mixing, enhancing its flavor. The machine employed for this refinement is known as a ‘conche’.

The name encapsulates our pursuit of crafting exceptional chocolate, universally enjoyable to all who taste it.

–So, the name “Tea Confectionery store, Conche” reflects the shop’s focus on pairing chocolate with Japanese tea, particularly highlighting Shizuoka’s specialty.

The Ochanotomo set(Japanese tea pairing set), a delightful creation born from a chocolatier’s journey of trial and error.

–We’ve encountered sweets and chocolates made with tea in the past, but the pairing of tea as a drink and chocolate is rare.

That’s correct. We’ve explored various original products featuring Shizuoka ingredients. However, while there have been limited edition items highlighting Shizuoka tea, regular offerings have been scarce. The challenge was in crafting something truly satisfying.

How do we effectively convey the allure of tea? As a chocolatier, I embarked on numerous experiments and trials, leading to the creation of our brewed ‘tea’ and chocolate pairing, the Ochanotomo set.

The showcase boasts a variety of sweets, each thoughtfully designed to pair effortlessly with tea. No matter which combination you select, you’re in for a delightful pairing experience.

For a truly distinctive pairing experience, we suggest the ‘Chocolate and Japanese Tea’ pairing set. Each selection in this set has been meticulously curated by myself, with utmost confidence in my ability as a chocolatier.

–Well, the sensation of the chocolate flavor melding seamlessly with the tea aroma is undeniably delightful.

At “Tea Confectionery store, Conche”, our collaboration with the tea industry extends beyond these pairings. We’re exploring several other initiatives as well.

Initiatives to Recycle Chocolate Production Waste as Fertilizer for Tea Gardens.

One such initiative involves recycling chocolate production waste as fertilizer for tea gardens. As you may know, chocolate production leaves behind unused cocoa husks. These husks, often discarded, are collected by us at Conche and repurposed as organic fertilizer for tea farmers. It’s our small contribution to sustainability and nurturing the tea industry we cherish.

▲ While there may be slight variations based on region and scale, processing 100 kg of cocoa beans typically yields around 30 kg of husks and other unused parts.

–Do you utilize chocolate production waste as fertilizer for your tea plantations?

Absolutely. Analysis on the composition of cocoa husks also found them to be excellent animal feed. It’s rewarding to repurpose waste and reduce disposal costs.

Additionally, we integrate tea technology into our chocolate-making processes for added innovation.

▲Combining cacao husks with compost not only helps to suppress odors but also contributes to the pleasant aroma of the tea plantation.

Innovation in Cocoa Bean Roasting by Repurposing a (Tea leaf finishing )Roaster

Typically, cocoa beans undergo roasting in ovens or coffee roasters. However, at Conche, a unique approach is taken, utilizing a far-infrared tea-finishing roaster originally designed for tea leaves.

–Are you using a tea leaf roaster to roast cocoa beans?

Yes, indeed. Previously, Conche relied on ovens for cocoa bean roasting. However, the inconsistent heat distribution often resulted in a loss of flavor clarity. In our quest for precision, we explored alternative methods and found that a tea roasting machine might offer the finesse needed for delicate roasting.

Hence, we embarked on a learning journey, visiting various tea shops, including Yamanashi Shoten renowned for its hojicha, to gain insights into fire-roasting machines and tea.

After conducting numerous tests on the far-infrared tea finishing roaster for cocoa bean roasting, I finally achieved the delicate and satisfactory roasting I had been aiming for. The machine was installed and became operational in 2017.

I believe that this roasting machine not only enables me to achieve the desired roasting profile but also offers potential for further refinement and enhancement.

–So, Conche collaborates extensively with the tea industry, beyond just pairings.

“Japanese Tea Confectionery store, Conche” Offers a Relaxed Environment Where you can Indulge in Craft Chocolates and Serves as a Gateway to Exploring the Diverse Flavors of Shizuoka.

–My first encounter with craft chocolates was at “Tea Confectionery store, Conche”. I found them remarkably accessible.

I’m delighted to hear that. Craft chocolates often cater to discerning consumers who prioritize quality. Consequently, their flavors can sometimes be acquired tastes, appealing more to connoisseurs. However, Conche strives to craft chocolates that are enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or expertise.

–Maintaining a low threshold and reaching out to many people is a priority embraced by numerous tea shops.

Engaging directly with customers during daily operations is crucial. Likewise, having a hands-on approach on the production floor while maintaining a managerial perspective is essential. My goal is to strike a balance between these aspects and become a chocolatier who embodies this harmony.

S-Pulse Dream Plaza, home to Conche, serves as a focal point in Shizuoka, attracting tourist buses and luxury cruise ships. During holidays, everyone yearns to savor the local delicacies. I believe it’s Conche’s mission to fulfill this longing.

Indulge in the flavors of Shizuoka at “Tea Confectionery store, Conche”!

Information of “Tea Confectionery store, Conche”

Address	1F SEA side, S-Pulse Dream Plaza, 13-15 Irifune-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 424-0942
Website	https://shop.conche.net/
Phone number	+81 54-397-2900
E-money and credit cards	Available
Open	10.00am – 8.00pm.
Closed	None
Parking lot	Yes (Espals Dream Plaza parking lot).
Access	From Tomei Shimizu I.C., 10 mins on Shimizu Marine Road.

 

Writer	Norikazu Iwamoto
Career	Ochatimes chief editer. Meeting with Vice Governor of Shizuoka prefecture. Judge of Shizuoka 100 tea’s award in 2021~23. Ocha Times link introduced at website of World O-CHA(Tea) Festival 2022, Tea Science Center, The City of Green Tea Shizuoka,  Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

 

English translator	Calfo Joshua
Career	Born and raised in England, living in Japan since 2016. Studying arboriculture in Shizuoka Prefecture whilst operating his landscape business Calfo Forestry. Appreciating the nature of Japan and the culture that places such importance in it.