Effy Feng is passionate about coffee and showcasing the relaxed lifestyle she embodies at Nichi. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Do you ever feel like the pace of modern life is running you ragged? Perhaps you find it difficult to take time for a breather? Or, like me, you are constantly busy and on the go? A little piece of Kyoto calm has landed in Kingston with minimalist-chic cafe Nichi opening recently on Jardine Street.
Owners Effy Feng and Rong Ji wanted to share their love of Japanese aesthetics, coffee culture and a more relaxed lifestyle. The pair (originally from China) moved to Tasmania six years ago, and very recently relocated to Canberra to be close to family. They opened Nichi in late October.
“We like to share this lifestyle. And we like it here in Canberra: everyone is so friendly,” Effy told Region.
“We want people to enjoy daily life, chill, and focus on oneself … a slow and calm space for the community.”
The design at Nichi is sleek, simple, and stunning. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Nichi translates to sun or day in Japanese, and the shopfront is in a lovely leafy spot in Kingston, which basks in the morning sun.
Although simple, the design of Nichi is full of quiet touches that elevate it from merely sparse to minimalist-chic: a blue bench seat next to the central table offering contrast to the warm wood tones, a scattering of aesthetic Japanese magazines and books on coffee, and the two retail shelves showcasing homewares and bags of coffee.
The Japanese cups and plates are from the contemporary porcelain brand 1616, based in Arita, Japan. Effy tells me artisans in Japan make the pieces, all people they know. It’s a brand they love, and so they’ve taken the opportunity to share it with their customers.
Japanese ceramics by 1616 Arima adorn the shelves at Nichi. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Effy’s enthusiasm also extends to Sonoma Bakery, whose pastries are sold in-store. Effy pulls out a book published around eight years ago featuring some of the world’s best bakeries, including Sonoma. After reading about them, she was delighted to discover that Sonoma had a location in her new home of Canberra.
Effy and Rong are currently using coffee beans from Hobart, but hope to use Kyoto-roasted coffee in future. Apparently, Japanese coffee roasters favour a lighter roast, which brings out different flavours in the coffee.
Nichi has also become a favourite among green tea lovers for its hand-whisked matcha and hojicha (toasted matcha) lattes. Although the day I visited, they were out of matcha, waiting for a new delivery from their suppliers in Kyoto.
Sip your coffee and watch the world go by at Nichi. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
As the morning sun slanted through the window just so, I perched on a wooden stool and sipped my coffee from a lovely cup, listening to the lo-fi beats and humming of coffee shop activity.
And, breathe…
Nichi is located at Shop 3/22 Jardine Street, Kingston. They are open from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm Tuesday to Friday, 7.30 am to 2 pm on Saturday, and 8 am to 1 pm on Sunday. Follow Nichi on Instagram.
