4.5 stars for the unique drinks they offer but also the really good flat white!
With 2 coffee spots in Assembly, you can't go wrong with either one. Even though I do love Stuart (owner and barista at Bulldog) for his vibrant personality, I do love the Tokyo smoke flavour more. Tokyo Smoke shares the bar area on the East side of the Assembly Chef Hall. I love Assembly for bringing together many different cuisines and chefs in one spot. It's long overdue. With Tokyo Smoke continuing to serve great coffee late on Saturday, this also gives another notch above Bulldog.
I find my great spots by talking to the barista but also always ordering my beloved flat white. The service here is really friendly and helpful to describe their famed smokaccino but also seasonal drinks. Just to get this out of the way... Yes Tokyo Smoke also has legal cannibis focused items BUT I'm sticking to my vice of coffee. So if you find yourself all of a sudden crowded by a group of bros fawning over the paraphernalia on the counter... well, now you know why.
Though I didnt get their famous Smokaccino, it was described as a cappuccino with liquid smoke and it creates more of a subtle campfire smell to it. So it creates a warming atmosphere for your mind to be in. Sounds cool... may try it another time.
Flat White - My default favourite to test new places and Tokyo Smoke did a great job. Robust deep flavours that are well balanced with the milk. It's bold without being overpowering. No harsh bitterness noticed and acidity is kept to a minimum... just the way I like it. I feel like it had a bit of dark chocolate notes to it. The latte art wasn't the prettiest but for the flavour, I was very happy with it. Definitely my preferred drink so far from Assembly Chef hall. 4.5/5
Beet Mint Latte - To be instagram ready, grab this drink. It's a vibrant millenial pink drink that uses powdered beets and mint to create a really nice visual pop and minty flavour. I like it a lot. The mint was a natural light mint that wasn't artificial. I felt the beet was more for the visual as I didnt taste any of it. Compared to the StrangeLove beet red velvet latte, the Beet Mint had zero vegetal flavours. For someone who doesnt want any caffeine but a nice warming drink, this would be a nice option. 4/5
Sorry Bulldog coffee but I think Tokyo Smoke just has my type of bold espresso flavours and the unique alternative drinks that will make me order from here again. That being said, you really cant go wrong with either one. They're both great.