Foreign travelers visit Japan hungry for an exotic taste of tradition gravitas and a healthy dose of the hypermodern bizarre. It is then perhaps only on someone who has been there long enough to exhaust the shrines, ‘manga’ cafes and sushi fests, stuck in the middle of the swirling maze of Tokyo, that a humble craving for ‘home’ suddenly descends. No more green teas, no more geishas in kimonos, all you want is just a good sandwich and coffee.

Such a need struck me one day when I was, of all places, in the heart of Shibuya, one of the trendiest and busiest business and entertainment district in the capital. Where to go for some quiet downtime with a few loose change and a short lunch break? I found my oasis in ‘Gooz’, a conveniently-located café on Meiji Dori.

The coffee drew me in to the back of this bright and breezy shop, tantalizing all the senses. As well as familiar blends such as ‘French roast’ and ‘Kilimanjaro’, you can choose more creatively from ‘Spring Bright’, ‘Summer Shot’, ‘Autumn Breeze’ or ‘Winter Frame’. The coffee grains are on display, and their strengths and characteristics are explained in detail on a chart.

Even in a “Western” eatery, it would be a crime not to incorporate Japanese creativity and diversity. As well as a whole range of your everyday obento, the cheerful bakery offers baskets of mini pain au chocolats, spicy hot dogs and baguettes authentically named ‘garlic france’. I was particularly drawn to the deli counter where you can choose from black vinegar salad, ‘hijiki and kon-nyaku’ salad or ‘chicken and wonton’ salad..

A trip to ‘Gooz’ wouldn’t be complete without buying international treats that are a little more special than your daily shop at the local supermarket. I stacked up on Bonne Maman jam, Walkers shortbread, and a range of Twining tea, as well as European snacks such as ‘Banisen Bambini’ or ‘Quadrini’.

For the New Yorker nostalgic of the local deli or the Brit who misses British radio, ‘Gooz’ provides a vitalizing trip down memory lane and a quick fix of quality coffee.

‘Gooz’ is situated on Meiji-dori, 5 minutes’ walk from Shibuya station, East Exit.