7 Sweet Fluffy Breads to Have in Tokyo
Who can say no to buns filled with red bean paste and fresh whipped cream. Although the staple here in Japan is rice, Japan is also known for coming up with really yummy buns. Here we've compiled a list of the best sweet buns that will make your day sweeter.
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1. Hattendo's Cream Buns
The cream is light and the buns are soft and fluffy. Without even realizing it, you probably have gobbled down 2 already. These creams buns were originally created in Hiroshima and they come in chocolate and strawberry flavors too. Sometimes, they'll come up with special seasonal flavors as well. You can find Hattendo in most major department stores and train stations. The latter is undeniably convenient while you are changing trains.
HP: hattendo.jp/cream-buns%EF%BC%88english%EF%BC%89/
Address: Keiyo Street (within JR Tokyo station's Yaesu South Exit), 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)
2. Matoba's Red Bean Paste Buns (Anpan)
Matoba started off first as a red bean paste manufacturer and then slowly they started specializing in making red bean paste buns. Now, they sell more than 20 different types of red bean paste buns. Besides using red bean paste, some of their buns feature pumpkin or chestnut filling. Nobody can deny how delicious the buns are at Matoba. 。
HP: tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131102/13003761/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 3-3-2 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)
3. St. Marc Cafe's Chocolate Croissants
cozymax/FlickrThis cafe is very well known for their chocolate croissants which is fondly known and called as choco-cro. Take a bite of their crispy croissant and let the bitter chocolate filling melt in your mouth. Every Japanese knows about these yummy choco-cros and you can find this cafe quite easily in Tokyo. Nothing should stop you from getting these yummy croissants.
HP: www.saint-marc-hd.com/cafe/menu/sc-bread.shtml (Japanese Only)
Address: 1-4-17 Kichijoji Honmachi, Musashino City, Tokyo (Google Map)
4. Takano Fruit Parlor's Fruit Sandwiches
Takano is a well known fruit shop and it wouldn't be all that surprising for them to come up with this unique fruit sandwich. The sandwich is filled with yummy fresh fruit pieces and fresh whipped cream. Their fruit sandwiches come with a side of yoghurt. This dish would truly make your lunches sweeter.
Address: 5th Flr., 3-26-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)
5. Kagetsudo's Jumbo Melon Pan
No melons were hurt in this making. This yummy bun is named melon pan because its comes out looking like a cantaloupe. Cookie crumbs are actually sprinkled on top and baked along with the dough to create the cantaloupe pattern. It's a super popular bun in Japan and this store offers one that is bigger than the size of your face. There are only 2000 of such freshly baked jumbo melon pans! So, you might want to come early cause they get sold off pretty fast.
HP: www.asakusa-kagetudo.com/modules/pico/index.php?content_id=1 (Japanese Only)
Address: 2-2-10 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)
6. Yakumo's Mushipan (Steamed Buns)
Way before ovens were introduced in Japan, we had mushipan (steamed buns). This store reminds us of the good old days with their yummy steamed buns. There are plenty of flavors available from chocolate to savory ones like ham and corn. Everybody loves the fluffiness of these buns. There are also steamed doughnuts here that are made of rice flour. The doughnuts here are popular among those who are into eating healthier.
HP: yakumo-mushipan.info (Japanese Only)
Address: 1st. Flr. Okura Mansion, 3-6-22 Yakumo, Meguro Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)
7. Yoshida Pan's Kogepan
Kogepan refers to buns that are slightly charred on top and Yoshida Pan specializes in kogepan. There are about 30 different types of kogepan here with all sorts of yummy fillings. The most popular one would have to be the margarine-honey kogepan. For a more Japanese flavor, we would recommend the black-bean-kinako kogepan which is just as popular as the margarine one. Be warned though. One bite of the kogepan here, and you can't stop. You'll want more.
HP: yoshidapan.jp/#menu (Japanese Only)
Address: 5-40-1 Kameari, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.