Japan is almost synonymous with good food. The Japanese takes a lot of pride in their craft and it is almost impossible to find less-than-delicious food anywhere in the country. And beyond all the ramen noodles and curries, Tokyo is also home to some of the best patisseries around. If you’re looking for the best desserts in Tokyo, here are five of my favourite patisseries from my most recent visit! 😀
Tokyo’s Best Desserts
1. Hidemi Sugino
Located at Kyobashi, Hidemi Sugino offers a selection of mousse-based cakes that no one should miss when they visit Tokyo. Hidemi Sugino was recently awarded the title of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015 in Singapore and after visiting the shop in Tokyo, I can completely understand why he won such a prestigious award. I could still recall eating one of his cakes, it was flawless and velvety and creamy all in one.
Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to capture any of his cakes as photography is strictly prohibited while you are in the shop. While take-away is allowed, do note that some creations can only be consumed in store.
Hidemi Sugino
Address:3-7-17, Kyobashi 1F, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03 3538 6780
Nearest Station: Kyobashi or Ginza
Opening hours:
Tues - Sat: 11.00AM to 07.00PM
Sun: 11.00AM to 06.00PM
Close every Monday
2. Echire
Housed in the exquisite Marunouchi Brick Square near Tokyo station, Echire is definitely the place to go for authentic French pastries such as croissants and madeleines. The aroma of the butter that filled the entire shop was so therapeutic that I wanted to stay in the tiny shop as long as possible.
My favourites were the Croissant Échiré 50％ Beurre (Unsalted Butter) and layer cake shown in the picture below.
Echire Maison du Beurre
Address:2-6-1 Bricks Square 1F, Marunouchi, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6269-9840
Opening hours: 10.00AM to 08.00PM (Everyday)
Nearest station: Tokyo Station
3. Magnolia Bakery
It was my last day in Tokyo and I decided to stroll along the Omotesando area, which is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Tokyo. Then, as I was walking in front of GYRE mall, I spotted a very familiar logo on its floor directory. It was the Magnolia Bakery logo!! If you are not familiar with the name, Magnolia is a world-renowned bakery famous for classic American baked goods and desserts. It opened its first Tokyo branch in summer last year.
They are famous for their modern take on classic cupcakes, brownies and banana puddings. Without a second thought, I quickly dashed into the mall after checking its unit number. Who could resist Magnolia goodies?
Thankfully, I was quite early so the queue was not long at all. I tried both their chocolate cupcake and banana pudding and they were heavenly good!
It was such a therapeutic experience to see the staff spread the icing on top of those lovely cupcakes 🙂
Sweets lovers, make sure you don’t miss Magnolia Bakery when you are in Tokyo 😉
Magnolia Bakery
Address: GYRE OMOTESANDO Level B1.
Opening hours:
Mon - Fri 11.00AM - 08.00PM
Sat - Sun 10.00AM - 08.00PM
Click here to visit their website
Since the end of June this year, Dominique Ansel, the New York-based pioneer of cronuts,has also opened its first store in Tokyo. Make sure to visit these lovely bakeries when you are in Tokyo. At least you don’t have to fly all the way to the United States to try them now
4. Bake by Kinotoya
Originating from Hokkaido, Kinotoya definitely surprises many people with its delicious freshly-baked cheese tarts, made with three different kinds of cream cheese from France, Hakodate and Hokkaido. So, cheese tarts anyone?
Other than cheese tarts, you can also try Kinotoya’s croquant chou called Zaku Zaku which also means crunchy in Japanese 🙂
BAKE by Kinotoya Lumine Est Shinjuku
Address: 3-38-1 Rumineesuto 1F, Shinjuku,
Tokyo, Japan 160-0022
Tel: +81 3-5925-8170
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 11.00 AM - 10.00 PM
Saturday - Sunday (inc. holidays): 10.30 AM - 10.00 PM
Zakuzaku by Kinotoya
Shinjuku
Address: 160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku 3-38-1
Lumine EST Shinjuku B1F
Opening hours:
Mon - Fri: 11.00AM to 10.00PM
Sat, Sun, PH: 10.30AM to 10.00PM
Harajuku
Address: 150-0001 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 1-7-1
CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 1F
Opening hours: 10.00AM - 10.00PM (Everyday)
5. Sadaharu Aoki
The Japanese and the French may have different palates but Sadaharu Aoki has successfully joined the two by using Japanese traditional ingredients and flavours in his French pastries’ creations.
Here is one example of his beautiful creations – Bamboo, the Japanese version of Opera cake.
Sadaharu Aoki Boutique
Address: Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 3-4-1 New International Building 1FTel: 03-5293-2800
Opening hours: 11.00AM - 08.00PM
Click here to see the other locations.