Even an avid Parisian pastry junky might grow tired of croissants and eclairs. So when your sweet tooth begins to crave something other than a patisserie, why not give Japan a shot? Here, some purveyors of fine Japanese baked goods to go with a cup of green tea.
Custard Nakamura
A mecca for Japanese bread lovers, Custard Nakamura has been around for over 30 years. The shophouse-wide panya sells only freshly-baked, tried-and-true creations, both sweet and savory. Prices are pocket-friendly, the selection vast. Finding a parking space can be tricky, though.
Eat this: Custard pudding (B30), mini choux cream (B26), mini croissants (B35) and fluffy cheesecake (B45). If you are looking for a more substantial snack, the long-standing establishment does an equally good job with its savory recipes like curry buns (B20) and katsu-sando (B40), a giant tonkatsu sandwich.
595/12 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-259-9630.
Open daily 8am-8pm.
Miki Ojisan No Mise
Miki Ojisan No Mise does only one thing, cheesecake, so you can be sure they do it extremely well. The name means “Uncle Miki’s Shop,” and loong Miki has already a huge fan base judging by his six outlets (and counting) across the city.
Eat this: Cheesecake! Soft, fluffy, yummy, freshly baked daily—this Japanese cake (B40/piece, B220/pound) has little in common with the rich, compact American variety. You will have to make one decision, though. Espresso, cacao or original? For us, it’s original or nothing. Looking for a gift for your sweet-toothed sweetheart? Miki makes a heart-shaped cheesecake (B200).
Visit Miki Ojisan No Mise at any one of its six branches. Try CentralWorld (7/F, Food Hall, 02-613-1610) and Esplanade (B/F, 02-660-9100).
Murahata
In CentralWorld’s Food Hall, Murahata battles global warming one refreshing Japanese-style parfait at a time. Compared to the mobs vying for space at nearby Pizza Pizza by Yanee, Murahata’s Japanese housewives make for a serene and airy scene.
Eat this: Are mono-item pastry shops a Japanese thing? Here, too, it’s parfait or nothing. But the options (such as imported fruits) are bound to match your taste—and can run up a hefty bill. B150 gets you a Matcha Mini but shell out B480 for the Jumbo Fruits Parfait. During this month, you can still try its seasonal Amaou Parfait (B280), which is topped with imported Fukuoka strawberries.
7/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1608.
Open daily 10am-9:30pm.
Toraya
No, The Japanese housewife is not alone stuffing herself mid-afternoon. Locals, too, come to Toraya for deliciously fragrant pastries, smiling service and free one-hour parking at the adjacent Grand Tower Inn.
Eat this: Cornflake cookies, Teddy Bear bread stuffed with chocolate, anpan (sweet buns filled with red bean paste), bacon bread sticks, etc. Almost everything is tasty and cheap. (Prices tend to be B20-40.) Don’t miss its buttered raisin loaf (B40) and dainty daifuku (mochi with various fillings from red bean paste to strawberry and chestnut, B45-60).
25/15 Soi Thonglor, before Grand Tower Inn,
02-381-1836. Open daily 8am-9pm.
Via Ton Ton
If watching TV Champion makes you want to hop on a plane to Tokyo and wolf down the titillating cakes you see on screen, save yourself the trip and let Via Ton Ton bring Tokyo-style desserts to you.
Eat this: Strawberry shortcake (B85) is a huge hit here and VTT tend to run out quickly. Also worth a try is the green tea roll (B70), but the real highlight is the establishment’s famed Mont Blanc (B85).
Fuji Bldg. 2, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-251-3855. Open daily 9am-10pm. You can also drop by its takeaway outlets at Villa Market Thonglor and The Emporium.
