For foodies seeking some good eats in Tokyo, sushi or ramen might immediately spring to mind, but a range of other culinary delights are on offer. Japan’s gastronomic capital has been experiencing a bakery boom of late, and bagel shops – some of them with uniquely Japanese flavors – are pulling in more fans and customers.
So what’s the best way to navigate the growing bagel landscape in Tokyo? SoftBank News sampled over 70 bagel shops to come up with five top recommendations for the curious. So whether it’s an authentic New York-style bagel or a uniquely Japanese bagel with “matcha” (green tea) or “azuki” (sweet red bean) flavors, you’ll be sure to find a place that delights your taste buds.
All five bagel shops accept PayPay cashless payments, so don't forget your smartphone!
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(*Menu item spellings are based on the shops’ English menus)
Table of contents
1. TANUKI APPETIZING (Kachidoki, Chuo Ward)
On the backstreets of Kachidoki, an area reclaimed from Tokyo Bay that’s now dotted with tall office and residential buildings, there's a bagel shop with devotees that line the streets early in the morning. The shop, called “TANUKI APPETIZING,” is about a 3-minute walk from Exit A3a of Kachidoki Station on the Toei Oedo subway line. The simple, white-themed interior is lined with an assortment of vibrantly colorful bagel sandwiches.
The bagel dough, made with natural yeast and Hokkaido wheat, is notable for its strong, resilient texture. The chewy dough made with rice flour is also popular among patrons.
While it’s possible to purchase bagels individually, the must-try items are the exquisite bagel sandwiches packed with creative and plentiful fillings.
Recommended items on the menu are...
SALMON ROE & EGG SALAD
When purchasing this sandwich, the shop owner might ask, "Do you mind if it’s salty?" That's how impactful this bagel is. The chewy dough is sprinkled with rock salt, offering a robust texture. The mild egg flavor combined with the popping sensation of the salmon roe (“ikura” in Japanese) is irresistibly delicious. This unique menu item can only be experienced at TANUKI APPETIZING.
WHITE ANKO C.C. & STRAWBERRY
This seasonal menu item is highly recommended with rice flour dough. It has a texture reminiscent of “mochi” (Japanese rice cake made with glutinous rice), with a dense, chewy consistency that's simply delicious. The subtly sweet white bean paste (“shiroan” in Japanese) cream, with a hint of cream cheese tartness, is delectable. And combined with juicy strawberries, perfection.
PROSCIUTTO & ANCHOVY / BUTTER
This bagel sandwich uses dough mixed with squid ink, a rare sight. Despite its bold appearance, it sports a mild taste, and the combined flavor of salty prosciutto and anchovies stands out. The milky butter evens out the flavor.
APPLE CINNAMON C.C.
This bagel sandwich pairs cinnamon raisin dough with apple cinnamon cream cheese, making for an ideal combination. The fragrant sweetness of raisins and apples nicely complements the tartness of the cream cheese. The cinnamon flavor is prominent as well. Its chewy dough is sure to satisfy all kinds of bagel lovers.
The shop is so popular that aficionados line up more than an hour before opening, so an early visit is recommended. Be sure to compare the chewy rice flour dough with other varieties like cinnamon raisin.
TANUKI APPETIZING
Address: Toshinoso 103, 4-10-5 Kachidoki, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Opening hours: Thursday and Sunday, 7:00 AM until sold out (check Instagram for updates)
Instagram: @tanukiappetizing
2. bob bagel (Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa Ward)
Next is a shop near the Keikyu Line's Shimbamba Station by the Kitabamba Sando Street Shopping District where traditional buildings line the street. The shop with the eye-catching emerald green walls is called “bob bagel,” a New York-style bagel shop that opened in 2022. The shop offers bagel sandwiches that fuse New York-style dough with Japan’s culinary culture.
bob bagel uses wheat from Hokkaido and Kanagawa prefectures. The shop also uses a technique called "yu-dane" (also known as water roux) that adds a chewy texture to the dough. The owner opened the shop in Shimbamba, an area that still retains traces of the historic Tokaido Road, after learning his craft at a famous bagel shop in Okinawa.
Recommended items on the menu are...
MAGURO
This bagel is generously filled with marinated bigeye tuna from Misaki Port, a fishing base in Kanagawa prefecture known as “tuna town.” The rich saltiness of scallion cream cheese and the avocado creaminess pair perfectly with the tuna. The garlic flakes, sesame seeds, and onions in the dough add an irresistible flavor. While the classic Lox bagel is delicious, the tuna bagel offers a truly unique culinary experience.
MATCHA-AN & ORGANIC VANILLA C.C
This is a seasonal menu item that features sweet red bean paste (“anko”) from Naito Seian, a company that’s been making anko in Tokyo for over 60 years. The sweetness of the brown sugar dough and the refined taste of the matcha anko offer a delightfully Japanese taste. The mild acidity of the cream cheese pulls the entire flavor profile together.
Cinnamon Raisin
Before taking a bite, the fragrant aroma of cinnamon is noticeable. The dough is substantial and chewy, with a moist and elastic texture inside. With each bite, the sweetness of the raisins unfolds. This bagel is also delicious when sandwiched together with cream cheese.
Another recommendation is the “Brown Sugar Cocoa Pink Pepper” bagel that marries the flavors of brown sugar and cocoa with a hint of spice for an added kick.
It’s also possible to customize an order by choosing a preferred bagel and cream cheese combination. Besides bagels, bob bagel offers sourdough bread, brown sugar bread, and scones that are worth a try.
It’s also possible to order ahead from 10:30 AM on opening days. Calling ahead might be a good idea for those with specific items in mind.
bob bagel
Address: Someya Building 1F, 2-9-22 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo
Opening hours: Thursday to Monday, 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM (check Instagram for updates)
Instagram: @bob__bagel
3. tecona bagel works (Tomigaya, Shibuya Ward)
Next up is “tecona bagel works,” which is about a three minute walk away from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line. As the above photo shows, it offers a wide variety of bagels! This shop regularly bakes over 50 varieties.
What makes "tecona bagel works" unique is that they categorize their bagels into three distinct textures:
- “Fuka”: Made with yeast, this dough has a soft texture. It's popular with people of all ages because it's easy to chew.
- “Mochi”: Made with homemade leaven, this dough is moderately chewy. The long, low-temperature fermentation process gives it a unique texture.
- “Mugyu”: Made with Hoshino natural yeast, this dough has a harder texture. It's densely packed and very satisfying.
Recommended items on the menu are...
Mugyu: Uji Matcha Organic Bean Paste
A bagel with matcha dough filled with sweet azuki bean paste. The refined aroma of matcha and the tender texture of the azuki beans complement each other perfectly for a uniquely Japanese flavor. The granulated sugar on top adds a delightful texture and sweetness.
Mochi: Sausage with Whole Grain Mustard
This savory bagel is popular among male patrons. It offers hearty sausage chunks flavored with whole grain mustard, making it a mouth-watering treat. The filling pairs perfectly with the chewy and robust dough.
Fuka: Choco-Choco
A chocolate dough bagel mixed with bittersweet chocolate and rolled in chocolate chunks. Unlike the other two bagels above, this one has a soft and fluffy texture. It's a dessert-like chocolate bagel that might be good for getting through tough work days.
Mochi: Bean Paste Butter Salt Sandwich
A true indulgence that combines thick, salty butter with a mildly sweet azuki bean paste. The more the dough is chewed, the more the sweetness comes through, making it a bagel sandwich that’s incredibly satisfying.
There are many other choices with various fillings to choose from. In addition to the traditional bagels, don't miss out on the seasonal items!
Since Yoyogi Park is about a ten minute walk from the shop, having breakfast or lunch on a park bench might be a good idea. There’s also a HELLO CYCLING station at Yoyogi-Hachiman Station, making it easy to get there. Note that tecona bagel works does not provide bags for take out, so customers need to bring their own.
tecona bagel works
Address: Yoyogi Koen House B102, 1-51-12 Tomigaya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Opening hours: 11:00 AM until sold out (check Instagram for updates)
Instagram: @tecona_bagel_works
Experience Authentic NYC Flavors in Tokyo
4. BAGEL STANDARD (Meguro, Meguro Ward)
Looking for something a bit more old school? As its name indicates, “BAGEL STANDARD” is a bagel shop where people can enjoy authentic, New York-style bagels. It’s about a 15 minute walk from Meguro Station and its white tile and wooden exterior makes it easy to spot.
This bagel shop has been around for more than ten years. The owner was originally a regular customer. When he learned that his favorite shop was about to close, he decided to take it over thanks to various fortuitous circumstances. He thoroughly reviewed the ingredients, and is baking with natural, wholesome ingredients.
Being a local institution, it's heartwarming to see customers from the neighborhood and staff engage in friendly banter.
Recommended items on the menu are...
special handmade pate
This menu item available for a limited time features pâté from a bistro in Nakameguro not far away. The herb-infused, rich pâté pairs perfectly with the crisp dough. The tangy vegetables add a refreshing touch. This bagel might go well with a glass of champagne!
berry & berry × triple berries cream cheese
Inside the smooth, creamy cheese flavored with blueberry jam, you'll find raisins, blueberries, and cranberries, making for an incredibly juicy bagel! The more you chew, the more the dough's sweetness comes to the fore.
onion
This roasted onion bagel produces a delightful aroma even before taking it out of the bag. The fine-textured dough matches the sweet and salty onions perfectly. The shop also offers custom sandwiches where it’s possible to choose fillings.
poppy seed
Because of its simplicity, the poppy seed bagel is a standby. At BAGEL STANDARD, they can toast it for customers eating on the spot, so be sure to try it warm. The texture and subtle nuttiness of the poppy seeds enhance the dough's flavor.
“I love our bagels. I think they’re genuinely delicious. I want to keep this shop going as a cherished part of the community,” says the owner.Why not savor authentic bagels at this spot that’s popular among locals and visitors alike?
BAGEL STANDARD
Address: 3-8-6 Meguro, Meguro Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM until sold out (check Instagram for updates)
Instagram: @bagelstandard
5. Kepo bagels (Kamikitazawa, Setagaya Ward)
Last but not least is “Kepo Bagels,” which is about a three-minute walk from Kami-kitazawa Station on the Keio Line. This shop offers original Japanese-style “Wa-Bagels,” made with domestically produced wheat and natural yeast derived from “koji,” an active fermenting ingredient.
New York-style bagels use North American wheat, while Wa-Bagels use domestically produced wheat. This means customers can savor the authentic taste of New York-style bagels alongside the unique Japanese flavors of Kepo Bagels. The Wa-Bagels feature chewy textures combined with Japanese-style fillings in 21 different varieties.
Recommended items on the menu are...
Tsubuan Cream Cheese
This is the most popular Wa-Bagel. It features a chewy dough filled with sweet red bean paste (“tsubuan”) and rich cream cheese. The gentle sweetness of the red bean paste perfectly complements the cream cheese, making it a delightful combination that keeps customers coming back for more.
Baked Apple
This is the second most popular Wa-Bagel. It gives off an aroma of cinnamon sugar topping while the sweetness of the sautéed apples and the subtle tartness of the raisins make this bagel incredibly delicious.
Lemon Dainagon
This bagel boasts an unusual but wonderful combination of flavors. It has generous chunks of dainagon variety azuki beans paired with lemon peel. The soft texture and refined sweetness of the azuki beans, combined with the refreshing lemon tartness, create a perfect harmony of flavors.
Honey Whole Wheat x Maple Walnut Cream Cheese
Customers can order their preferred dough and filling combinations for this New York-style bagel. The North American wheat gives it a flavor that’s much different from the Wa Bagels. The savory taste of whole wheat pairs nicely with the maple-infused cream cheese. If you love nuts on your bagel, this is a must-try!
Additionally, they offer bagel sandwiches like salmon cream cheese and pastrami beef that are meals unto themselves. Bagels at Kepo bagels can also be enjoyed with a cup of coffee at the counter seats. The staff are happy to toast the bagels to keep them warm.
Kepo bagels
Address: 4-16-13 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo
Opening hours: Thursday to Monday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Cafe last order at 4:00 PM)
Instagram: @kepobagels
From authentic New York-style bagels to Japanese-style bagels that are softer and chewier, you should be able to find a bagel shop in Tokyo that satisfies your cravings, whether for breakfast or lunch!
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(Posted on June 06, 2024)
by SoftBank News Editors
