Shimokitazawa is a trendy neighborhood in Tokyo, known for its vintage shops, live music venues, and independent cafés. Located just minutes from Shibuya, it has a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere that attracts artists and musicians. The area is famous for Shimokita Senrogai, a lively street filled with restaurants and bars, and Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, which serves Totoro-shaped cream puffs. Whether you’re looking for street food or cozy cafés, Shimokitazawa offers a unique culinary experience.
Here are ten must-try local foods in Shimokitazawa:
1. Pudding (Toyonchi no Tamago)
Overview: A silky, creamy pudding made with fresh eggs from Kujukuri Beach in Chiba.
Preparation: Eggs, milk, and sugar are blended and steamed to create a smooth texture.
Taste: Rich and velvety, with a delicate sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
History: Toyonchi no Tamago specializes in premium eggs, making their pudding a standout treat.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains eggs and dairy. Not vegan, but vegetarian-friendly.
2. Curry Pan (Tenmaya)
Overview: A crispy, deep-fried bread filled with flavorful Japanese curry.
Preparation: Dough is stuffed with curry, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown.
Taste: Crunchy on the outside, soft and savory inside, with a mild spice kick.
History: Shimokitazawa is known for its curry restaurants, and Tenmaya’s curry pan is a local favorite.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains wheat and spices. Vegetarian options available.
3. Soup Curry (Rojiura Curry Samurai)
Overview: A Hokkaido-style soup curry with fresh vegetables and a customizable spice level.
Preparation: A broth made from chicken, pork bones, dried fish, and bonito flakes is simmered with vegetables.
Taste: Light yet flavorful, with a deep umami taste and aromatic spices.
History: Soup curry originated in Hokkaido and has become popular in Tokyo.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains meat and vegetables. Vegetarian options available.
4. Milk Shaved Ice (Gram Factory)
Overview: A Korean-style shaved ice dessert topped with various sweet ingredients.
Preparation: Finely shaved milk ice is layered with toppings like Oreo cookies, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce.
Taste: Refreshing and creamy, with a mix of textures from the toppings.
History: Gram Factory brings Korean shaved ice culture to Shimokitazawa.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains dairy and sugar. Vegetarian-friendly.
5. Totoro Cream Puffs (Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory)
Overview: Adorable Totoro-shaped cream puffs filled with seasonal flavors.
Preparation: Choux pastry is baked and filled with custard or fruit-flavored cream.
Taste: Light and airy, with a rich, creamy filling.
History: Inspired by Studio Ghibli’s Totoro, these pastries are a must-try.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. Vegetarian-friendly.
6. Donuts (Captain’s Donut)
Overview: Handmade donuts with a variety of flavors, including matcha and chocolate.
Preparation: Dough is kneaded, shaped, and fried before being coated with toppings.
Taste: Soft and fluffy, with a slightly crispy exterior.
History: Captain’s Donut is a popular spot for fresh, artisanal donuts.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains wheat and sugar. Vegetarian-friendly.
7. Coffee Jelly Latte (Moldive)
Overview: A unique coffee-based drink featuring jelly-like coffee cubes.
Preparation: Coffee is brewed, set into jelly, and mixed with milk and syrup.
Taste: Smooth and slightly bitter, with a refreshing texture.
History: Coffee jelly is a classic Japanese dessert, and Moldive offers a modern twist.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains coffee and dairy. Vegetarian-friendly.
8. All-You-Can-Eat Natto (Sendaiya)
Overview: A natto specialty shop offering unlimited servings of fermented soybeans.
Preparation: Soybeans are fermented to develop their signature sticky texture and strong aroma.
Taste: Pungent and earthy, with a slightly nutty flavor.
History: Natto has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Made from soybeans. Fully vegetarian.
9. Gelato (Sweet Twist)
Overview: Italian-style gelato with Japanese-inspired flavors like yuzu and matcha.
Preparation: Milk, sugar, and flavoring ingredients are churned to create a smooth texture.
Taste: Creamy and refreshing, with a balance of sweetness and acidity.
History: Sweet Twist blends Italian gelato techniques with Japanese flavors.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains dairy and sugar. Vegetarian-friendly.
10. Pancake Pie (Flippers)
Overview: A fluffy pancake layered with cream and fruit, served like a pie.
Preparation: Pancakes are stacked and filled with whipped cream and seasonal fruits.
Taste: Light and airy, with a rich, buttery flavor.
History: Flippers is known for its soufflé-style pancakes.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. Vegetarian-friendly.