Kimuraya

The most eye-catching item on the shelves at Kimuraya is the signature pudding bun, crowned with an entire baked custard pudding. Soft, yielding dough pairs with the pudding and sweet cream for a nostalgic, unpretentious treat enjoyed by adults and children alike. The sweet counter also features retro Japanese bakery staples: peanut butter cornets piped full of rich cream, classic cream buns filled with egg-rich custard, and Siberia, a traditional snack of sweet red bean jelly sandwiched inside triangular sponge cake. There are playful touches as well, such as an "an-doughnut without bean paste," baked simply to highlight the chew of the fried dough dusted with powdered sugar.

The selection of savoury rolls (sozai-pan) is equally substantial. Alongside the classic yakisoba noodle bun, well known from its appearance in a Japanese film, the coleslaw roll stands out with crisp shredded cabbage tucked inside a toasted bun, balancing savoury pastry aroma with juicy crunch. Other home-style, well-stuffed options include an omelette bun layered with potato salad and a thick rolled omelette, a hearty menchi-katsu minced-cutlet roll, and a curry doughnut with a distinct peppery heat.

The shop operates strictly for takeout with no dine-in seating, and every item is sold individually wrapped. Loaves of shokupan white bread are also a local staple; their pillowy texture develops a delightfully fragrant, crisp crust when toasted for breakfast. On weekdays, doors open at 7:45 in the morning. Popular sweet and savoury items can sell down by early afternoon, so an early visit yields the best variety across the shelves.