A bakery from Japan that flies in daily — limited-edition French toast

Text and photos /Annie

Bread & Espresso & Book. The flagship store is located on Tokyo’s Omotesando and ranks among the Top 5000 on the popular Japanese food review site Tabelog. Don’t underestimate being in the Top 5000 — that means it’s within the top five thousand restaurants in all of Japan. I had originally planned to visit the flagship store when I went to Tokyo in December, but after eating at bills that day, I really didn’t have room for another sweet meal.

I’ve been following since the Taipei store was just beginning renovations, looking forward to it since November, and finally, after two months, it opened. The shop is located in a small alley near Xinyi Anhe Station, with one of my favorite stores,什物, nearby. This time, my goal was the limited-edition French toast that comes out at 3 p.m. every day, so I met up with a friend and headed to the shop early to reserve a spot. Later, I saw on Instagram that the flagship store in Tokyo also serves their French toast at 3 p.m.

The shop isn’t very large, and the décor uses lots of mirrors to create an illusion of extended space. Bread can be taken away, or if you dine in, it will be heated before being served.

The signature French toast uses this type of brioche.

The coffee used in the shop is from the Alisan Coffee brand, created by Mr. Atsushi Ito. I already have the habit of buying beans from Mr. Ito’s atts coffee in Banqiao to brew at home.

The price per bread item is a bit high considering the size.

Takeaway bread paper bag

Current trial operation menu (official operation begins after 1/15)

Hot Americano $90
The bitterness is quite pronounced

Cocoa $40

A rather unique chocolate bread — the filling isn’t your usual chocolate sauce, and it has more of a red bean paste texture with chocolate.

French Toast $180

An incredibly impressive French toast. The bread is first heated in a cast iron pan over a stovetop, then moved into the oven to bake. The outside is slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and delicate, almost like the light fluffiness of a soufflé. Even with honey drizzled on top, it doesn’t become overly sweet — it might just be the best French toast I’ve ever had.

Bread & Espresso & bread,espresso&,taiwan
https://www.facebook.com/breadespresso.taiwan.com.tw
Address: No. 11, Lane 65, Alley 81, Section 2, Dunhua South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Business hours: 11:00 ~ 18:00
Phone: 0227063431

Annie @ Travel, Food & Play
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