Popular Mario Crepes: tender crepes filled with cheesecake and generous whipped cream

▲ A wide array of crepe flavors to choose from.

Text and photos by Jiu Wu E Fu

While Japan offers a variety of delicious cuisines, its exquisite and delightful "desserts" often come as an even bigger surprise. The crepes from Marion Crepe come to mind—their sweet flavor layered with rich cheesecake notes remain unforgettable to this day.

Founded in Tokyo in 1976, Marion Crepe originally started as a small crepe shop operated from a food truck at Naka Valley Parking Lot. Thanks to word-of-mouth, it quickly became a popular local dessert spot. Based in Takeshita Street, it expanded nationwide. After 40 years, the original Takeshita Street branch remains the most popular, but you can also enjoy the same deliciousness at the Sapporo Tanukikoji Shopping Street location—with significantly shorter wait times.

▲ A whole slice of cheesecake adds a sweet yet savory richness to the crepe.

The official website introduces nearly 70 flavors, with various crepe models displayed at the counter showing their fillings to help customers choose. With a dazzling array of sweet, savory, and diverse combinations of creams, ice creams, and fruits, it can be overwhelming. If you’re having trouble deciding, the store’s popularity rankings feature three top picks: Banana Chocolate Cake Whipped Cream, signature Marion-san, and Pumpkin Pumpkin.

▲ Banana Chocolate Cake Whipped Cream, Marion-san, and Pumpkin Pumpkin are the store’s top three bestsellers.

The freshly made Banana Chocolate Cake Whipped Cream crepe is still warm and toasty when served. The crepe has a slight chew without the soggy softness of a crispy crepe—instead, it offers a sweet, moist texture. The rich, smooth whipped cream melts gently on the tongue after a brief linger, making a bold impression. As for the star ingredient, banana slices complement the chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and crepe with their own aroma and texture, creating a beautifully layered flavor.

▲ Besides classic crepes, there are also varieties with fruit, ice cream, or savory options.

The real showstopper is a thick slice of cheesecake. The subtle saltiness of the cheese stimulates the taste buds, contrasting with the sweetness of the crepe, toppings, and fruit. It creates a rollercoaster of flavors on the tongue, reducing the usual cloying sweetness of crepes and making them irresistible.

Currently, Marion Crepe has branches in many major Japanese cities, as well as several locations in mainland China. Around 2010, it briefly operated in Kaohsiung’s Dream Mall and Taipei’s Ximending, but those locations have since closed. Though unfortunate, it only adds motivation to visit Japan again for this treat.

▲ The Marion Crepe Tanukikoji branch in Sapporo always has a line of customers waiting.

Marion Crepe (Tanukikoji Branch, Sapporo)
Address: 5-1, Nishi 3-chome, Minami 2-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Reference price: Banana Chocolate Cake Whipped Cream crepe 420 JPY (approx. NT$113)

Deliciousness all day long
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