Hyperlocal Tokyo

I recently visited "cafe vava", located inside the Takashimaya department store right in front of the Nihonbashi Station on the Tokyo Metro. I ordered the "Chocolat & Fresh Cream" for ¥1800. These gluten-free pancakes are made with rice flour. The top layer is fluffy and melts in your mouth like pudding, with a subtle sweetness. The menu describes it as a "new texture", and I agree. I've never encountered a pancake like this in four years, and even though this is only my second visit, I won't forget this unique texture. The rice flour flavor is strong. The two layers have different thicknesses. The top layer is thin and served at room temperature, while the bottom layer is thick and served hot. They seem to have designed it this way to offer a variety of textures. The chocolate is rich and decadent, a flavor I've enjoyed many times before. The fresh cream is also refined and delicious. The salty bacon acts as a palate cleanser. The maple syrup is probably for those who want to change the flavor. These are unusual pancakes, so if you're visiting Takashimaya, be sure to give them a try. It was a delicious meal.

I arrived at noon on a weekday and was able to sit down right away without waiting. I ordered the Monte Cristo (French toast) + iced coffee. The French toast arrived in about 10 minutes. It was a sweet and savory French toast, which I had never tried before, but it was absolutely delicious!

A calm and lovely cafe. The best part is that you can refill your drinks. The menu is gluten-free conscious, with an emphasis on quality ingredients, making it a great choice for parents. The marble tables are beautiful. The seating is comfortable, and being located inside Takashimaya, the clientele adds to the elegant atmosphere. The peach pancakes and peach juice were delicious.

Perhaps my order wasn't good. Maybe it just wasn't my taste... Is this what gluten-free rice flour pancakes are like? They're more sticky than chewy. The flavor is bland. Even the cream and red beans don't taste good. There were many people enjoying the afternoon tea set, and it was quite lively, so it must be popular. I won't be going back.

On Sunday, I went to Cafe 14:30 VAVA in Takashimaya. There was a waiting area outside, but because of the time limit, I was able to get in right away. It seems like a gluten-free place, and the pancakes are made with rice flour and tofu, making them chewy. The whipped cream, soft serve ice cream, and red bean paste all have a gentle sweetness. The interior is also spacious, with tables spaced apart so that you can't hear the voices of people at the next table. It's easy to talk, and there are many sofa seats, which makes it relaxing. ^_^ The dessert and drink set is a bit pricey, but it's nice that you can get refills.✨✨✨ The coffee was also fragrant and rich, and it was delicious. I don't have any particular preference for gluten-free food, but this is a perfect place for those who are looking for it. (It seems like there's a 2-hour time limit when it's busy.) The staff are also friendly and welcoming, making it a pleasant place to be. Red bean soft serve ice cream with pistachio ice cream and a drink set for 2000 yen. Red bean soft serve ice cream pancakes and a drink set for 2700 yen.