Hyperlocal Tokyo

Experience a new kind of Japanese sweets at "TORAYA AN STAND" TORAYA AN STAND, as its name suggests, is a cafe operated by the renowned Japanese confectionery shop "Toraya." It features a modern twist on traditional Japanese aesthetics. Stepping inside, you'll be greeted by a calming blend of history and modernity in the color scheme and design. Despite being located in the heart of the city, the moment you cross the threshold, you're transported to a tranquil space where the hustle and bustle fades away. The interior, a harmonious fusion of modern and traditional elements, soothes the soul. The wood-based decor exudes warmth, creating a serene atmosphere that's perfect for a leisurely experience, befitting a cafe associated with a Japanese confectionery shop. On this occasion, I ordered the "Veggie Box Set (¥1271)." The "anban" is a chewy steamed bun filled with anko paste made with brown sugar and maple syrup. When you split the bun in two, the anko flows out beautifully, making it a visually appealing treat. The steamed bun has a firm exterior that offers a satisfying bite, while the inside is soft and fluffy, warm to the touch. The brown sugar and maple syrup anko paste has a deep sweetness that complements the bun perfectly. The colorful vegetable accompaniment adds a vibrant touch, and the anko-based dressing creates a unique flavor. It's a true fusion of Japanese and Western influences, offering a truly innovative culinary experience. The staff at Toraya Cafe are known for their impeccable service, a hallmark of Japanese confectionery shops. Their warm hospitality is a major draw of this cafe. This cafe, operated by a Japanese confectionery shop, is a new kind of gourmet destination where traditional Japanese confectionery techniques and modern cafe culture seamlessly blend. TORAYA AN STAND is a testament to the intersection of tradition and innovation, preserving Japanese heritage while offering new values.

I visited the cafe of Toraya, famous for their yokan (sweet bean jelly), to try their limited-time shaved ice with anko (sweet bean paste). 🍧 The cafe is spacious with two floors, offering seating options from solo seats to tables for four. I went on a weekday right after opening, so I had the place all to myself. ☺️ ○ Menu Anko paste shaved ice (matcha) Drink set (roasted green tea ice cream) The shaved ice is a limited-time offering available until September 19th. 🍧 There are three flavors for this season: summer orange, matcha, and condensed milk. It comes with yokan, anko paste, and mochi balls, and you can add more if you like.🙆‍♀️ I decided to add the extra condensed milk. 🤍 The portion size is just right, not too much and not too little, so you can easily finish one by yourself. The anko paste is incredibly smooth and blends perfectly with the matcha ice and mochi balls, making it absolutely delicious.🤤 Thank you for the meal! ✨️

You can definitely go alone! The dining area is on the second floor, so it's a bit hard to tell what it's like, but there are tables facing the wall, so it's okay to go solo. 👍 They accept various payment methods, including cash. 👌 I love their shaved ice and anpan (sweet bean paste buns). I also buy their sweet bean paste to take home and spread on toast, it's delicious! I like that it's not too sweet. 😃 There aren't many parking spaces nearby, unfortunately. 😭

I visited on a weekday afternoon. The atmosphere was quiet and calm, and I was able to relax and cool down. Since there are only a few seats, they ask you to secure a seat before ordering. I chose a seat on the second floor and then ordered. I had the matcha and strawberry shaved ice, and ordered one serving of condensed milk. The portion size was just right, not too much and not too little, and it was delicious.

A cafe run by Toraya, located in a back alley of Omotesando, specializing in an (sweet bean paste) menu. The eat-in space is clean, stylish, and luxurious, with a predominantly female clientele. I arrived quite late for lunch and had dinner plans elsewhere, so I wasn't planning on eating a full meal. I opted for a light toast and drink set. The an-toast offered a choice of two an pastes, so I went with black sugar and maple syrup (classic) and strawberry (seasonal). Both were flavorful and delicious, showcasing the quality of the ingredients (though the toast was quite small). I was also intrigued by the an paste-based drinks, but they weren't available as part of the set, so I chose iced hojicha tea. The toast was sweet, so the unsweetened drink provided a nice balance, making it a good choice. While within expectations, this cafe isn't ideal for a full meal, making it a bit tricky to use. They seem to have an paste shaved ice in the summer, so that's my target for next time. Various cashless payment methods are accepted. Thank you for the meal.