Oh man, I visited Japan in 2019 and the pastries/treats haunt me to this day! I had no idea about the Portuguese origins or the post-war wheat connection, I remember reading that tempura also has origins in Portugal (could be mistaken). In any case, both Portugal and Japan have incredible bread on offer.
This brought back so many memories, thanks for the great read. Also, 10/10 agree about Takahachi Bakery in NYC, the matcha crepe is my go-to, such a treat!
I loved this post - thank you for sharing - and it was so informative. I knew that Japanese bread was superior (in my opinion) but didn't know why - now I do :) Both in San Diego and Seattle I had access to an amazing variety of Asian cuisine. Now that I'm in the Poconos I'm a little lacking - but this post brought to mind the happiness that amazing bread brings.
I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's incredible how much fantastic Asian food you can find in San Diego and Seattle, although we also have a variety of places to choose from here in Austin, Seattle is on another level. If you ever make it to to NYC from the Poconos, try Takahachi and let me know what you think.
Bernardette, this is amazing ! I lived in San Francisco for many years, occasionally frequented Japan Town, and never knew this about Japanese bakeries and bread. What a great post-- and so glad you seek out Asian neighborhoods in your travels. Being from SF w/ such a large Asian culture, I too, am enamored w. the Chinatowns, Japan towns and Korea towns out there in this wide world. Mostly b.c i love the food!
I’m so happy you can relate Jeanine! Asian food and culture has such a special place in my heart. My sister lived in San Francisco for a while and I frequented Japantown every single time I visited, almost like a ritual. What part of SF did you live in?
I learned so much from reading this. I used to work in Japan and I knew that bread was out-pacing rice in market share and now I know more about the historical origins. Shokupan is tasty times! This felt like reading a well-researched cookbook, leading into a recipe about how to make Japanese bread
Thank you so much Rachel, I really appreciate that. Shokupan is so incredibly tasty, I have to control myself from buying too much. That’s amazing that you lived in Japan, what part did you live in??
Oh man, I visited Japan in 2019 and the pastries/treats haunt me to this day! I had no idea about the Portuguese origins or the post-war wheat connection, I remember reading that tempura also has origins in Portugal (could be mistaken). In any case, both Portugal and Japan have incredible bread on offer.
This brought back so many memories, thanks for the great read. Also, 10/10 agree about Takahachi Bakery in NYC, the matcha crepe is my go-to, such a treat!
Aren’t they amazing Antonina?? Japanese pastries and bread have an incredibly light softness it almost feels like biting into a marshmallow.
I completely agree with you, both Portugal and Japan have outstanding bread. I might do a post on Portuguese bread in the coming weeks.
I haven’t tried the matcha crepe but I will definitely do so when I’m back in the city. I’m always looking for new things to try when I’m in New York!
SHOKUPAN!!!! YES!!!
Isn’t it so good??
Yes! It’s amazing and I don’t make it as often as I should!
Love love loved this post, Bernardette!! I’ve been obsessed with Japan (and bread) since I was little. Thank you for putting this post together 😊
Still yet to make any Japanese breads yet - but they’re high up on my list.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Mark!! Isn't it crazy how many of us have been fascinated with Japanese culture?
Do let me know once you bake Japanese bread, I'd love to check it out 😍
I loved this post - thank you for sharing - and it was so informative. I knew that Japanese bread was superior (in my opinion) but didn't know why - now I do :) Both in San Diego and Seattle I had access to an amazing variety of Asian cuisine. Now that I'm in the Poconos I'm a little lacking - but this post brought to mind the happiness that amazing bread brings.
I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's incredible how much fantastic Asian food you can find in San Diego and Seattle, although we also have a variety of places to choose from here in Austin, Seattle is on another level. If you ever make it to to NYC from the Poconos, try Takahachi and let me know what you think.
Bernardette, this is amazing ! I lived in San Francisco for many years, occasionally frequented Japan Town, and never knew this about Japanese bakeries and bread. What a great post-- and so glad you seek out Asian neighborhoods in your travels. Being from SF w/ such a large Asian culture, I too, am enamored w. the Chinatowns, Japan towns and Korea towns out there in this wide world. Mostly b.c i love the food!
I’m so happy you can relate Jeanine! Asian food and culture has such a special place in my heart. My sister lived in San Francisco for a while and I frequented Japantown every single time I visited, almost like a ritual. What part of SF did you live in?
At first I lived in Noe Valley, then moved down the coast to Half Moon Bay, on Hwy 1.
Oh I love Half Moon Bay! My sister lived in the Mission
It’s really pretty and quiet. I like the mission—sunny for SF! You must know your way around the City pretty good.
I do, I spent so much time there I know it like the back of my hand haha, and I miss it!
It’s such a great city. Vibrant. Fun. And great sourdough):
Oh 100% amazing sourdough!
I learned so much from reading this. I used to work in Japan and I knew that bread was out-pacing rice in market share and now I know more about the historical origins. Shokupan is tasty times! This felt like reading a well-researched cookbook, leading into a recipe about how to make Japanese bread
Thank you so much Rachel, I really appreciate that. Shokupan is so incredibly tasty, I have to control myself from buying too much. That’s amazing that you lived in Japan, what part did you live in??
I'm obsessed with making and eating Shokupan (both loaves and rolls). Can't get enough!
Isn’t shokupan the best?? It’s so incredibly soft and feels like a pillow. I could literally eat it all day so I have to contain myself 😂
Haha, same! I could eat it all day too! 😳
will check out Takahachi!
It’s really good Harrison!
Marks and Spencer sell Japanese Milk Rolls here in the UK. I will investigate if there are any Japanese bakeries in London. Love this post!
I’m glad you enjoyed it Lucy! I might have to compile a list of places everyone suggests from around the world!