March 19, 2011
Gaku-Den Bakery
The relatively new and aggressively expanding chain opened a branch right outside the SYT subway station Exit 2. From the Nihongo name to the wood-slatted interior it's obviously trying hard to present itself as an upscale Japanese-style bakery. The posters on the wall espouses the benefits of their all-natural home-grown yeast starter, and placards tell of the local sources for the bread additions. There's the obligatory baguettes, but soft-and-fluffy is the predominant theme, with a variety of savory and sweet fillings. Sure, Euro-bread purists may scoff on such Asian stylings, but all the variety is fun and it goes well with a hot cup of coffee in the morning.
The open layout with the bakers visibly shaping and filling fresh dough is a nice sight to see. And considering the size and quality the breads don't seem too expensive. Definitely comparable with the bakeries found in the high-end department stores' food halls. Not trying to be an ultra-premium import at all. Locations are convenient, too. It'll probably be our go-to bakery in the future.
樂田麵包屋
GakuDen Bakery