Toraya Café
Isetan Shinjuku B1
3 Chome-14-1 Shinjuku
Shinjuku
Tokyo
Kanto 160-0022
Japan
https://www.toraya-group.co.jp/shops/shop-20
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| Wagashi / Dessert Confectionery - Traditional Set (JPY ¥3,080) |
Exquisite Traditional Wagashi
(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 9
Value for Money: 8
Spent about JPY ¥3,080 / SGD $28 per person.
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Established by Enchu Kurokawa in the 16th century (said to be between 1526 to 1573) and formally incorporated as Toraya Confectionery Company Limited in 1947 in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Kanto, Japan, this long-serving brand is best known for their traditional Japanese dessert confectioneries, known as wagashi. The brand is renowned for being a royal purveyor of wagashi for the Japanese Imperial Court of Emperor Go-Youzei, and today is still family-run by the 18th generation owner, Mitsuharu Kurokawa. While most of their outlets are takeaway only, Toraya Café is their casual sit-down dining concept which opened in April 2003. Toraya Café is a popular spot for high-tea, especially on weekends, so expect a short queue.
Ambience at Toraya Café is casual, a graceful blend of modern minimalism and traditional aesthetics. The softly lit space has clean lines, functional yet comfortable cushioned chairs and wooden tables neatly arrayed within. It offers an inviting intimate retreat amid the vibrant energy of the department store.
Service at Toraya Café is attentive and warm. Staff display courteous manners, discreet serving actions, and deep knowledge of the brand’s storied history and dessert-making techniques. Whether providing insight into the origins of a particular wagashi or cleaning up quickly, their refined hospitality elevates the experience.
Food at Toraya Café is traditional Japanese dessert confectioneries / wagashi. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail using premium ingredients, marrying centuries-old techniques and flavours with contemporary originality in presentation. Portions are sized for individuals. Prices command a premium naturally, budget about JPY ¥3,080 / SGD $28 per person.
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| Toraya Café Exterior |
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| Toraya Café Interior |
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| Seating |
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| Wagashi / Dessert Confectionery - Traditional Set (JPY ¥3,080) |
Served either warm or chilled, the Ryokucha / Green Tea (JPY ¥550) is meant to refresh and cleanse the palate as you tuck into their dessert confectioneries. Good!
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| Ryokucha / Green Tea (JPY ¥550) |
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| Ryokucha / Green Tea |
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| Ryokucha / Green Tea |
There are 2 versions of Oshiruko / Red Bean Soup (JPY ¥1,540) here, a smooth version and a chunky version, I opted for the latter. This is creamy thick, with whole azuki red beans stewed till soft within, and the toasted mochi / rice cakes are large and stretchy chewy. Well-balanced in taste and rather filling. Highly recommended!
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| Oshiruko / Red Bean Soup (JPY ¥1,540) |
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| Oshiruko / Red Bean Soup |
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| Oshiruko / Red Bean Soup |
The Yokan Yoru No Ume / Jelly Red Bean Paste Night Plum (JPY ¥990) is named for its visual resemblance to a plum tree blooming in the night. No actual ume / plum within though, it comprises solely of azuki red beans. A house signature, smooth dense sticky gelatinous in texture, with rich earthy sweet flavour. Highly recommended!
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| Yokan Yoru No Ume / Jelly Red Bean Paste Night Plum (JPY ¥990) |
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| Yokan Yoru No Ume / Jelly Red Bean Paste Night Plum |
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| Yokan Yoru No Ume / Jelly Red Bean Paste Night Plum |
The Zangetsu / Waning Moon Pancake (JPY ¥346) is inspired by the fading moon at dawn, and was created in 1711. The name itself is popular in anime, as a fighting attack move alluding to 'cutting moon' or 'slaying moon'. Here, the crescent-shaped pancake is infused with ginger, stuffed with azuki red bean paste, and sprinkled with icing sugar, resulting in a beautiful contrast of taste that cuts through each layer, allowing you to taste the differences distinctly. Highly recommended!
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| Zangetsu / Waning Moon Pancake (JPY ¥346) |
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| Zangetsu / Waning Moon Pancake |
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| Zangetsu / Waning Moon Pancake |
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CONVERSATION