Pocch's Bakery

Taking in a display case lined with golden crusts and pointing out your picks for the day is one of the distinct pleasures of neighbourhood bakery stops. Set along Hakusan-dori in Hon-Komagome, Pocch's Bakery operates on an over-the-counter setup, where a staff member bags each item from behind the glass. The shop floor is compact, fitting only about 1 to 2 adults at a time, so you will often spot a short line forming along the pavement while patrons wait their turn.

Among the first items to consider is the house curry bun. Its outer shell is fried to a satisfying, crisp crunch, yielding to a fragrant filling loaded with tender chunks of vegetables rather than a smooth puree. Catching one fresh out of the fryer brings out the toasted aroma at its best, warm enough through the paper takeaway bag that it is tempting to eat right on the street.

The shelves cover more than savoury fried buns, branching into everyday table loaves and sweet pastries. The double-cheese bread is packed generously with cheese, turning rich and gooey when reheated at home. Flaky croissants fragrant with butter, crusty baguettes, and a lightly sweetened chocolate cornet studded with chopped chocolate offer plenty of ways to round out breakfast or tea.

Doors open early at 7:30, making the counter a handy stop for an early breakfast on workdays or leisurely weekend mornings. The shop is takeaway only, with no dine-in seating. Cashless payment methods, including credit cards and PayPay, are accepted at the register. Note that the bakery is closed from Monday through Wednesday, welcoming visitors from Thursday through Sunday instead.