After spending a week in Japan last spring, I found myself craving two things: high-quality Japanese baked goods and a solid hojicha latte. To my surprise, I stumbled upon a bakery in Platte Park that serves both—exceptionally.
Manri Nakayama and Hiro Arima met on a college soccer team in Japan and shared a dream: to open a bakery. In 2018, that dream became a reality when Tokyo Premium Bakery opened its doors. Nestled in a quaint yet popular shopping strip in South Denver, Tokyo Premium Bakery is no hidden gem—many menu items sell out quickly after opening. Still, plenty of my people had never heard of it.
While the bakery has its fair share of Platte Park regulars, Hernandez said customers travel from all over. “I’ve had people come from Fort Collins, Parker and even from Texas who bring a bag home on the plane.” So what’s the hype all about?
Japanese bakeries are known for their subtle sweetness, highlighting delicate flavors like matcha, fresh fruit and red bean. Unlike American bakeries, which often lean toward rich and sugary treats, Japanese pastries prioritize balance, allowing natural flavors to shine without overwhelming sweetness.
Assorted Pastries
Peach Croissant
Beef Curry Pastries
Japanese Fruit Sandwich
Hiro Arima, the main pastry chef and co-owner, spent years studying classic French pastries in France. “In Japan, the main way of baking is being classically French trained,” said Hernandez, which is reflected in their baguettes, croissants and dough recipes. “I’ve heard from lots of people that our croissants are the best in Denver.” The team also recently welcomed Keisuke Hota, a seasoned baker from Japan who previously worked at Andersen Bakery—one of the most prestigious bakeries in the country.
As much as I love a sweet pastry (hello, custard bun), I’m usually more drawn to savory ones. Fortunately, Tokyo Premium Bakery offers a wide variety of both sweet and savory options, making it easy to enjoy one, or two or three of each. “The beef curry is 100% our most popular menu item,” said Hernandez—and for good reason. After a single bite, I quickly added it to my list of top 10 favorite bites in the city.
This savory pastry features soft dough coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, filled with a rich pocket of warm, Japanese-style beef curry, then deep-fried to golden perfection. “It’s a Japanese-style curry, so it’s not spicy—it’s a little bit on the sweet side,” said Hernandez. “We sell hundreds of them.” And at just $3.50, it’s a quality bite at a great price.
Most of the baked goods are self-serve, allowing customers to grab a tray and choose their favorites. If you’re looking for a solid breakfast option, the bacon and egg pastry is extremely popular—and often sells out. It features a brioche-like pastry dough filled with savory bacon and egg salad.
For sweet treats, Hernandez recommended the cherry and peach pastries, which resemble Danish pastries, and the chocolate chip sunrise, a “melonpan” from Japan. He also noted that the sugar-twisted donut is the “most underrated” item on the menu—and I’d have to agree.
Another standout is the Japanese fruit sandwich, which has gained popularity for its light, refreshing combination of fresh fruit and whipped cream sandwiched between soft, pillowy milk bread. “It’s a very light sweetness,” Hernandez said. “I have it for dessert all the time.”
When asked about upcoming spring and summer specials, Hernandez mentioned that he’d love to introduce a dedicated strawberry pastry—an idea that seems perfect for Colorado’s warmer months.
The pastries and sandwiches alone could generate plenty of buzz, but the drink offerings are equally special. While the matcha latte is a popular option, hojicha still feels like a hidden gem. Unlike matcha’s bright, grassy notes, hojicha has a warm, toasty flavor due to its roasted green tea base. As one of the few places in Denver to serve a hojicha latte, Tokyo Premium Bakery truly delivers. They use homemade hojicha syrup, adding a sweet touch to the drink.
Hojicha and Matcha Lattes – Courtesy of Tokyo Premium Bakery Instagram
It’s clear that Tokyo Premium Bakery has become a beloved spot in Denver, thanks to its high-quality, unique Japanese-inspired pastry offerings. As for the possibility of a second location? Hernandez says there’s been plenty of talk, but no concrete plans. Whether or not a second location is in the cards, one thing is certain—their loyal following will keep them busy.
Tokyo Premium Bakery is located at 1540 S Pearl St., Denver. Its hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All photography courtesy of Tokyo Premium Bakery on Instagram
AloJapan.com