Pune’s food scene has long been known to welcome new culinary experiences, the latest addition being Japanese desserts and baked goods. Known for its light textures, subtle flavours, and minimalist presentation, Japanese desserts and baked goods have steadily been earning a niche client-base among city residents. From delicate mochi and soufflé pancakes to airy cheesecakes and curry buns, these treats offer an alternative to conventional sweets.
Tokyo Bakery
Tokyo Bakery, which started as a small home experiment, has grown into one of Pune’s go-to spots for Japanese baked goods. It was founded by Rahul Deo, a former software engineer who discovered his passion for baking during his time working in Japan.
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Deo visited India in 2014 with a Japanese artist and her students. That is when he realised that there is a need for better varieties of bread here in comparison to Japan. He left his job and got trained in baking in Okaya and Tokyo. After years of learning and experimenting in Pune, he opened Tokyo Bakery in September 2017 with support from the same group of students.
The bakery now has two outlets – in Baner and Viman Nagar. “Baner is more of a bakery setup, while Viman Nagar has a café feel,” says Deo. Their Japanese curry bread (Rs 150) is one of the most popular items among customers.
Deo adds that everything is made using Indian ingredients and after extensive testing to recreate authentic Japanese flavours and textures.
Amato Dessert Café
Located in Koregaon Park, Amato Dessert Café was started by IT professionals and friends Atul Mishra and Arjun Singh, and brings the subtle charm of Japanese desserts to Pune.
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Inspired by Japanese culture and travels to the island country, Mishra says, “Their desserts are not just sweet treats but thoughtful and artistic experiences. From mochi to matcha, everything felt meaningful, and I wanted to bring that to India.”
The name “Amato” means “sweet tooth” in Japanese, and the café lives up to it with a menu featuring mochi, Shibuya toast, soufflé pancakes, Japanese cheesecake, kakigori, and boba drinks. Many of these are infused with matcha.
Among all the offerings, mochi and Shibuya toast are clear customer favourites. Mishra adds, “People love the chewy elastic texture of the mochi and the deep umami flavour of the matcha.”
The café sources ceremonial grade matcha from Uji in Kyoto and uses premium Koshihikari rice flour to achieve the perfect mochi texture.
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Speaking about the response from city residents, Mishra says, “It has been amazing. Punekars are curious and eager to try something new. Many come back not just to eat but to learn and experience the culture behind each dessert.”
Most items on the menu are easy on the pocket, priced between Rs 200 and Rs 500.
Yokoso Bakehouse
Located in Wakad, Yokoso Bakehouse is a small, yet growing bakery that has attracted regular customers with its simple setup and quality offerings. What makes it unique is the live kitchen, allowing customers to see the baking process up close.
The bakery is run by Mohan Khedkar, who comes from a hotel management background. His best-selling item is the Japanese cheesecake (Rs 349)—light, airy, and not too sweet. “One of the biggest challenges is ingredient variation,” he says. “We often need to adjust the process to maintain consistency.”
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The appeal of Japanese bakeries lies in their simplicity and focus on quality. Whether it is a savoury bun or a soft sponge cake, these places are offering something different without relying on heavy flavours or elaborate presentation. As more people explore international cuisines, these outlets are quietly finding their own place in the city’s food scene.
Kivi Lydia Vito and Siddhi Patil are interns with The Indian Express.
AloJapan.com