https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wInJX10Cqhs&feature=youtu.be
At the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, Harajuku stands as an ideal locale both for its historic sights and extensive shopping streets. Granted, all that walking is sure to ignite a little grumble from your belly – hence we have got it sorted out on the best eats to pacify the growling tummy before another round of exploring this lively Shibuya district.
1. Giant Rainbow Candy Floss – Totti Candy Factory Shop
This spunky cotton candy store speaks Harajuku in every corner – from the sparkling jewels décor to the mystical mist wafting around – expect to be in for a sweet, sugary surprise. While one can opt for the modest Cotton Candy Cider (¥400), the main reason for the long queues is the Totti Harajuku Special (¥900), a giant candy floss that is almost the size of your torso, which comes in an array of five colours, each with their different flavours!
Customers are also welcomed to take a part of Harajuku home with them, as the adorable animals cake pops can be handpicked into the Cake Pops Take-Away Box (¥300 for 5 pieces) in their personal Candy Room.
Totti Candy Factory Shop Harajuku
Address: 2nd floor, RYU Apartment, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, 1-16-5
Opening hours:
Saturdays/Sundays/Holidays: 0930 – 2000
Weekdays:1030 – 2000
Weekdays in the Winter (November-January): 1030 – 1900
2. Specialty Crêpes – Angel Heart
Established since 1977, expect no less than a fantastic treat that can satisfy even the wildest thin pancakes cravings from the oldest specialty crêpe shop in Harajuku. With its flashy pink shopfront and neon signboards, it is easy to spot this 39 year-old long-standing shop that whips up over 60 types of savoury and sweet crêpes.
The Hot Caramel Cheese & Nuts (¥360) sounds like an interesting combination of salty and sweet engulfed in a comforting blanket of warmth, or you can always settle for a simpler Strawberries & Cream (¥400) to better savour the buttery crêpe. Do look out for their seasonal menus too – think the winter flavours of Hot Red Bean Chestnut and Caramel Sweet Potato.
Cafe Crepe Takeshita Dori Shop (Angels Heart)
Adddress: 1-20-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 1030 – 2130, Saturday – Sunday 1000 – 2130
3. Fresh Potato Chips – Calbee Plus
Renowned for its made-to-order fresh cut and deep fried potato chips, Calbee Plus’ shopfront is stacked with snacks in a plethora of varieties, including the popular ROYCE Chocolate Covered Chips. Here, you can witness the entire Calbee process from the peeling of potatoes to fishing out golden crispy chips from the deep fryer that will be served to you almost instantly.
Toppings to finish off the extraordinary Calbee experience include Cheese, Salted Butter, ROYCE Chocolate, Maple Cream Cheese, Spicy and the indulgent Hokkaido Milk Soft Serve (¥290-¥460). Patrons who feel like giving it all in might want to try the satisfying combo of fresh Potato Chips served with Soft Serve & ROYCE Chocolate Sauce (¥460). Also for service are the Poteriko (a deep-fried version of Calbee’s popular Jagariko potato stick snacks) and Calbee Potato/Vegetable Croquette.
Calbee Plus Harajuku Takeshita Street Store
Address: 1-16-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Daily 0930 – 2030
4. Ice Candy Pops – Cold Stone Creamery (Temporary Stands)
Cold Stone Creamery has came up with a new range of beauties that is only available in Japan – ice pops that vary from ice cream to gelato dressed in photos-approving toppings which are ready for some snaps at any time. Besides the usual such as the likes of Mango Shortcake, Strawberry Shortcake, Café Nuts Milk (¥380/¥480), the popsicle renditions also run in unique flavours like the Annin (Sweet Tofu) Berries and Muscat (Green Grapes) Annin Peach (¥280).
Although they are only carried in temporary stores at select areas which are available for differing time periods, you can always locate these sweet treats at another location if one spot stops their service. Refer to their Facebook page for updates on their current locations.
5. Croquant Chou & Vanilla Soft Serve – Zaku Zaku by Bake
Helming from Hokkaido (where it is claimed to have the best food in Japan), Zaku Zaku (“crunchy” in Japanese) is known for their long shaped Croquant Chou (¥250 for 1, ¥1,450 for 6), an uncommon sighting compared to the usual round cream puffs. Try it for yourself to decide if the long queues at almost every branch of their stores are justified – freshly handmade in the shop with high quality milk and an original blend flour from Hokkaido right before your eyes, it is recommended to enjoy the cream puff on the same day of purchase.
Alongside the star-studded Croquant Chou is the Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream (¥450) which also warrants a try if you are already in the queue – picture a smooth and buttery vanilla treat paired with a warm and crunchy cream puff – why not?
Zaku Zaku Harajuku
Address: 1-7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 1F
Opening hours: Daily 1000 – 2000
