Doughnut of the Week: Ikumimama no Doubutsu Doughnuts イクミママのどうぶつドーナツ

Doubutsu (Animal) shaped food isn't hard to find in Japan. You can typically walk into any bakery or pastry isle in Japan and find something edible and animal related. Animal shaped doughnuts are also an easy find. There are several animal related food shops all over Tokyo, and usually have nearly identical designs.

Similar doughnut from Kamakura. 

 Often times these treats are more adorable than they are delicious, but I usually don't have that feeling with Ikumimama no Doubutsu Doughnuts.

Doubutsu Doughnuts is a small chain business, but definitely has that homemade vibe. They have a brick and motor shop in Jiyugaoka, and a cute street side stand in Motosumiyoshi. The menu slightly changes day to day, which is important if you're a donoholic like myself and need to trick your stomach into thinking that you're eating something not doughnut related sometimes. 

The shop also includes super cute doughnuts for various holidays.

This one has probably been my favorite so far. The Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day) doughnut included not one, but TWO doughnuts, and a little kimono. 

One thing that I love about these doughnuts is that they're always really buttery, something I wouldn't really expect in Japan. However they're never greasy or particularly sugary. The one negative thing I can really think about is that these doughnuts are a little harder than I would prefer, but that is because of the fondant icing. I'm usually not a huge fan of anything covered in fondant icing, but these doughnuts never have that awkward clay-like texture like a lot of fondant related sweets. Another thing to note is that many of the doughnuts contain a super hidden almond, usually in the ears if its a cat or dog themed doughnut, so be sure to double check when making your selection. 

Today I went with the Panda, which is probably one of the best from this shop. The ears are made of dark chocolate, and didn't include any almonds like mentioned before.

Panda, Polar Bear, and Peppermint Doughnuts 

Panda Panda Panda. 

If you don't feel guilty devouring a defenseless animal's face, then please give these doughnuts a try. They have become my favorite Sunday treat, (even though I treat myself to doughnuts pretty daily). 

Locations: 

Jiyugaoka Station

自由が丘1-28-8
自由が丘デパート 1F
Meguro, 東京都 〒152-0035
Japan

Motosumiyoshi:

中原区木月3-6-18

モトスミコアビル1F
Kawasaki, 神奈川県 〒211-0025
Japan

Motosumiyoshi

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GOOD TOWN DOUGHNUTS グッドタウンドーナツ

Info:

Jingumae Shibuya Tokyo 東京都 渋谷区 神宮前 6-12-6 J-cube B 1F 10:30～21:00 328 meters from Meiji Jingumae. Open on Sundays

A lot of people ask me why I eat so many doughnuts in Japan, even though they're about as Japanese as Chopsticks are American.

The biggest thing for me is that they're ascetically more pleasing to me here than they tend to be in the States. Japanese doughnuts do have a slightly different taste and consistency, and I have definitely grown to love and appreciate their differences. However, when I'm craving a  good old fashioned over-sized ball of sugar, I go to GOOD TOWN DOUGHNUTS.

For starters, this place is a little difficult to find. Honestly I am terrible when it comes to directions, but have brought more directionally able people with me to this shop and found that they had a hard time finding it as well. Its a long windy journey down the famous side streets of Harajuku, slightly less touristy, and always a bit less congested, even if you're in Harajuku on a Sunday.

The theme of this shop is basically gentrified Brooklyn or an Urban Outfitters, which is a pretty popular aesthetic here in Japan. You're greeted by the classic glass display case, and people wearing hipster glasses(Not even hating on the hipster glasses to be honest, my face is just too round to be walking around with Harry Potter frames).

However these are all minor details in the greater scheme of things.

The menu of course features lunch items and deli styled dishes, but I came for one thing and one thing only. Fried fat with overly sweet icing that's totally gram worthy. 

I got three on my first visit. I'm not gonna say I regret ordering three of these on my own, but I definitely had a hard time finishing all three of these. The matcha flavor is especially rich,  and it didn't help that I chased it with an equally rich matcha latte. Blood orange was my favorite however. I believe its one of there daily choices. 

A couple months later I returned and decided to split the doughnuts with a friend, and downsize to two instead of three. I can't resist anything pink and cherry blossom related during this season, so of course we grabbed the sakura doughnut, as well as the Salt and Caramel one.

 I was a little apprehensive about the sakura doughnut since it had the actual flower sitting on top, but this ended up being the best part of the doughnut (so glad I saved that part for last). The S&C doughnut was equally divine. It paired well with the sakura flavor, and as it should since salted pickled sakura is a pretty common ingredient, especially during this time of year.

If you're looking to ruin your diet, then GOOD TOWN DOUGHNUTS is the place for you. Each doughnut is about 400 yen a pop, but worth the price. These really aren't your everyday doughnuts, especially in a place like Japan. 

Harajuku

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Table for two? Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe (ピーターラビットガーデンカフェ)

On a total whim, I decided to check out the Peter Rabbit Café located in Jiyugaoka, an area which is known for its quaint dining and shopping for various reasons. People often attribute this to its easy access from Shibuya and Yokohama, as well as being an alternative to those who are either tired of the crowds in Shibuya and Harajuku. I was bit surprised that a character café would be located in a neighborhood like Jiyugakoa, especially since Jiyugaoka has been attributed as the more mature alternative to places like Harajuku. However the storefront of the Peter Rabbit Café would be nearly impossible in a place like Harajuku.

I snapped these in a hurry for some reason. 

The store front isn’t exactly a page ripped from a Beatrix Potter book, but it’s adorable regardless. Visitors are greeted by a snacking Peter, and even pass by his trademark blue jacket on the way to the front door.

I was seated immediately, which I think is another plus of this café not being located in a more bustling area. I came a bit after lunch on a Monday, which might have attributed to the café not being fully seated. However I have tried to go to character cafes in Harajuku on a Wednesday afternoon and have had to weight in 40 minute lines. I’m sure it’s a lot livelier on the weekends of course.  A couple came and sat at the adjacent table towards the end of my meal, but for the most part I had the section to myself.

 I had the choice to sit in a more tea party themed dining room, or on the enclosed veranda. I chose the veranda thinking I could watch people passing by on the street, but didn’t realize I would be sharing the table with a plushie of Peter facing the window.

Wasn't Much of a Talker

I didn’t do a lot of research on the café before I came, so I’m sure the waitress saw my face flush when I realized I wouldn’t be eating alone per say. I was really embarrassed at first, especially since I was eating alone, and panicked that I had stumbled on a spot for little girls on a mommy daughter date. Definitely didn’t care after a few minutes when I realized I wasn’t the only adult in the café, or the only person eating alone. I’m sure everyone has seen the articles about the cafes that give you a stuffed animal to eat with if you dine alone, but I’m not sure if that’s the exact reason why this café has one at almost every table. I would say it has more to do with the tea party theme of the place.

A lone peter. I think I would have felt even weirder if I had set in this room instead.

Each table has two copies of a Beatrix Potter story, as well as little bell to ring when you’re ready to order. I really appreciated the bell since I still feel really shy and embarrassed when I need signal or call for a waiter in a Japanese restaurant.

It’s still Easter season in Japan, so it’s no surprise that the café featured a limited time Easter set.

The other recommended sets were named after Mrs. Potter. One being the Cottage Pie set, and the other the Roast Beef set. 

I settled for some Omurice (Omelet Rice) which is a staple of any themed café you encounter in Japan.

Themed cafes usually have pretty slapped together food that isn’t worth the already inflated price. This curry rice was however super yummy, and looked equally amazing. I loved that they even put effort into making the cheese shaped like the other BP characters.

I felt kind of guilty eating the tiny bread Peter since he was too cute, but I guess it would be weird to just leave him on the plate. 

Unfortunately I didn’t grab desert, but I did get this cute café mocha for after my meal.

I seriously felt like this plushie was judging me the entire time.

Since I didn’t get the set, I ended up paying a little bit under 3,000 yen in total for my lunch. Of course the set would have been cheaper, but I don’t feel too sour about having coughed up for much just for some coffee and curry rice. The restaurant is well decorated, and the food is well prepared for themed café standards. I think it helps that this café isn’t a pop-up café. A lot of pop-ups will have food for the same price, but at a lower quality, and a nearly empty room that’s decorated with various posters and wall stickers, much like a 12 year old’s room. There also isn’t much commotion, and for the most part operates like any other eating establishment in Japan. I think it’s definitely worth the visit if you’re a Peter Rabbit fan, and don’t mind the idea of having to possibly eat with a stuffed rabbit. 

Tokyo

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