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.
Often times these treats are more adorable than they are delicious, but I usually don't have that feeling with Ikumimama no Doubutsu Doughnuts.
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| 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.
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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.
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| Panda, Polar Bear, and Peppermint Doughnuts |
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| 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1FKawasaki, 神奈川県 〒211-0025
Japan
Another great idea for visitors. The Japanese certainly take doughnuts to an art form. Keep posting, Happy Eating.
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