Who would have imagined that two pancakes stuffed with sweet azuki bean paste would send such a ripple over the Parisian foodie scene? If you’ve seen Naomi Kawase’s film ‘Sweet Bean’ (2015) you might understand how doryaki has gained such popularity and became the Instragram darling it is now. Find them at Tomo, a new Japanese tearoom in the 2nd, run by Romain Gaia and Murata Takanori, former pastry chefs at the star restaurant Aida.
Try several versions of these pancake patties, all made to order, with fillings like Guérande salt or matcha (green tea powder). Among other saccharine treats are the legendary wagashis, traditional Japanese confections made from mochi (rice cake), anko (azuki bean paste) and fruit. Typically served for special occasions, they seem almost too adorable to eat. We fell for the simple Tokina Joyo, steamed yam meal and homemade anko, with a similar texture to a plump bao bun, and a lemony, light yuzu-ka, made from steamed rice, Yuzu juice and more homemade anko. Perfect washed down with the hot chocolate, made with soba (Japanese buckwheat) which adds roasted notes to its silkiness.
Forget strawberry tarts and chocolate éclairs, we are azuki bean dessert converts.
TRANSLATION: MEGAN CARNEGIE