Tasaki Pan

Stepping inside reveals shelves lined with golden-brown crusts, presenting a tempting variety that ranges from simple table loaves to inventive savory breads and baked sweets. Located in Kanamachi, Katsushika Ward, Tasaki Pan draws on an Italian culinary background to craft breads tailored equally for daily meals and afternoon snacks.

A natural place to start is the slow-fermented focaccia, aged over the course of a full day. Beyond the plain version, its moist crumb comes in varied expressions, such as loaves studded with cheese or rolled with cinnamon and dried fruit. The savory selections also showcase restaurant-style craftsmanship, seen in a black truffle egg sandwich on chewy ciabatta and a house curry bread filled with braised pork belly and mozzarella. Playful bakes made to accompany an evening drink also make an appearance, including a shishamo epi seasoned with shichimi chili mayonnaise.

For something sweet, options include a fig bread baked with a whole fruit inside, as well as bagel sandwiches filled with rum raisin cream or chocolate and nuts. Everyday table breads are just as well represented, from a pain de mie that toasts to a crisp crunch to the whole-wheat "Midnight Complet" baked slowly with only flour and salt.

Open from 8:00 on most days except Thursdays (and running from 10:00 to 15:00 on Wednesdays), the shop offers takeaway with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to drop in. Paired with a hot coffee, choosing a bread or dolce suited to the day's mood makes for an easy morning or afternoon pause.