Lyon Lien

From crisp curry doughnuts reminiscent of fresh fried breadcrumbs to nostalgic chikuwa rolls stuffed with tuna, Lyon Lien offers a colourful counter of savoury bakes that are hard to resist. Tucked away in Kami-Ikedai, Ota Ward, this neighbourhood bakery packs a surprising variety into its cosy floor plan. Substantial meal options are well represented, including classic and tsukimi burgers featuring thick patties between soft buns, as well as crunchy fried fish cutlet sandwiches.

More aromatic choices include maneul-ppang (Korean-style garlic bread) rich with garlic butter and cream cheese, salted butter rolls with a delightfully crisp bottom, and mentaiko baguettes piled with savoury roe spread. Alongside customisable koppe-pan rolls, there are sweet, pastry-like items such as French toast flavoured with chestnuts and Naruto Kintoki sweet potato. Charming creations like dog-shaped cornet pastries filled with vanilla-bean cream and animal-themed treats add a playful touch for an afternoon snack or a small gift.

Because the shop operates exclusively for takeout and opens early in the morning, it works equally well for grabbing breakfast on the way to work or picking up lunch on the weekend. The shelves also feature daily table breads, ranging from walnut-studded shokupan to simple sandwich loaves, letting customers choose whatever suits the day's mood.