How Lovely! The Essen Bread Truck

Imagine a food truck that blends German and Japanese flavors, named after the city of Essen in the North Rhine-Westphalia region along the Rhine River. It’s a delightful fusion of culinary cultures on wheels!

Nestled in Yokohama’s Kamoi district, this venerable bread specialty shop has stood the test of time. Their secret lies in the art of slow, low-temperature fermentation baking. But what sets them apart? Not only do they boast an in-house bakery, but they also roll out a fleet of ten bread trucks, ensuring their delectable creations reach hungry customers across the city.

While our usual explorations take us through well-known districts like Ota, Setagaya, Meguro, Shinagawa, and Machida, this time fate led us to a charming alley tucked away near Ikebukuro East Exit. Amidst the bustling cityscape, we stumbled upon a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Oh, and did I mention their delightful seasonal twists? On the left, behold the Pear Danish, a flaky pastry adorned with juicy European pears. And on the right, we have the Orange Glazed Croissant, a citrus-infused delight that’s sure to brighten your day.

 And now, behold the star of the show: the Kyoho Grape Bread, freshly launched today!

The Black Sesame, Sweet Red Bean, and Chestnut Bread—a symphony of flavors recommended by the truck’s seasoned captain.

The addition of dried cranberries, cheese, and nuts enhances the texture, creating a satisfying taste experience that caters to Asian preferences for bread flavors.

The most authentic and traditional bread, crafted using natural fermentation, consists of simple ingredients: fresh milk, wheat, and natural yeast. 

This Pork Chop and Ham Vegetable Sandwich can serve as a petit lunch. It’s a satisfying meaty delight 

Japanese-style bread combines the crusty exterior reminiscent of European loaves with a substantial and flavorful interior. It offers a delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes. Think of it as akin to a French tart with a delectable filling.

This row features more traditional buttery bread. Among them are red bean and chocolate swirl bread, reminiscent of Japan’s earliest flower-shaped round cream bread. The texture is delicate, and for those seeking refinement, vanilla pods are used to create the filling.

Soft European-Style Bread is a specialized creation found predominantly in Asia. It’s so cute and looks like a lollipop!

Japan pioneered the development of this soft European-style bread, which later gained popularity in Taiwan.

The texture is soft and elastic, with the dough having a higher water content compared to European bread. The bread-making process, knife skills, and decorative patterns also exhibit variations,  very Japanese flair.

Surprisingly, the owner of this food truck is a vibrant and energetic young girl! The mobile nature and agility of this setup truly capture the essence of on-the-go bread purchasing.