01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Curry topped with soy whipped cream is an unexpected pairing, and one reason to stop by Mushiyashinai for lunch. A diner who tried it described the spice’s warming heat, the faint sweetness of the soy cream and the memorable texture of fried tofu. The menu offers curry with enzyme brown rice cooked with azuki beans, or a gluten-free, vegan naan baked to order; both are lunch options at 550 yen. Choose rice for a more substantial meal, or allow a little extra time if you’d like freshly baked naan.
Rather than choosing just one sweet, try a little of several petit fours in one of the shop’s sets. The Chokotto Afternoon Tea Set comes with 3 pieces and a drink for 980 yen; the Yuttari Afternoon Tea Set includes 5 pieces for 1,280 yen. Sets with 7 or 9 pieces are also available. For a more elaborate option, the reservation-only Hanakofure Afternoon Tea includes 10 kinds of sweets, 5 kinds of savoury dishes and okara tea. The different sizes make it easy to choose between a small treat and an afternoon centred on sweets.
The selection of little cakes offers plenty of variety. Matcha Tiramisu layers sponge soaked in matcha syrup with red bean paste and cheese-flavoured cream, drawing on Japanese ingredients. Chocolate Tart pairs a rich chocolate filling with sweet-tart raspberry jam, while the smooth Miracle*Brulee is described as having the gentle sweetness of soy milk and vegetables. Choose a tart with a little tang or a silky brulee—or sample different flavours in a set.
Drinks include organic house-blend coffee and Earl Grey, as well as okara tea, whose roasted soy pulp gives it a fragrant, toasty aroma. Hot okara tea is served in a pot and is also sold to take away. You can settle in for a drink and cake, or choose takeaway or collection from the shopfront when you’d rather enjoy something sweet elsewhere.
