Published: 8 May 2023
I first discovered this cute Japanese bakery while studying at Sorbonne University back in 2013. I had just moved to Paris to pursue a Master’s degree in food cultures and my interest for Japanese culture was growing stronger than ever. That was 10 years ago but I still vividly remember the first time I strolled around Paris’ “Little Tokyo”.
The bright orange awning at the corner of Rue Sainte-Anne and Rue Thérèse was one of the first things that caught my attention as I explored the neighbourhood. Upon further investigation, I eventually uncovered what would quickly become one of my favourite bakeries in Paris. Little did I know that this casual corner shop would also become a part of my Master thesis on the growing presence of Japanese culture in France’s food supply. (Life is funny like that)
AKI Boulangerie celebrates both French and Japanese food cultures by creating unique pastries that encompass the masterful teachings of French patisserie with distinctive Japanese flavours such as matcha (powdered green tea), anko (sweet red bean paste) and yuzu (Japanese citrus lemon).
One of my favourite things about this place is the variety of options you get to choose from. If you ask me, the pastries kind of fall into three general categories:
-First, you have the French classics which include popular French patisseries such as chocolate eclairs, choux pastries, Mont-Blanc and fraisier.
-Then, there are the Japanese specialities which include Japanese favourites such as sakura mochi (sticky rice cake flavoured with cherry blossoms), anpan (sweet red bean bun), dorayaki (red bean pancake) and melon pan (sweet buns with a thin layer of cookie dough on top).
-And, last but not least, my favourite category: the French-Japanese fusion pastries. These encompass more experimental combinations such as matcha eclair, black sesame religieuse, sakura cheesecake, kinako beignet and yuzu mille-feuille. (Keep in mind that some of these products are seasonal and might not be available when you stop by).
Personally, I really enjoy the soft pastries like anpan and mochi (which both come in a variety of different flavours). As for matcha-flavoured treats and drinks, you simply cannot go wrong!
The bakery also offers a variety of savoury options for lunchtime including bento boxes and onigiri. When the weather allows it, I highly recommend opting for takeaway and enjoying a little picnic at the Tuileries Garden nearby. In fact, the bakery is conveniently located within walking distance of the Palais Royal and the Louvre.
My most recent AKI purchase consisted of an assortment of beignets, melonpans and delicious-looking muffins that combine bitter matcha, tart raspberries and a sweet-crunchy crumble. The matcha dosage was just right and the muffins paired wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee. Highly recommend!
Matcha is at the very heart of Japanese tea culture and remains one of the most popular flavours in Japan so it makes sense that there are so many matcha options to choose from.
Another traditional Japanese flavour I couldn’t pass up was the sweet red bean paste “anko”. In this particular treat, it served as a stuffing for a sugar-coated beignet instead of a mochi. Added proteins in desserts? Not a bad idea, right?
AKI bakery highlights the care for detail and the love for beauty and simplicity that often transpires in Japan’s food culture. You get to eat with your eyes before actually having your first bite. The act of purchasing becomes somewhat ceremonial and the bilingual labels reinforce that feeling of immersion that so many visitors crave when exploring Little Tokyo.
As an avid fan of Japanese food culture, AKI boulangerie will always remain one of my favourite go-to places when visiting Paris.
This July, AKI bakery will be turning 13. This is no small feat considering the ever-changing business landscape of France’s capital. Japanese people have always had a particular fondness for Paris and clearly, the feeling is mutual.
