A.R.I sweets to go
+ OMOTESANDO, TOKYO

Some companies use MSG, others high concentrations of caffeine, some companies even resort to using no less than three kinds of chocolate to get their patrons addicted to their tasty treats. A.R.I must use pure, concentrated mojo, because there is no way, after one muffin, to resist making weekly, if not daily visits for a muffin fix. Located in what must be THE most secretive location in Omotesando, and with hours based more on someone’s personal schedule than an actual bakery, one would wonder how this place can even exist. Yet it does, and you have to visit, you MUST visit.

Being an American, I’ve only had the pleasure of being versed in the art of sugar-loaded muffins, but A.R.I gave me a thorough schooling with their perfectly sweetened and savory delights. So thorough that I can never go back to my American ways. Smart combinations like banana cocoa, strawberry raspberry cinnamon, and pear fill the air with addicting if not maddening aromas. The savory muffins were a first for me. Imagine a fluffy, rich muffin loaded with parmesan cheese and bacon, or salmon and herbs, or roasted garlic. All of the muffins are bursting with fresh ingredients.

The space itself isn’t very large, with a muffin counter by the entrance and a little cafe by the windows. Stay for a coffee or tea in their tiny cafe and you won’t leave. No doubt this is also a nice spot for kids, as there are two sizes of every muffin, big and tiny. There are also sets served for lunch which are around 900~ and include two muffins(one big and one small) and a drink. The muffins are not cheap, from 400~ yen per muffin, but they are a delicacy and worth every cent. This place puts Anderson(just up the street) to shame.

Besides muffins, creative genius Ari Morioka also bakes biscuits, cookies and order-made cakes. Everyone in the cafe is polite and always willing to explain what’s inside every muffin(although a little Japanese is necessary if you plan to get further than simply ordering). You can tell a lot of love and passion goes into their products. I expect to see you there, along with all the other muffin addicts after you have your first taste.

A.R.I sweets to go

Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku 5-9-21
second floor
Tel: 03-5774-8847
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 - 19:00/
Holidays 12:00 - 18:00
Closed Mondays + 1st and 3rd Sunday

(3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)

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