BROWN TABBY ❘ A Must-Visit Café in Ryogoku for Japanese Financiers & Madeleines
If you're looking for a cozy café near MERI, there's a wonderful new spot just a short walk away.
Head toward Kinshicho from MERI and continue past four traffic lights. There you'll find BROWN TABBY, a charming specialty bakery known for its beautifully crafted financiers and madeleines.
With its clean, modern exterior, it's difficult to walk past without stopping.
A Perfect Place to Escape Tokyo's Summer Heat
Summer in Tokyo—and across Japan—can be incredibly hot.
After walking under the summer sun, we decided to step inside BROWN TABBY to cool down.
The café has a calm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place to take a break while exploring Ryogoku.
Japanese-Inspired Financiers and Madeleines
The display case is filled with freshly baked financiers and madeleines.
Alongside classic flavors like Plain and Chocolate, BROWN TABBY also offers unique creations inspired by traditional Japanese ingredients.
Some of their seasonal and signature flavors include:
- Kinako × Brown Sugar
- Wasabi × Raspberry
- Japanese Chestnut × Matcha
- Edo Miso × Japanese Sansho Pepper
- Matcha × Dainagon Red Beans
- Black Sesame × Wasanbon Sugar
Each one combines French pastry techniques with authentic Japanese flavors.
Ryogoku Exclusive Flavors
One of the highlights is the selection available only in Ryogoku.
These exclusive flavors include:
- Pistachio × Yuzu
- Dassai Sake × Ginger
- Soy Sauce × Caramel
These combinations are uniquely Japanese and make wonderful souvenirs or gifts.
If you're visiting Tokyo, don't miss the chance to try flavors you can't find anywhere else.
Adorable Cat-Shaped Financiers
BROWN TABBY isn't just known for delicious pastries.
The owners are passionate cat lovers and actively support rescued cats.
That love is reflected in their adorable cat-shaped financiers, complete with tiny tails that make them almost too cute to eat.
After much deliberation, I ordered:
- Brother Cat Caramel Chocolate Chip Financier
- Black Sesame & Wasanbon Financier
For drinks, I chose an iced coffee and the café's refreshing TABBY Frozen Fruit Soda (Mango).
Rich Flavors with a Japanese Twist
Both pastries were rich, buttery, and incredibly satisfying.
Black sesame naturally pairs well with traditional Japanese sweets, but it also complements butter and chocolate beautifully.
The delicate sweetness of Wasanbon, a premium Japanese sugar traditionally produced in Shikoku, balanced the rich flavors perfectly without being overpowering.
It was a wonderful example of how Japanese ingredients can elevate classic French pastries.
Relax in the Café
On the left side of the shop, you'll find a comfortable café area where you can relax and enjoy freshly baked pastries with coffee or refreshing drinks.
Whether you're taking a break from sightseeing or looking for a quiet afternoon café in Ryogoku, it's a lovely place to spend some time.
A Sweet Stop Before or After Visiting MERI
BROWN TABBY is only a short walk from MERI.
After shopping for handmade Japanese zori slippers or joining one of our traditional slipper-making workshops, why not reward yourself with a delicious Japanese-inspired financier and a relaxing cup of coffee?
It's the perfect way to experience another side of local Ryogoku.
BROWN TABBY
3-13-4 Kamezawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
