Discover the unique art of bread in Tokyo: the delicious art of Eteco Bread

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Eteco Bread, located in Tokyo's Setagaya district, is loved by locals and bakers alike for its warm and sophisticated bakery style. The bakery, which is owned by Hiroshi Kajiwara, and his wife, Natsuko, run the bakery, and the name "Eteco" is derived from the French word "été" (summer) + "ko", which means Natsuko. Originally, this shop was a bakery that Ms. Natsuko planned to open, but later her husband, Mr. Yu, joined and made it a bakery.

Every morning at 10:00 am, when the sunshine pours into the store, the perfectly baked breads are neatly arranged in a colorful manner, just like a Western painting. This is the most beautiful time of the day for the store. The display shelves of the store are filled with freshly baked breads, Danishes, Couscous, Development Sandwiches, Toast Sandwiches, Red Bean Bread, Butter Bread, and so on, totaling to about 40 kinds of choices. The variety of breads are neatly arranged like works of art and are colorful and mouth-watering.

Born in 1975 in Nara Prefecture, Yu Kajiwara worked for about 20 years after graduating from university at well-known bakeries such as “Kobeya” and “gontran cherrier”, and under the tutelage of a world champion baker, which greatly enhanced his skills. This experience greatly enhanced his skills. He also learned unique spices and presentation styles from an American food company known for its fashionable styles, enabling him to incorporate these innovative elements into his bread making. in 2019, he opened Eteco Bread with his wife Natsuko, who also has a wealth of experience.

Natsuko Kajiwara, on the other hand, honed her culinary skills in French restaurants and dessert stores, and her in-depth understanding of French cuisine allows her to display a remarkable sense of artistic balance in her pastry making. Her approach ensures that each loaf is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Her creativity and mastery of her craft make each product feel like a beautiful work of art.

Eteco Bread has a wide range of products, including two main categories: open-crisp and culinary breads.

Eteco Bread's open-crust breads are the store's signature. Unlike kosher, which is purely about butter layering, Eteco's Danish pastry is designed to be paired with a variety of toppings so that the dough enhances the flavor of the accompanying ingredients. The bakery uses two different doughs, each with a unique folding technique to achieve different textures.

There are 2 types of store-bought pastry techniques used. One is to fold the dough 4 times 2 times to create a soft, rounded shape. The other is to fold the dough 3 times to have more layers and a dry surface. To achieve the desired aroma and crunchy texture, the ideal Danish pastry has a pleasant aroma and crunchy texture.

Eteco uses a specific combination of flours, including highly absorbent flours, and precisely controls the dough temperature below 16°C to ensure layers and a slow fermentation. The butter used is very important, choosing high quality butter that goes well with the fruit, and the sweetness is carefully balanced to bring out the natural flavors of the fruit.

The “Danish Blackberry Bread” features fresh and dried fruits with rich juices and sweet sauces, delivering the ultimate taste sensation in every bite. The visually exquisite “Pan à la Crème” combines crunchy layers with rich creamy texture, satisfying both the palate and the eye.

Eteco Bread's culinary breads are one of its proud specialties. More than just a combination of ingredients, these breads combine a wide range of rich toppings with innovative bread bases. The “Vegetable Sandwich” uses a barley baguette as its base and is covered with a plethora of fresh vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins, providing a different texture and flavor in every bite. The “Tuna and Persimmon” skillfully combines the freshness of tuna with the softness of roasted persimmons, and adds roasted cashews and slivered almonds for added aroma and crunch. These breads are not only tasty but also nutritious, allowing customers to enjoy the full health benefits while savoring them.

Mr. Yu strives for excellence in every step of the process, from the selection and handling of ingredients to the bread-making process. He emphasizes the cutting of ingredients, the order of placement, and how to show the three-dimensionality of the bread. These techniques and experiences make each bread the best in terms of taste and vision. The firm texture and click of the barley baguette perfectly matches the ingredients, making each bite full of freshness and surprises, so that customers can enjoy the true flavor of the bread.

In addition to the culinary breads, Eteco Bread's French sandwiches are another highlight. Classic French sandwiches are interpreted here in a variety of innovative flavors. The combination of “Tuna, Lotus Root and Ham” brings the freshness of tuna, the crunchiness of lotus root and the savory taste of ham, giving you a multi-layered texture and rich flavor in every bite. The “Bacon, Pumpkin and Curry” flavor combines the sweetness of pumpkin and the spice of curry, complementing the savory bacon to bring a unique flavor experience.

In addition, the Croque-Madame is a favorite among customers for its creative combinations. For example, the “Shrimp, Avocado and Ham” flavor combines tender shrimp and creamy avocado with ham and a fried egg for a soft and rich taste. The “Mushroom, Ham and Mushroom Sauce” flavor, on the other hand, combines a rich mushroom sauce with ham and a fried egg to create a deep taste experience.

Eteco Bread also offers a variety of creative breads, such as “Apple Pie” and “Pear Pie”, which are made with seasonal fruits and carefully baked, with a crispy crust and a sweet filling, bringing delight to the palate.

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Each of Eteco Bread's products is the result of the efforts of two chefs who are constantly innovating to surprise and delight every customer. Whether it's a traditional puff pastry bread or a creative blend of bread, each one showcases their love and dedication to bread making. When you come to Eteco Bread, you can not only taste the delicious bread, but also feel the care and ingenuity.

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