Aurore

If you have your eye on salt bread, Aurore seems to offer an enjoyable contrast of textures. One regular customer likes how the salt butter seeps into the bread and leaves its base crisp; another appreciates that each piece is individually wrapped. The same customer singles out the cream bun, with its thick, distinctly vanilla-flavoured filling. Whether you choose the savoury aroma of salt bread or the sweetness of a cream bun can set a different mood for a morning treat. The croissants have also been described as crisp and pleasantly chewy, making them an appealing choice alongside a meal or between sweeter pastries.

For something more substantial, there is shokupan, Japanese-style soft white bread, as well as sandwiches. One diner found the shokupan chewy both untoasted and toasted; another says toasting made it crisp on the outside and chewy within. A katsu sandwich drew praise for its not-too-strong flavour and the way it paired with cabbage. One customer also bought a white fish sandwich, making the savoury options worth a look. For something sweet on the side, there are madeleines and Aurore cookies. A customer described the madeleine as light and fluffy, and a good match for tea. The Aurore cookie, meanwhile, was reported to be moist and generously filled with walnuts, almonds and raisins. Adding a baked treat to a selection of everyday breads also makes for an easy takeaway to enjoy a little at a time.

One review describes the prices as affordable and recalls filling a tray with assorted breads for less than ¥1,000. Aurore in Kitamachi offers takeaway and is open from 6:00 to 15:00 on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It is a handy option when looking for breakfast bread, or when you want to take home a mix of salt bread, sandwiches and sweet pastries.