"ARINCO MOU DASH" is read as "Arinko Mō Dasshu." At first glance, you might not know what kind of shop it is, right? It's actually a very popular cafe in Otaru. What's more, its menu is filled with so many types of omurice that you might mistake it for an omurice specialty shop. I decided to visit this intriguing establishment.

As you head up Otaru's Funamizaka Slope, you'll see a building with a triangular roof. This is the cafe we're introducing today, "ARINCO MOU DASH."

The cafe first opened in 2015 and moved to its current location in 2021. The grand reopening was on March 3, 2021 (Reiwa 3), a day of threes.

The interior, based on a white color scheme, is very clean and has a lovely impression. In one corner of the shop, they sometimes sell accessories, miscellaneous goods, and vegetables.

To the right, just as you enter, is a delicious-looking lineup of the "Muffin of the Day" (from 320 yen, tax included). You can, of course, enjoy them in the cafe, but takeout is also available. The flavors change daily, are baked in-store every day, and there are always about five varieties on display.

From the top of the photo, clockwise: "Earl Grey, Strawberry, and Mascarpone," "Chocolate Orange," "Caramel Banana," and "Anko (Red Bean Paste), Butter, and Mascarpone." The outside is crispy while the inside is moist, and they are packed with large chunks of ingredients, making them very satisfying. Having one for breakfast will surely start your day with a happy feeling!

And the signature dish at ARINCO MOU DASH is the omurice. The type of omurice, neatly wrapped in an egg omelet, is visually beautiful and showcases the chef's solid skills.

Among them, the "Ketchup Omurice" (780 yen, tax included) is a classic, old-fashioned style! But then there are also unique variations like creative omurice and grilled cheese omurice, making it a must-visit for any omurice lover.

After enjoying a classic omurice, how about a dessert like this? It's called "Old-Fashioned Pudding" (380 yen, tax included). It's a firm pudding, the complete opposite of the jiggly, wobbly puddings that were once trendy. The slightly bitter caramel also evokes a retro and nostalgic feeling.

But why such a unique name? When I asked the staff, they replied, "Actually, the name came first; it just popped into my head." The word "ARINCO MOU DASH" came to them in a flash, and they decided they wanted to create a shop with that name.

It's interesting how that inspiration led to the creation of such a wonderful cafe.