ARTICLES
Otaru's Gateaux Freres: Famous for Clay Pot Pudding, But Are Their Baked Goods the Real Star?
Gateaux Freres, a pastry shop in Zenibako, Otaru, is a popular destination for locals and visitors from afar. The reason? Its incredibly impactful "Donabe Pudding" (Clay Pot Pudding) has become a hot topic!
However, the owner-chef's true passion is said to be their baked goods... We visited to find out what that's all about.
Gateaux Freres looks like a pastry shop straight out of a picture book. Its location near the sea also adds to its wonderful atmosphere. The shop first opened in front of Zenibako Station in 2002 and moved to its current location in 2015.
First things first, let's take a look at the buzz-worthy "Donabe Pudding." A picture is worth a thousand words!
It's a dreamlike creation, with a real clay pot filled to the brim with pudding. This old-fashioned, firm pudding is topped with fresh whipped cream and an array of colorful fruits. Pudding in a clay pot might sound like a joke, but it's an unexpectedly beautiful and undeniably delicious treat. Please note that it's limited to 10 pots per day.
Despite this signature item, the owner-chef says their focus is on baked goods. Looking around the store again, I noticed that, indeed, more than half of the space is dedicated to baked goods. (Please note that the interior was decorated for Christmas at the time of my visit.)
According to the owner-chef, "Baked goods are actually quite profound. Once they're out of the oven, they become a finished product without any decorations like a cake. There's no hiding imperfections, and that's what makes it interesting."
This is where a pastry chef's skills truly shine. It's probably no exaggeration to say that if the baked goods are delicious, everything else will be too.
Another great thing about baked goods is that they are individually wrapped, making it easy to try many different kinds. The photo above shows the "Tako-san Cookie" (Octopus Cookie) and the "Umineko Cookie" (Black-tailed Gull Cookie). They are stamped with the word "ZENIBAKO," making them perfect souvenirs.
The crisp texture and buttery flavor are simple yet exquisitely delicious. You can truly understand the owner-chef's dedication by tasting them for yourself.
Gateaux Freres also sells cakes and cream puffs. The substantial and heavy "Zenibako Roll Cake" is a popular item, generously filled with fresh cream.
Furthermore, you'll be amazed by the unique texture and flavor of the "Mochi Mochi Cheese," a cream cheese mousse wrapped in gyuhi (a soft mochi-like confection) along with fresh cream and sponge cake! From the Clay Pot Pudding to these other original sweets, Gateaux Freres is truly a delightful pastry shop.
When you visit Zenibako, be sure to stop by.
＜Gateaux Freres, the pastry shop in a seaside town＞
Location: 3-4-11 Zenibako, Otaru, Hokkaido
Phone: 0134-62-6446
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gateauxfrere/
However, the owner-chef's true passion is said to be their baked goods... We visited to find out what that's all about.
Gateaux Freres looks like a pastry shop straight out of a picture book. Its location near the sea also adds to its wonderful atmosphere. The shop first opened in front of Zenibako Station in 2002 and moved to its current location in 2015.
First things first, let's take a look at the buzz-worthy "Donabe Pudding." A picture is worth a thousand words!
It's a dreamlike creation, with a real clay pot filled to the brim with pudding. This old-fashioned, firm pudding is topped with fresh whipped cream and an array of colorful fruits. Pudding in a clay pot might sound like a joke, but it's an unexpectedly beautiful and undeniably delicious treat. Please note that it's limited to 10 pots per day.
Despite this signature item, the owner-chef says their focus is on baked goods. Looking around the store again, I noticed that, indeed, more than half of the space is dedicated to baked goods. (Please note that the interior was decorated for Christmas at the time of my visit.)
According to the owner-chef, "Baked goods are actually quite profound. Once they're out of the oven, they become a finished product without any decorations like a cake. There's no hiding imperfections, and that's what makes it interesting."
This is where a pastry chef's skills truly shine. It's probably no exaggeration to say that if the baked goods are delicious, everything else will be too.
Another great thing about baked goods is that they are individually wrapped, making it easy to try many different kinds. The photo above shows the "Tako-san Cookie" (Octopus Cookie) and the "Umineko Cookie" (Black-tailed Gull Cookie). They are stamped with the word "ZENIBAKO," making them perfect souvenirs.
The crisp texture and buttery flavor are simple yet exquisitely delicious. You can truly understand the owner-chef's dedication by tasting them for yourself.
Gateaux Freres also sells cakes and cream puffs. The substantial and heavy "Zenibako Roll Cake" is a popular item, generously filled with fresh cream.
Furthermore, you'll be amazed by the unique texture and flavor of the "Mochi Mochi Cheese," a cream cheese mousse wrapped in gyuhi (a soft mochi-like confection) along with fresh cream and sponge cake! From the Clay Pot Pudding to these other original sweets, Gateaux Freres is truly a delightful pastry shop.
When you visit Zenibako, be sure to stop by.
＜Gateaux Freres, the pastry shop in a seaside town＞
Location: 3-4-11 Zenibako, Otaru, Hokkaido
Phone: 0134-62-6446
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gateauxfrere/
Writer's Profile
Hokkaido Tourism Camera Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," with many connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to those of us living in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We will share the charm of this wonderful Hokkaido.
