JAPAN TODAY

 

Poko Bagel Café

For Quebecers and other Canadian bagel aficionados, the Montreal-style bagel differs from the ubiquitous New York version for a number of reasons. It's smaller, thinner and sweeter (it contains no salt) and is baked in a wood-fired oven. The hole, it must be observed, is also bigger than its cousin from the Big Apple — so it can present a bit of challenge to those who love to create hulking sandwiches. Needless to say, outside of Canada and some enlightened states in the U.S., this elusive staple of Canada's east can be hard to find.



In Tokyo, though, you're in luck. Located a short walking distance from Onarimon station (near Shiba Koen and Zojoji temple), Poko Bagel Café offers up hand-made and fresh-baked bagels daily inside its small and cozy eatery. Decorated with brick and wood and an array of accoutrements and art dedicated to Montreal and and its bagelry, it's a great place pour un café and a bagel sandwich.  

Lunch sets that come with your choice of bagel and sandwich filling (smoked salmon and cream cheese, pastrami beef, tuna and red tomato, avacoado and shrimp, barbeque chicken or their seasonal creation) start at ¥980. They also have a selection of sweets and mini cakes and the regular coffee, tea and soft drink. Beer and wine by the glass (¥600) if you're so inclined.

Even better, you can fill a bag with fresh baked bagels and scones starting from about ¥200 apiece to take home, as well. C'est formidable!Poko Bagel Café

Poko Bagel Café

• Open: Mon - Fri, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
• 2-10-7 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku
• Tel: 03-6450-1733