Chikkutakku

In a residential corner of Sanno, Ota City, Chikku Tack is a petite bakery where one customer inside is enough to fill the shop. The shelves are packed with a varied spread, from savoury breads and crusty loaves to seasonal sweet bakes; choosing what to take from the tray is part of the pleasure.

The savoury breads make satisfying meal options, with generous fillings that give them real substance. There is a minced-meat cutlet sandwich with a thick cutlet, as well as a fish sandwich filled with crisp vegetables, boiled egg and lemon—hearty choices that make a filling bite. For familiar savoury flavours, try a curry bun filled with mild curry and fried until fragrant, or okonomi pan seasoned with ginger; both suit an everyday meal.

For breakfast, there is also a simple loaf of bread that can be sliced to your preferred thickness. Its soft crumb is balanced by a gentle saltiness and buttery flavour, making for an easy, unhurried favourite. Other options put the flavour of the dough itself in focus: a French-style loaf with pistachios and cranberries, and a chewy bread with dried figs and walnuts.

Sweet breads and pastries are worth saving room for, whether for a snack or a light bite. An anko, butter and whipped cream sandwich is generously filled; there is also a sweet potato croissant, alongside simple treats such as pudding, bright lemon pie and snowball cookies. Coffee is available too, making it easy to take a favourite bread along and enjoy it at a leisurely pace.

The bakery opens at 8 am, with hours that make it easy to stop by before work or during a walk. Payment is cash only, so it is best to bring cash when you visit.