Aokiya

The unmistakable weight and warmth felt the moment the paper parcel is handed over capture the appeal of Aokiya's savory rolls. Soft, oversized koppe-pan buns are loaded with freshly fried staples, including potato croquettes, minced meat cutlets (menchi-katsu), ham cutlets, and pork tonkatsu. Stripped of unnecessary garnishes, the simple pairing of hot fried fillings and savory sauce allows the crisp aroma of the fry and the gentle sweetness of the bread to stand out clearly.

The signature croquette sandwich is an imposing sight, packing 2 whole croquettes end to end, delivering fluffy potato texture and a crisp outer crust. Options like the ham cutlet roll with its light, brittle crunch, the menchi-katsu roll enriched with chopped onion, or the fragrant tonkatsu roll layered with thin slices of cutlet each make for a fully satisfying meal on their own with just 1 sandwich.

At the takeout service window, each roll is assembled with practiced efficiency and handed over wrapped in a paper bag. Enjoying the crisp exterior right away is a pleasure, but letting the roll rest so the escaping steam softens the bread and melds it with the savory filling offers its own distinct charm.

The shop operates from 7:00 in the morning until early afternoon, but many items sell out before lunchtime, so stopping by early is wise when aiming for a specific roll. Payment is cash only, making a pocketful of coins helpful for a smooth transaction.