Tempting Asian dessert stores

We show you where you can try the best melon rolls, bingsu and battered fish with enoki mushroom filling 

Two of the world's most exciting destinations, Japan and South Korea, are just around the corner in Düsseldorf, at least in terms of taste. Around the Japanese Quarter, you can not only experience the art and culture of these countries, but also enjoy their culinary delights. In addition to supermarkets and numerous restaurants that cater for all tastes, from simple rice balls to elaborate multi-course meals, there are several bakeries, patisseries and cafés waiting for your visit. And these are sure to delight even those who don't usually care much for desserts, cakes and the like.

Namu Café

Bingsu - need we say more? For fans of the dessert that looks like a miniature snow mountain, there is hardly a better place than the Namu Café. Here, a few minutes' walk from the hustle and bustle of Immermannstraße, the specialty is on the menu in almost every conceivable variation: as tiramisu bingsu, with raw beans, classic with chocolate or with matcha and mango. If you're worried because you don't tolerate milk, don't despair: the Namu team also offers its desserts with soy, oat, almond or coconut milk. And for those who prefer something savory, there is Korean toast.

Soboro

If you don't know where the Soboro bakery and patisserie is located (namely in Oststraße), just follow your nose: even from a distance, an irresistibly sweet smell lures you into the small Korean store. A refrigerated counter, a few shelves and a display by the window - that's all there is to it. But this one has it all, as the many customers at lunchtime prove. Particularly popular: the corn dogs, i.e. a piece of chicken on a wooden skewer in crispy breading. There is also a vegetarian version with cheese (around four euros each). But the tartlets with black sesame, pistachio or the East Asian citrus fruit yuzu also make you forget any plans for a temporary diet. 

Bing Go

Anyone who has ever been to Japan will immediately recognize them: the typical fish-shaped dumplings. The staff at the lovingly designed Bing Go in Immermannstraße fill them with a savory or sweet paste. What will it be: cheese and ham, enoki mushrooms or tuna with mayonnaise and nori (for 3.60 euros each)? Or would you prefer sweet potato, red bean paste or Nutella (3.30 euros each)? Also not to be sneezed at: the ice cream, which is available in black cones at Bing Go. Many fans also like to queue for this, even in the pouring rain.

Akita

Are you looking for a very special dessert? Then look no further. Because at Akita you'll find a selection that is second to none. There's the crépe cake, for example, with so many layers of wafer-thin pastry that you'll never cease to be amazed. Or the "Dirty Matcha White Chocolate Bread", which looks like the exotic cousin of the French roll. Or how about the soy milk soufflé? The staff can also design individual motif and birthday cakes according to your wishes.

Bakery Taka

As with our German bakeries, where the counter is often empty by 8 or 9 a.m., you should also set your alarm clock for a visit to Bakery Taka. Just like in a traditional bakery, most of the goods are sold here in the morning. The most popular rolls include those with a sweet red bean filling, i.e. "Anpan", and the doughnuts with vegetable mince curry paste. Both cost 1.60 euros. But there are also very traditional products waiting for you - such as "Heidi's white bread". Japan in Germany.

Cover picture: Düsseldorf Tourismus