Japanese French toast and honey toast are distinct treats that showcase the country’s love for exceptionally soft milk bread (shokupan). While Japanese French toast focuses on creating a rich, custard-like texture, honey toast is a decadent and extravagant dessert that uses the bread as a vessel for toppings.
Japanese French toast
Japanese French toast is a luxurious version of the classic that stands out for its incredibly fluffy, custardy interior.
Key ingredient: The dish starts with thick-cut shokupan (Japanese milk bread). The soft, fine, and slightly sweet crumb of shokupan allows it to absorb the egg custard mixture thoroughly without falling apart.
Technique: To achieve a creamy, pudding-like consistency, the bread is soaked in the egg custard mixture for a longer period than traditional French toast—often for at least 30 minutes, and sometimes overnight. It is then cooked “low and slow” over low heat, often covered, to ensure the center is cooked through and puffy while the outside turns a golden brown.
Flavor profile: Japanese French toast is typically sweeter than its Western counterpart and sometimes has savory undertones. Some recipes add mirin (a sweet rice wine) and a touch of soy sauce to the custard, which balances the sweetness. Honey toast (Shibuya toast)
Also known as Shibuya toast or brick toast, this dessert originated in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. It is a visually impressive and over-the-top dish that is meant for sharing.
Key ingredient: A thick, large block of shokupan is used as the base, earning it the nickname “brick toast”.
Technique: The toast is prepared in one of two main ways:
“Toast Box” Method: The inside of the thick bread loaf is carefully hollowed out, cut into cubes, and toasted with butter and honey. The toasted cubes are then placed back inside the “toast box”.
“Scored” Method: The top of the bread block is scored in a grid pattern but not cut all the way through. It is then coated with a buttery, sweet glaze and baked until the surface is caramelized and crunchy.
Flavor profile: Honey toast is a decadent, rich dessert with a contrasting texture of a crispy, caramelized exterior and a soft, buttery interior.
