NY Cupcakes

It’s said that patissier Sasaki Kaori travelled America tasting of a variety of different cakes and desserts before falling in love with the simple cupcake. Upon her return to Japan and after developing her own recipes, she opened NY Cupcakes in Meidaimae. Now relocated to Shimokitazawa, her aim is still the same — to share the simple joy of homemade sweets.
Cupcakes are all you’ll find here, so it’s only natural that they’re front and center. The showcase window is in a constant flux between full and empty, and customers too, tend to arrive in clusters. They fill the small space, look on excitedly through the window into the workshop, chatter as they choose their cakes, then file out — pink boxes in hand and smiles on faces.
The cupcakes range from 250 to about 350 yen, which may seem expensive, but is about par for the course here in Tokyo. There’s a good range of variety and a little something for everyone — custard-​berry mixes, green-​tea (ever the Japan-​favorite), marshmallow-​chocolate, and strawberry cream to name a selection.
All in all they’re well-​balanced cupcakes — topping, filling, and cake are mixed so no single element overpowers the others, and they’re not too sweet. Bear in mind however that these are Japan-​size servings — it’s a delicious experience, but it will likely be a short one.
NY Cupcakes also offer a few seasonal options. The current two are (as of writing) a «Welcome Mr. President» cookies-​and-​cream cupcake to commemorate Obama’s visit, and a Mocha flavored cupcake made in collaboration with nearby coffee connoisseurs Bear Pond Espresso. The latter is a real treat — a delectable mix of cake and cream with a dash of strong coffee.
These cupcakes make for great little gifts, or great little snacks, and they also go great with a cup of coffee — and the renowned Bear Pond Espresso is right across the street.