A New Bakery Spot in Encino
Mikan, which recently opened in Encino, is a Japanese bakery café that impresses with its bright and warm atmosphere, just like its name, which means ‘citrus’ in Japanese. The space captures the warmth and comfort symbolized by citrus, with cute citrus characters adding a charming touch throughout. All pastries are freshly baked rather than made from frozen dough, showcasing the delicate sensibility and craftsmanship unique to Japan. It is set to have a soft opening on June 22, and thanks to its ample indoor and outdoor seating, it is a great space to enjoy leisurely like a dessert café.
During this visit, I was able to taste a variety of Salt Bread, Cube, Croque Monsieur, Fruit Sandwich, and several drinks. The menu offered a wide range from bakery items to sandwiches, desserts, and beverages, which was impressive as it allowed for diverse choices based on personal preferences. Overall, the soft and light texture unique to Japanese bakeries was well-preserved, making it a great place to enjoy everything from meals to light desserts without feeling burdened. Each menu item had a distinct personality while blending harmoniously with the overall atmosphere, which was satisfying.
Among the Salt Bread, the Corn Cream and Kinako stood out particularly. The Corn Cream combined the mild bread with soft corn cream beautifully, and its subtle sweetness made it easy to enjoy. Kinako featured Japanese Kinako powder and cream, delivering the unique nutty flavor of roasted soybean flour in a gentle manner, which paired well with the soft bread. From the Cube varieties, the Chocolate Cube and Matcha Marble Cube were the most impressive; the Chocolate Cube offered a rich chocolate flavor that harmonized with the soft bread, making it enjoyable like a dessert, while the Matcha Marble Cube added a hint of the characteristic bitterness of matcha for a more balanced taste. Each had a distinct personality while maintaining the soft texture unique to Japanese bakeries. The Croque Monsieur was also a hearty option, with its nutty flavor and soft texture blending naturally, making it satisfying even as a light meal.
The Strawberry Sandwich and Mikan Sandwich allowed for the fresh appeal of the fruits to shine through. The moderately dense yet soft cream blended naturally with the fruits, and the inherent freshness of the fruits lingered subtly, making it easy to enjoy. The Deep Hojicha Latte I ordered had a richer hojicha flavor than typical hojicha lattes, which was satisfying, and the Matcha Mikan Juice showcased a unique charm with the combination of matcha and citrus, making it refreshing. The desserts and drinks complemented each other well, creating a satisfying setup for a leisurely tea time.
Mikan
Mikan was a place where you could enjoy a variety of Japanese-style bakeries and desserts without any burden. Thanks to its bright and charming atmosphere and ample seating, it was a great spot to spend a leisurely time, and it felt well-suited for visiting like a dessert cafe while enjoying various breads and drinks together. If you are looking for a newly opened Japanese bakery in Encino, it might be a good idea to visit during the soft opening starting on June 22.
