croix (Kurowa)

Tucked into a residential neighbourhood just off Waseda-dori, the small bakery croix (クロワ) is the kind of place to stop by on a daily walk. The bagels are an obvious place to start: they have a hearty bite and a springy, chewy texture. The red bean paste and butter bagel has a dense crumb that rewards a good chew. Mildly sweet bean paste, salty butter and fragrant sesame come together for a bite that lingers.

There is plenty of variety, from matcha and white chocolate in matcha-scented dough to chocolate and macadamia nut, where the nuts add a pleasing crunch, as well as a filling option with sausage. Kintoki bean bread pairs soft, sweet beans with a chewy dough, while the salted butter roll gets its savoury edge from fragrant butter and coarse salt. Both have an uncomplicated appeal, whether for breakfast or a snack. Granola cookies, banana muffins and chocolate cake sit by the till. Their modest size makes them tempting additions to take home.

The selection also includes baguettes with a firm, wheaty bite and savoury options such as shrimp cutlet bread. Reasonable prices make these everyday choices easy to enjoy. There is no dine-in option; croix is take-away only. Popular items can sell out before the afternoon, so visiting in the morning or around lunchtime is a good way to find a fuller selection. PayPay is accepted.