Way back in the late 1800s, Yokohama was known for being the center of foreign trade thanks to the opening of the Port of Yokohama.
In fact, many westerners moved to the area and shops flourished on Motomachi St. which was known for shopping, cafes, boutiques and bakeries. And because of these shops created by westerners, it would be instrumental in introducing the world to western culture.
One of the bakeries that was established in the area in the late ’60s was Pompadour Bakery (est. November 29, 1969), and has continued from its origins in Motomachi to now establishing itself throughout Japan.
The company takes pride in using recipes and choosing flour from carefully from wheat flour utilizing techniques of French and Danish bread from European craftsmen and practicing a “commitment to quality”.
And is one of my favorite bakeries in Japan.
Here are photos from inside a Pompadour bakery:
Back in 1968, Sando Kiichi opened a fresh bakery featuring a variety of low-volume production. This was not the norm, as the norm in Japan was bakeries that produced in mass production which was the mainstream in the baking industry at the time.
In fact, even going further against the norm, Pompadour would bring in two craftworkers that were leaders in French and Danish bread. And the craftsmen taught Japanese breadmakers many years even well after the opening of Pompadour.
So dedicated to quality, flour was carefully selected and even ovens were imported from Europe. Salespeople were educated on why Pompadour bread was better.
As for the name “Pompadour”, the name is derived from Madame de Pompadour, a patroness of architecture and decorative arts, especially porcelain. And the footprint of Madame Pompadour, in all its beauty and elegance and holding a high standard, that was what Pompadour aims for in become a “dignified high-grade and elegant European bakery”.
The types of breads you can find at Pompadour includes their German bread “Sour Brot” which features bread with sour seeds, “Jumbo Raisin” which is a wheat bread that is crisp on the outside and fluffy in the inside and filled with raisins. The “Cheese Onion Bread” features chopped bacon, onions, cheese and egg, “Rondo” which features chocolate chip and crispy walnuts inside what looks like a croissant donut. The “Daily Brand roll” uses wheat bran and soy milk and pickled sesame.
The “Torokeru Cheese Pan” is.a small bread with melted cheese inside, the “Yokosuka Navy Curry” features Japanese curry made from a recipe from the Japanese Navy Culinary Arts. The “Seven Layer Sandwich” features eggs, vegetable, cutlet, potato salad, ham, cheese, chicken salad and an omelette.
And for those who have parties, they also offer party sandwiches as well.
And of course, staples such as the French Baguette, Cheese Butter bread, French butter bread, the “Milk France” and so many more!
In fact, you can click here to see what types they offer.
But overall, if you are a pan (bread) fan and want to try the creativity of Pompadour, definitely visit a Pompadour bakery in Japan.
