Patisserie Minimal, the specialty chocolate and pastry shop in Soshigaya-Okura, will begin selling a spring-limited "Strawberry and Chocolate Mille-Feuille" starting April 4, 2026. The dessert is available by reservation only through May 31, with reservations opening at 10:00 AM on March 25, 2026.
A New Take on Chocolate and Strawberry
Minimal describes the creation as an attempt to push the classic pairing of chocolate and strawberry into new territory through the use of rare single-origin cacao. The centerpiece is chocolate made from a rare Colombian cacao variety, 'Arhuaco, which won the top gold award at the International Chocolate Awards 2023 Asia-Pacific in the plain/origin dark chocolate category. Its grape-jam-like fruitiness is complemented by a Madagascan cacao chocolate cream with berry-like notes — two distinct expressions of fruitiness from cacao that together bring out the acidity and sweetness of fresh strawberry.
Layers of Aroma and Texture
The mille-feuille is built in carefully considered layers:
- 'Arhuaco raw chocolate (ganache) — The base uses a thick-cut ganache made from the Colombian 'Arhuaco cacao, delivering grape-jam fruitiness alongside a rich, satisfying chocolate character.
- Earl Grey cream — A cream infused with bergamot-scented Earl Grey tea, adding a floral fragrance that bridges the chocolate and fruit flavors.
- Madagascan chocolate cream — A berry-forward chocolate cream providing a second layer of cacao-derived fruitiness, tying the components together with a light finish.
- Flaky pastry — Crisp, layered pastry provides a rhythmic textural contrast throughout.
- Fresh strawberries — Juicy strawberries round out each bite with bright, sweet-tart flavor.
Accompaniments
The dessert is served with additional elements to extend the experience:
- Green tea chocolate ice cream (using EN TEA green tea) — White chocolate ice cream capturing the fresh, grassy aroma of quality green tea, served over a whole grain crumble for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Cacao pulp caramel — A caramel made from the fruit flesh (pulp) of cacao, showcasing a tropical sweet-and-sour character distinct from chocolate itself.
- Framboise sauce — A sharp raspberry sauce that adds a fresh change of pace to the overall flavor profile.
Sales Information
- Price: ¥2,500 (tax included)
- Sales period: April 4 to May 31, 2026
- Location: Patisserie Minimal Soshigaya-Okura
- Reservation required: Reservations can be made via the reservation site
- Reservation start: 10:00 AM on March 25, 2026
About Minimal
Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate - is a Japan-based specialty chocolate shop operated by βace Inc. The team, which includes chocolatiers and pastry chefs, sources cacao directly from producing regions around the world and handles every step from fermentation research to finished products. Minimal has accumulated 103 awards over 10 years at international chocolate competitions.
Patisserie Minimal Soshigaya-Okura
Address: 8-8-24 Kinuta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minute walk from the south exit of Soshigaya-Okura Station (Odakyu Line)
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (irregular holidays; check official site or SNS for updates)
Other Minimal Locations:
- Minimal Tomigaya Flagship Store — 2-1-9 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (11:30 to 19:00, no regular closing day)
- Minimal The Baking Yoyogi-Uehara — 1-34-5 Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (11:00 to 19:00, no regular closing day)
- Minimal The Specialty Azabudai Hills — Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A 2F, Minato-ku, Tokyo (11:00 to 19:00, no regular closing day)
- Minimal The Edition Sengawa (opening March 28, 2026) — Forest Square Sengawa 1F, Chofu-shi, Tokyo (11:00 to 19:00, no regular closing day)
