Hareruya Pantry CBD

Down a narrow alley, you’ll see a billowing Japanese noren curtain emblazoned with the words, “Bringing sunshine to your day”. It nods to Hareruya Pantry’s name (Hareruya is Japanese for “sunny shop”). Kantaro Okada’s popular spot, which has its flagship in Carlton, is beloved for its bento boxes, nikuman (steamed pork buns) and mochi-wrapped gelato in flavours like shirogoma (white sesame) and matcha.

Soft, pillowy shokupan from Okada’s Le Bajo Milkbar is sliced and filled with classic egg mayo and tuna mayo fillings to make signature sandos. Bouncy steamed buns are filled with red bean paste with pumpkin custard; pork and noodles; or tomato, cheese and pulled pork to create the “pizzaman” nikuman. The seasonal bento boxes are a feast for the eyes and taste buds, with multiple components like sashimi, brightly-coloured vegetable pickles and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) delicately arranged into a compact box. There’s also a dedicated gelato space.

Drinks are focused on tea. Milk-brewed teas (tea brewed directly in milk rather than water) such as soy milk genmaicha and oat milk oolong are creamy and fragrant with a hint of sweetness. For a lighter tea-based drink, the yuzu jelly tea soda has a fresh, zesty fizz with bite.

Okada is also behind 279, Chiaki, Sebastian Kakigori and Leonie Upstairs.