Japanese culture is becoming more and more rooted in Madrid. From the bonsai museum to the cafés with Japanese pastries, references to the Asian country can be found in every corner. A few meters from the Plaza de los Cubos (Calle Santa María Micaela, 4) we find a sample of this trend: Doku Toku, a small place specializing in cakes and onigiris.
As soon as you enter the cafeteria you can breathe a calm and cozy atmosphere. The décor is minimalist, as is the presentation of the dishes on offer. Although the highlight of Doku Toku is its variety of handmade desserts, it is worth talking about its drinks first. It is mandatory to order one of their specialty coffees (with Hola Coffee beans) or teas (there are some quite unusual ones, such as hojicha and gyokuro).
As for the savory options section, there are two must-tries: the onigiris (€8.50 with drink included), that substitute for the sandwich in Japanese culture, and -especially if you’re really hungry- the omurice (€13.50 with drink), an omelet with rice that in this cafeteria they soak in curry sauce.
Now it’s time to comment on the desserts. Here we find the famous strawberry tarts that appear in anime films such as Death Note. Known internationally as strawberry shortcakes, they triumph for their fluffiness and freshness. They are undoubtedly the stars of the house.
Doku Toku also has its own reworking of tiramisu (with its specialty coffee) and the traditional cheesecake (6€). Black sesame is added to the latter dish, a soft and salty touch that combines perfectly with its ingredients. Of course, the fresh fruit and whipped cream sandwiches (5€), so popular in Japan, could not be missing.