The Japanese food scene is no stranger to viral social media videos, and today I’m visiting a spot that’s been all over my feed while planning for this trip. Located at Shin-Okubo, Tokyo’s vibrant Koreatown, SOBOONG is a small, takeaway-only shop specializing in all sorts of Taiyaki flavors, including their famed buttery Shio Pan Taiyaki.
What exactly makes their Shio Pan Taiyaki special? Is it really any different from a normal Taiyaki? And is it worth the visit? Let’s get to it. How Good is SOBOONG Actually?
–Menu–
–Shio Pan Taiyaki–
–Other Notable Items–
–Verdict–
–Getting There–
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📋 Menu 📋
While the traditional Taiyaki is made with a pancake-like batter, SOBOONG’s signature item is their Shio Pan Taiyaki – made instead with a rich, laminated ‘salt bread’ dough that features a flaky, croissant-like crust.
Regular Taiyaki items are also on the menu should you prefer, with various fillings like custard, Nutella, Ham & Egg, and Oreo O’s & Marshmallow.
After placing your order, you’ll be handed a little plastic tag with an accompanying Taiyaki plushie. Keep it handy, of course, as you’ll need to return it (plushie included) once your order is ready.
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🥐 Shio Pan Taiyaki (¥550) 🥐
SOBOONG’s signature item: a Shio-Pan based Taiyaki filled with azuki red bean, topped with a sizable slab of butter.
The Shio Pan base combines the soft interior of a Japanese bread roll with the flaky crust of a laminated pastry – offering a chewy, tender interior with a thin, lightly crispy “shell”. While there aren’t any visible flakes of salt on top, the entire crust is lightly salted all around the exterior.
Fitting to its taiyaki roots and contrasting the saltiness is their red bean filling. It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and elevates the pastry to something more than just a “salty, fluffy bread.”
Also served on top of the taiyaki is a generous slab of butter. Because it’s served chilled (likely to buy you some time to take photos), you’ll need to spread it around the warm crust while you eat.
And as it gently melts, you get a whole new layer of richness to the pastry alongside some bright dairy notes unique to fresh butter.
Surprisingly, the bread doesn’t absorb the butter nearly as fast as you would think, and you’ll likely be left with a small pool at the bottom to dip your remaining Shio Pan into.
I should also note that the butter itself is unsalted. Keeps the richness front-and-center, but I do wish it was salted for that extra depth of flavor.
Side Note: While SOBOONG is a takeout-only shop, you’ll find a designated standing area around the corner to eat.
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🍪 Other Notable Items 🍪
While I was waiting for my order, I saw the staff prepare a set of their Oreo O’s & Marshmallow Taiyaki – which features a standard Taiyaki batter instead of the Shio Pan dough.
And can I just say that looks really good? No idea when’s the next time I’ll be around this part of town… but if I do, I’m grabbing this one for sure!
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⭐VERDICT⭐
So how good is SOBOONG actually? Objectively, it’s a solid street food snack! The Shio Pan, with its flaky crust and soft interior, was done quite well. And with the additions of the azuki bean and melted fresh butter, it’s simply a satisfying, rich treat to have.
Now, was it worth the detour I took across Tokyo just to try this? Probably not. It’s still very enjoyable, don’t get me wrong, but it’s nowhere near the “must visit” hype the social media videos make it out to be. That said, if you’re already around Koreatown, it’s definitely worth a stop for a quick ¥550 snack. I know I’ll be grabbing their Oreo O’s & Marshmallow one the next time I’m around.
So overall, if you’re wandering through the Shin-Okubo area of Tokyo and want to grab a rich, buttery twist on a classic Japanese snack, then have a go at SOBOONG!
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🚗 GETTING THERE 🚗
SOBOONG is located at Tokyo’s ‘Koreatown’ right by Shin-Okubo Station.
Shin-Okubo Station (Yamanote JR Line) – Exit from the station, and a 2-minute walk across the intersection.
Okubo Station (Chuo JR Line) – North Exit, and a 7-minute walk.
SOBOONG ソブン
🌏 Location 🌏
1F Seikodo Bldg., 2-1-4 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cfpLo1q3eiFYEnYd6
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
10 A.M. to 9 P.M.