Kyoto’s Hidden Gem: Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax – An Austrian Bakery in Japan

I wrote a post about European Bakeries in Kansai several years ago prior to discovering this gem in Kyoto and I never realized that I never wrote about this, so here I am.

Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax is apparently from Graz in Austria, and founded in 1569. It's as legit as European bakeries go!

Tucked away on a side street close to Kyoto Zoo and the big torii gate of Heian Jingu, there's a very classy looking building without much signage other than sign boards outside:

There's a few parking spots for patrons but not many, as most people come to get fresh bread and go quickly. There's a few tables inside and a patio area maybe totaling to 9 or 10 small tables? So if you are with a bigger group of friends or family, I recommend getting the sandwiches and bread to nearby Okazaki Park for a picnic. (brotip: there is a Starbucks there with tons of outdoor seating).

If you go before noon, you'll be greeted with a lovely selection of breads, bretzels and pastries. For Japanese residents and locals, I'd say the prices are quite steep. But worth it for some fresh European breads.

They also have a sandwich selection as well of limited quantities.

And a very decent cake selection. With their chocolate cakes being the most popular of course.

My partner and I usually come here for the breads and pastries only. Their coffee is pretty ok, nothing to write home about but it compliments the food well.

My European partner thinks the pastries are pretty good but not quite the same as the ones in Austria. I guess in the end, they still need to make the foods more to the Japanese palate and probably also they are limited to ingredients available in Japan. But he definitely approves.

I also tried this salami sandwich which was pretty nice! Reminds me a bit of going into a SPAR or any supermarket and seeing the hot food section with the sandwiches. I don't quite remember the price but it's not something I crave or would get again over other items here though, to be honest.

And our favourites, the pretzel!! Unfortunately Japan's humidity doesn't keep the pretzel nice on the outside but the taste is still on point.

I definitely recommend this place overall if you want a taste of home and willing to splurge a little. I've been to some highly rated European bakeries in Tokyo by other foreign residents, and I definitely think Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax serves much better bread at a higher price point.

Give it a try and let us know what you think!!