Nara's Gluten-Free Bread and Sweets Specialty Shop Guide
*Please check the official website or SNS for the latest store information*
If you're looking for gluten-free bread or sweets, did you know that there are some wonderful specialty shops in Nara Prefecture? We'll introduce you to two gluten-free specialty shops in Nara that are popular with people with wheat allergies, as well as health-conscious people and those looking for new flavors. At these two shops, each with its own unique approach, you can enjoy delicious bread and sweets made with rice flour. We'll provide you with all the information you need to actually visit, including each shop's features, popular menu items, and how to get there.
Komeko's Palette, an online gluten-free rice flour bread store serving the Nara area , manufactures and sells gluten-free rice flour bread and gluten-free rice flour bagels that continue to be loved by people with wheat allergies and those living a gluten-free lifestyle.
We offer fast delivery within Nara Prefecture, as well as to the Kansai region, and even nationwide. We have received positive feedback from many repeat customers.
If you are in Chiba Prefecture looking for gluten-free bread, if you need allergy-friendly bread, or if you are health-conscious, please take a look at our product introduction site .
Rice flour café Sarasoju (GLUTEN FREE CAFE SARASOJYU)
Located in the heart of Nara City, Komeko Café Sharasoju is a genuine gluten-free cafe beloved by locals. Their bread and sweets, made with a unique blend of 100% domestic rice flour, have earned them many repeat customers for their "unforgettable taste once you've tried it." The cafe was born from a passionate desire to spread gluten-free cafe culture, which is becoming mainstream in Europe and the United States, in Japan as well.
Basic information and access
Store basic information
Rice Flour Café Sarasojyu is located at 20-19 Shimomikado-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Business hours are from 11:30 to 17:00 (last orders at 16:30), so you can relax and enjoy your time here from lunch time to cafe time. For inquiries, please email comeco.cafe.sarasojyu@gmail.com.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Store name | Rice flour café Sarasoju (GLUTEN FREE CAFE SARASOJYU) |
| address | 20-19 Shimomikadocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture |
| Opening hours | 11:30-17:00 (last order 16:30) |
| contact address | comeco.cafe.sarasojyu@gmail.com |
For details about closing days, please contact the store directly or check the latest information on Instagram. Opening days may change depending on the season and stock availability, so we recommend checking before visiting.
Access and parking information
It is conveniently located about a 7-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and about a 13-minute walk from JR Nara Station. It is an easy place to stop by in between sightseeing, so many people visit it while sightseeing in Nara. Unfortunately, there is no dedicated parking lot, but there are several paid parking lots nearby.
From Kintetsu Nara Station: Go through the shopping street and head south
・From JR Nara Station: Head east on Sanjo Street and take Yasuragi-no-michi. ・By car: Please use the nearby paid parking lot.
Specially selected 100% rice flour menu
Features of our unique blend of domestically produced rice flour
At Sharasoju, we use 100% domestically produced rice flour, which is a unique blend. This rice flour is made by combining multiple domestically produced rice varieties in an optimal mixture, resulting in a delicious taste and texture that rivals wheat flour. While taking advantage of the chewy texture unique to rice flour, it has been devised to produce the perfect finish for each type of bread or sweets.
Although gluten-free, we are committed to providing the same satisfaction as traditional wheat products. They are enjoyed not only by people with allergies, but also by health-conscious people and those seeking new flavors. By using carefully selected domestic rice, safety and high quality are guaranteed.
A handmade manufacturing method
All breads and pastries are carefully handmade one by one. By making them by hand without relying on machines, we aim for the best possible finish by closely checking the condition of the dough. Sometimes the shapes may be uneven, but this is also accepted as the warmth that can only be found in handmade products.
・Everything is done by hand, from mixing the dough to baking. ・Meticulous adjustments are made according to the temperature and humidity of the day.
・The thoughts of the makers that go into each and every product
・A delicate flavor that cannot be achieved through mass production
Popular menu items and prices
Our signature product: 100% rice flour bread
The store's signature product, 100% rice flour bread, is sold for 1,200 yen. Many customers have commented that it is a taste they will never forget once they have tried it, resulting in a constant stream of repeat customers. It has the chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor that only rice flour can provide.
When toasted, it has a crispy outside and a chewy texture inside. It goes great with butter and jam, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack. Reservations can be made for as little as one loaf, so if you want to be sure to get one, we recommend making a reservation in advance.
Sweets menu lineup
Another attraction is the extensive sweets menu. The most popular item is the rice flour baked cheesecake, which is reasonably priced at 600 yen. The rice flour canelés come in two flavors: plain (340 yen) and matcha (350 yen).
| Product name | price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rice flour baked cheesecake | 600 yen | The most popular product |
| Rice flour canelé (plain) | 340 yen | Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside |
| Rice flour canelé (matcha) | 350 yen | Bittersweet matcha flavor |
| chiffon cake | Check the price at the store | Fluffy texture |
During cafe time, you can also enjoy open sandwiches made with rice flour bread. There is a wide variety of menu items available, including seasonal fruits, BLT, fluffy and soft eggs, and bean paste and butter.
A comprehensive lunch menu
At lunchtime, we offer gluten-free pasta and rice flour quiche. You can choose from two types of classic pasta: Bolognese and Porcini. The rice flour quiche, which changes daily, is a nutritious dish made with plenty of seasonal vegetables.
Pasta made with rice flour has a unique texture that is different from regular wheat pasta. The chewy texture mixes well with the sauce, allowing you to discover a new delicious flavor. Reservations are not currently being taken for the lunch menu, so you may have to wait a little while when it is busy.
Reservation and take-out service
How to make a reservation and important points to note
Take-out reservations are accepted by email or Instagram DM at least two business days in advance. For reservations after that, please contact us by phone. When making a reservation, please specify your name, number of items, and the date and time of pickup.
・Email address: comeco.cafe.sarasojyu@gmail.com
・Instagram DM is also available
・Reservations must be made at least two business days in advance
If it's urgent, please contact us by phone
We are currently not accepting reservations for lunch, so if you wish to dine in, please come in person. As this is a popular restaurant, it can get busy, especially on weekends.
Take-out items
They have a wide selection of takeout items. Bread can be reserved starting from one loaf, so if you want to be sure to get your hands on one, we recommend making a reservation in advance. They also offer takeout sweets such as chiffon cake, cheesecake, canelés, and financiers.
We also offer delivery, but it may take approximately one week from order to shipment. Frozen and refrigerated products will be packaged separately and delivered in two separate packages. Please note that delivery times may vary depending on the delivery company.
laccola - vegan sweets shop
Located in Saidaiji, Nara City, Laccola is a popular gluten-free and vegan sweets shop celebrating its third anniversary. All products are made exclusively from plant-based ingredients, and the shop operates under the concept of "making everyone on Earth happy and satisfied." The unique sweets, skillfully crafted with spices and herbs, offer a special experience you won't find anywhere else.
Basic information and access
Store basic information
Laccola is located at 2-1-4 Saidaiji Higashimachi, Nara City, and is open from 11:00 to 17:30. It is closed three days a week, on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, and is open from Wednesday to Saturday. For inquiries, please email (laccola@outlook.jp) or visit Instagram.
・Vegan sweets made without eggs, dairy products, or refined sugar
・All products are gluten-free
・A specialty store with a proven track record, celebrating its 3rd anniversary
・Actively disseminate information on Instagram
The small shop is marked by a pink door, but inside it is lined with a wide variety of tempting sweets. We are also looking for part-time staff who can work on Saturdays and holidays.
Access from Yamato-Saidaiji Station
The hotel is located in an excellent location, just outside the north exit of Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station. It's just a short walk from the narrow road on the west side of the Yamato Shinkin Bank. It's about a one-minute walk from the station, making it very convenient to access by train.
You can also come by motorbike or bicycle, but information about dedicated parking is not available. If you are coming by car, please consider using a paid parking lot near the station. If you are visiting for the first time, it will be easier to find the store if you look for the pink door.
Gluten-free and vegan
Selection of 100% plant-based materials
At laccola, all products are made using only plant-based ingredients. They do not use any eggs, dairy products, or refined sugar, yet still produce delicious sweets. The main ingredients, flour and raw sugar, are made in Japan, and whenever possible, they choose organic and pesticide-free products.
Thanks to this thorough commitment, even those with allergies can enjoy our products with peace of mind. We receive many grateful comments from customers saying, "I couldn't eat this because of my allergies, but now I can finally eat it." We place importance on creating products that customers can choose because they "want to eat this," rather than as a substitute for something else.
Unique flavors created with spices and herbs
Laccola's greatest feature is its unique flavors, which are created by skillfully using spices and herbs. Using high-quality spices and herbs sourced from around the world, they create original sweets that you won't find anywhere else. They also actively incorporate ingredients that are expected to have beneficial effects on health and beauty.
・Exotic spices such as coriander and cardamom ・Refreshing herbs such as rosemary and mint ・Detoxifying cookies made with bamboo charcoal ・Seasonal products made with Japanese herbs
These ingredients create a fragrant and satisfying dessert, carefully crafted with painstaking effort using an original recipe that has been thoroughly researched.
A wide range of products
Four types of vegan canelés
Laccola's signature product, vegan canelés, are available in four flavors: plain, cinnamon, citrus peel, and rich chocolate. They have received high praise from French customers, who say they are "even more delicious than authentic canelés."
Canelés are baked goods that typically require a large amount of eggs, but at Laccola, we use no eggs to achieve an authentic taste. The ideal texture of crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside is perfectly recreated. We carry out thorough quality control, recording the temperature, humidity, and dough temperature each time and adjusting the oven accordingly.
・Plain: Simple and lets you enjoy the taste of the ingredients
・Cinnamon: Accented with fragrant cinnamon
・Citrus peel: Refreshing citrus flavor
・Rich chocolate: Authentic chocolate made with cocoa mass
The most popular salted vanilla cookie
The most popular item in the store is the Salted Vanilla Cookie. It has a rich flavor that you wouldn't believe is made entirely from plant-based ingredients. It uses a generous amount of nutritious almonds, and a hint of rock salt brings out the sweetness of the vanilla.
| Product name | Features | Recommended points |
|---|---|---|
| Salted Vanilla Cookies | The most popular item in the store | Fun for everyone from children to adults |
| Coriander Salt Cookies | Spicy adult flavor | Perfect to accompany your drinks |
| Witch's Detox Herbs | Black cookies made with bamboo charcoal | Charcoal cleanse effect |
If you savor each bite slowly, you'll be satisfied with the rich flavor of just one piece. Popular with children, this cookie is truly one that "puts a smile on everyone's face on the planet."
Seasonal items and special menus
Laccola offers limited-edition seasonal products. They also have a wide selection of sweets for special occasions, such as sugar-free amazake nama chocolate for Valentine's Day and vegan cheesecake (4,320 yen) for Christmas. The unique amazake series offers seasonal flavors such as sake lees grated ginger and sakura mochi.
・Spring: Sakuramochi flavored amazake, lemon mint cookies
・Summer: Refreshing citrus sweets
・Autumn: Halloween-only purple sweet potato marble cookies
・Winter: Christmas cake, Valentine's chocolate
Seasonal products are often limited in quantity, so we recommend checking their Instagram for information. The vegan pound cake is generously topped with dried fruit cooked in rum.
Convenient services and store expansion
How to use the online shop
Laccola also operates an online shop, so even those who live far away can purchase products. They offer frozen delivery, so even fresh sweets like canelés can be delivered fresh. If you purchase cookies and frozen products at the same time, they can be shipped together in a frozen package.
In the online shop, you can be sure to purchase popular items that tend to sell out in stores. Information on seasonal limited edition products is also posted, so we recommend checking the online shop regularly. Purchasing for the purpose of resale is strictly prohibited, and we ask that you only purchase through official channels.
Gift wrapping and event information
Gift box wrapping (for a fee) is also available, making it a popular gift. Newly designed shopping bags are also available, making it even more convenient for gift-giving. Products are also available at the Fufu Nara souvenir shop, where they are popular with tourists.
・Participating in department store events such as Hanshin Department Store
・Participation in events within Nara Prefecture
・Featured in the magazine "SAVVY Special Edition"
・Development of collaborative products with companies
These activities have increased the opportunities for more people to learn about laccola's sweets. Event-exclusive products are sometimes available, so checking the stall information is also fun.
The appeal of gluten-free foods and how to choose them
As interest in gluten-free foods grows, it's important to be knowledgeable when selecting products. Gluten-free foods are not just for allergy sufferers, but are also gaining attention as an option that opens up new food possibilities. Here, we'll introduce the appeal of gluten-free foods and some tips for choosing a store.
The benefits of gluten-free foods
Allergy and health considerations
The biggest benefit of gluten-free foods is that they can be safely consumed by people with wheat allergies or celiac disease. It is said that approximately 1% of people in Japan have some kind of wheat-related allergy. With gluten-free foods, these people no longer have to give up the pleasure of eating.
Many people also report that their physical condition has improved by avoiding gluten. Some people report that their digestive problems have improved, and their skin has also improved. However, the medical evidence varies from person to person, so it is important to consider your own physical condition before incorporating gluten into your diet.
・Expanding options for people with wheat allergies
・Potential to reduce burden on the digestive system
・Encountering new ingredients and flavors
・Improvement of nutritional balance through diversification of dietary habits
The unique deliciousness of rice flour
Products made with rice flour have a unique deliciousness that is different from wheat flour. The chewy texture suits the Japanese palate well, and you can enjoy a gentle sweetness like that of Japanese sweets. Rice flour absorbs less oil than wheat flour, so fried foods have a lighter texture.
When used in bread and cakes, rice flour maintains its moist texture for a long time. The unique flavor of rice flour also enhances the taste of other ingredients. Recently, with improvements in milling technology, rice flour that feels more similar to wheat flour has been developed.
Points to consider when choosing a store
Check the type of flour you are using
Even when it comes to gluten-free products, there are many different types of flour used. Rice flour, corn flour, soy flour, almond flour, etc. Each has its own characteristics. By checking what type of flour the store uses, you can choose a product that suits your preferences and constitution.
| Types of powder | Features | Suitable products |
|---|---|---|
| rice flour | The chewy texture is familiar to Japanese people. | Bread, cakes, cookies |
| almond flour | Fragrant and nutritious | Baked goods, macarons |
| soy flour | High in protein and nutrients | Pancakes, okonomiyaki |
Stores that use domestically produced flour are safe and of high quality, and if they use a unique blend of flour, you can enjoy a unique flavor that is unique to that store.
Check the manufacturing method and attention to detail
Manufacturing gluten-free products requires different techniques and ingenuity than regular wheat products. It is also important to ensure that contamination prevention measures are in place in the manufacturing environment. Stores that use dedicated cooking equipment and manufacturing lines are considered to be safer.
It's also important to check the additives used. Even if a product is gluten-free, it may contain a lot of preservatives and emulsifiers. Choosing products that are made with as few ingredients as possible will make a healthier choice.
Tips for enjoying gluten-free meals in Nara
There are a few tips for enjoying gluten-free bread and sweets in Nara. By doing your research and preparing in advance, you can have a more fulfilling experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind when visiting a store.
Preparation before visiting
Check business hours and holidays
Gluten-free specialty stores may operate differently from regular bakeries and cake shops. In particular, privately run stores may have many days off or shorter business hours. It is essential to check in advance to avoid visiting a store only to find it closed.
・Rice flour café Sharasoju: Please check opening hours, 11:30-17:00
・Laccola: Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, 11:00-17:30
・There is a possibility of temporary closures depending on the season and purchasing situation.
・Check the latest information on Instagram
We recommend checking store opening times by phone or email, especially if you are visiting from afar. Temporary closures and changes to business hours are often announced on each store's social media.
Necessity and method of reservation
Popular items may sell out quickly, so be sure to use the reservation system. Reservations are especially recommended on weekends and public holidays, as they are expected to be crowded. Reservation methods and deadlines vary by store, so be sure to check.
・Sharasoju: Takeout reservations can be made up to two business days in advance
・laccola: Advance purchases are also possible through the online shop
- Multiple reservation methods including email, Instagram DM, and phone
・Popular items require early reservations
When making a reservation, it is important to clearly communicate the product name, quantity, and pick-up date and time. If you have any special requests such as allergies, it is a good idea to let us know at this point.
Recommended usage scenarios
From everyday use to gifts
Gluten-free bread and sweets can be used in a variety of situations. They are great for everyday breakfasts and snacks, and also make great gifts for special occasions. More and more people are choosing them as gifts for people with allergies.
・Daily breakfast: Start your day healthy with rice flour bread
・Souvenirs: Local flavors to remember your trip to Nara
・Gifts: A thoughtful gift that shows consideration for allergy sufferers
・Party: As a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy
Laccola's gift boxes are beautiful and perfect for gifts. Seasonal limited edition products have a special feeling that is unique to that time of year.
How to enjoy cafe time
We also recommend enjoying a leisurely coffee break inside the store. Komeko Café Sharasoju offers a full menu for everything from lunch to coffee time. After enjoying a satisfying lunch of gluten-free pasta and quiche, you can relax with some sweets.
Laccola may be a small shop, but they have a wide variety of sweets to choose from, so you'll have fun choosing. Their seasonal sweet sake is a special treat that can only be enjoyed there. Both stores offer authentic flavors that make it hard to believe they're gluten-free.
Komeko's Palette is an online store that delivers additive-free and gluten-free bread nationwide.
Gluten-free rice flour bread
Komeko's Palette offers gluten-free bread made with 100% rice flour online . It features the chewy texture unique to rice flour and a gentle sweetness not found in wheat bread. This product is recommended not only for those who want to avoid gluten, but also for health-conscious people . We are also committed to being completely additive-free, with safety and security in mind. People with wheat allergies or those who follow a gluten-free diet can also enjoy delicious bread .
summary
Nara is home to several gluten-free bread and sweets specialty shops, each with its own unique style. Rice Flour Café Sharasoju uses a unique blend of 100% domestic rice flour and values the warmth of handmade products. Meanwhile, Laccola offers 100% plant-based vegan sweets with appealingly unique flavors created using spices and herbs.
Both stores aim to create products that are not just allergy-friendly, but are "chosen for their deliciousness." You can enjoy the chewy texture of rice flour and the natural flavor of the ingredients, which can only be enjoyed gluten-free. Gather information and make reservations in advance to fully enjoy gluten-free life in Nara.
Whether you have a wheat allergy, are health conscious, or are looking for a new taste, you're sure to find something to satisfy. When you're sightseeing in Nara, be sure to stop by these specialty shops and enjoy some locally made gluten-free sweets.
