The popular Tokyo bakery étéco bread, located in Ikenoue, Setagaya, is introducing two limited-time items featuring California Prunes. Developed by owner-chef Yutaka Kajiwara, the products will go on sale in two phases starting Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Chef Kajiwara designed the two items to showcase different qualities of California Prunes — their moisture-retaining properties for a tender crumb, and their deep sweetness and acidity for added complexity in flavor. He used the prunes in different forms, including whole fruit and puree, to highlight the ingredient's versatility. "California Prunes pair beautifully with bread dough," said Chef Kajiwara. "Their rich sweetness and juiciness open up new possibilities in bread-making."
California Prunes are grown in California, the world's largest producing region, with orchards spanning the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Known for their natural sweetness without added sugar and their rich aroma, they are also a source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin K, and other vitamins and minerals.
Limited-Time Menu
Phase 1: California Prune and Mugwort Bagel
Sales Period: May 2–31, 2026
This bagel brings together the tangy depth of a sourdough starter with the fresh, herbal aroma of mugwort. Whole California Prunes are folded into the dough, preserving their natural tartness and sweetness. The crust bakes up crisp and fragrant, while the interior stays moist thanks to the moisture retained by both the mugwort and the prunes. Each bite reveals layers of molasses-like sweetness and herbal aroma, with the prune flavor building through to the last bite.
Phase 2: California Prune Gateau Breton
Sales Period: June 3–28, 2026
This pastry features a rich Gateau Breton dough infused with aromatic rum. Both whole California Prunes and prune puree are layered inside, offering a concentrated sweetness and tartness that holds its own against the dense, buttery dough. The contrast between the crumbly exterior, tender crumb, and the jammy, sticky texture of the prunes creates a multi-layered and indulgent bite.
Please note that the sales periods for both items are subject to change.
The Chefs Behind étéco bread
Owner-chef Yutaka Kajiwara developed his skills at established Tokyo bakeries, gaining experience across production, sales, product development, and marketing before opening étéco bread in Ikenoue, Setagaya in 2019. His wife, chef Natsuko Kajiwara — who has a background in French cuisine — contributes an artistic sensibility that shapes the bakery's distinctive aesthetic. Their breads have been described as "a dish in themselves," reflecting the craft and artistry behind each creation.
Lines have formed outside the shop since its earliest days, and the visually striking, jewel-like displays packed with toppings have drawn significant attention on social media — attracting visitors not only from within Japan but from abroad.
Shop Information
Address: 2-42-7 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6877-0433
Official Website: https://etecobread.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eteco_bread/
