While exploring Cat Street, I happened across a food truck stand – a rarity in Japan! – next to Urban BBQ Smokehouse and The Roastery called Coco Agepan and a slew of people drinking out of what looked like grapefruits.
Those that know me, know that I’m a beer and wine person. It’s rare that I’ll chose a cocktail or anything else unless I’m sitting pool, beach or water side. Only then may you see me with an occasional tropical yumminess (can you sense a theme? Water changes everything apparently).
Low and behold, they had this drill bit apparatus to smash down the insides of the grapefruit for the juice. Oh, and for 100 yen more, you could add a dash of some coconut rum. It’s summer somewhere, sign me up!
Coco Agepan Cocktails – All cocktails should be served in a fruit
So I’m sad to tell you, if it’s not summer time, you will miss out on the ice-y deliciousness served out of the very fruit it came from. So what does this cute little food truck serve the rest of the year? It’s all in the name.
Since opening in November of 2014, Coco Agepan has been making a stir in the news media with specials on TV and in Magazines. While it was the fun drinks that drew me in, the fried bread and donuts is what they really are all about.
What is Agepan (揚げパン)?
Age-pan, 揚げパン. Or more deliciously, FRIED BREAD. Made to order in 100% coconut oil, Coco Agepan is topped in a variety of different flavors and makes a nice treat. The original is simple with lightly sprinkled sugar.
However, you can also have it with crush coconut (matches the oil, it has to be tasty!), cinnamon, cocoa, the very Japanese matcha, black sesame seeds or kinako (roasted soybean flour — don’t let the name scare you, it’s yummy!). And don’t forget about the revolving monthly special! With 8 options in total, you’ll have to come back to Cat Street several times to try them all.
Coco Agepan prides themselves on their use of てん菜糖 (tensai tou). Which if you just put that into Google translate comes out with “sugar sugar” which amuses me. What it actually is is sugar made from sugar beets. Something similar in looks to a turnup, is a specialty from Hokkaido.
Other drinks
While the lovely grapefruit concoction is something you might see during the summer time, the rest of the year you can have a tapioca or a bottle soft drink. I’ll still be partial to the rum option myself. And if you are feeling like something harder, check out Urban BBQ Smokehouse next door to Coco agepan for some of TY Harbor’s craft beer.
Hours of Operation
They are open from 1200-1800 but not on Monday’s, Tuesday’s or in case of rain (it’s a really small food truck so I don’t blame them!).
How to get to Coco Agepan
It’s Japan, so train routes are aplenty. If you are on the Yamanote line, get off JR Harajuku Station. On the Chiyoda Subway line the closest stations is Omotesando Station or there’s the Meiji Jingumae Station which is served by both the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Line.
Don’t let the map fool you, the food truck is right at the bend in the road next to Urban BBQ Smokehouse.
Making your own agepan
Let’s face it, maybe you can’t make it to Coco Agepan and want a treat. The best part about this, is the ingredients are super simple. Make your favorite sweet bread recipe, roll it into a sort of hot dog shape, fry in some coconut oil and top with sugar or whatever you may desire!