Hello there, foodie explorers! Have you ever had some experience to crave bread? I visited the newly opened bakery-café “Oleeeee Cafe” today. Let’s dive right in!!

The location of the Shop

Nestled in Higashino, Kumamoto City’s East District, you’ll find this gem near the terminal station of the city tram in Kengun Shopping Street. Heading towards Mashiki, it’s on your right, a bit past the Entremet Cake Shop. The chic building can’t be missed! 

There’s parking available for a maximum of six cars, in three rows of two cars parked one in front of the other.

The signboard on the wall will help you to find the shop!

Can you guess what “Elephant Ear” is like?

     Curiosity piqued, I asked the owner about their signature product: the Elephant Ears. They are made in the following way: 

• Roll out their original dough super thin.
• Lightly fry it.
•  Blast it at high heat to get rid of the excess oil.

This process results in a less greasy “fried-baked bread”.     They look like actual elephant ears, so they are called “Elephant Ear”! Adorable, right?

What is more, since the dough contains a dab of olive oil, it doesn’t absorb oil. Compared with white bread, elephant ears contain half of the calories. Also, all of the following things are not used at all: eggs, dairy preservatives, margarine, shortening, trans fats, artificial coloring, and bleach agents. Probably, this bakery, specializing in elephant ears, is a first for Kumamoto.

There are many varieties of elephant ears from the simple “Plain” to ones resembling a pizza like “Margherita”.   Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or not, there’s a great selection to choose from!

The Menu & The Munch

The elephant ears are made on-order with oven, so it takes some time to get them. 

After the dough is baked, some other ingredients are put on. For example, some cheese will be topped and seared if you order “Margherita”. Pure joy!!!   

The day I went was during their soft launch, so not everything was available. However, I ordered “Cinnamon Sugar” (280 yen), “Cream Cheese & Blueberry” (340 yen), “W (Double) Chocolate (two kinds of chocolates) & Peanuts” (340 yen), “Strawberry & Rare Cheese” (340 yen), and “Margherita” (440 yen).

“Cinnamon Sugar” has an orthodox sweetness, so it’s simple but its cinnamon and sugar match really well. I think adults will especially like this one. I tried “W Chocolates & Peanuts” next. I had expected it to be so sweet before eating it, but the light dough helped me to eat it up. 

 Pro tip: Eating an Elephant Ear fresh and hot is unmatched, but if you’re taking it to-go, 20 seconds in a 500W microwave gets it perfectly fluffy again.

I also tried the following drinks:

• Fruit Soda (Peach) 450 yen
• Fruit Soda (Lemon) 450 yen
• Fruit Soda (Kiwi) 450 yen
• Fruit Soda Float (Red Grapefruit) 500 yen

The refreshing and cuty fruit soda is perfect in summer! You can add ice cream as an option.

In conclusion

Lastly, I asked about the origin of the shop’s name. Oleeeee in ‘Oleeeee Cafe’ is a cheerful extension of the flamenco cheer “Olé!” Adding five ‘e’s just amplifies the fun vibe.

Why don’t you visit this lively name shop to try their elephant ears this summer?

Oleeeee Cafe