There are plenty of specialty shops out there, but a melonpan specialty shop? That’s a rarity, at least in Kumamoto.

As anyone who follows Higo Journal knows, melonpan (melon bread) originated in Japan, with a crunchy surface and a sweet brioche-like interior.

 The name itself is enough to pique your interest – a shop dedicated to melonpan.  I just knew I had to check it out.

 And here’s the kicker – the melonpan at Yuamo Café boasts an extra crispy layer that wraps around it, playfully dubbed as ‘wings’ by the locals. You see, in Japan, when gyoza dumplings have this deliciously crunchy overhang, it’s said to have ‘wings’ – and that applies to breads and pastries too! Just one glance at these beauties, and you’ll see why!

They’re not just your ordinary melonpan; they’re melonpan with a delightful, crispy flair that takes the experience to a whole new level.

Eager to experience this delight, I ventured to “Yuamo Café” in Kikuyo Town.

5 Different Types of Melonpan

 With a rush of excitement, I arrived at Yuamo Café. It is located near Sunree Carino Kikuyo in Kikuyo Town, across the railroad crossing, on the opposite side of Fujifilm Kyushu.

There are 3 parking spaces. If the parking lot is full, you can use the parking lot at “Katsugyo Ryouri Sendai” (活魚料理 せんだい) inside Sanrigi Station.

 For takeout, just speak up at this small window here.

Initially surprised to see the products exposed, I soon learned these were just the types of plastic food samples often seen in Japanese restaurants.

There are five flavors: Plain (216 yen), Salted (216 yen), Green tea (270 yen), Caramel (270 yen), and Chocolate chip (270 yen).

They also have a variety of very temping looking drinks, but today, my mission was melon bread. I cannot let other items fill up my stomach.

 As if cutting ties with the lingering temptation, I boldly ordered every type of melon bread available.

 Oh my goodness!!

 Feast your eyes on this impressive array of melon bread!

It’s so frustrating that I can’t convey this delicious aroma to all you Higo Journal lovers over the screen. :’-(

And then…

Yes, they really do have ”wings”.

Not only does the crunchy peanut texture stand out, but the winged part has a candy-like texture, offering a delightfully unique contrast.

 The other melon breads are, as expected, perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

 Despite their fluffiness, they have a satisfying chewiness.

Taking a bite, I’m hit with an inexplicably nostalgic flavor. It’s my first time trying them, yet they somehow evoke fond memories with their gentle, comforting taste.

 And let’s not forget about this popular off-menu item: the Melonpan Rusk.

It’s not always available, so if you spot it, I recommend snapping it up immediately.

 It’s so delicious that before you know it, you’ll have devoured one whole piece – it takes a serious amount of self-control to stop!

Melonpan = The Taste of Childhood

Once the stomach was satisfied, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why open a melon bread specialty shop?”

When I asked, the owner shared, “I wanted to recreate the melon bread from my childhood memories, the one my mom used to make.”

When I learned that the owner’s inspiration for the shop came from the melon bread made by their mother, I was quite impressed. It’s not every day you hear about homemade melon bread – it’s pretty extraordinary to think about a mother crafting such a unique treat at home.

Just the thought of homemade melon bread evokes a sense of nostalgia and happiness, doesn’t it?

The cafe was opened in 2022, with the goal of sharing that same sense of comfort and nostalgia with everyone.

“Yuamo” is a sweet nod to family, derived from the first letters of three sisters’ names.

In this family-run venture, the mother, who inspired this unique melon bread concept, helps manage the cafe.

Dine-in Area Available

More than just a place for grabbing melon bread to go, the cafe offers a full menu, including pasta and curry for those who prefer a sit-down meal.

Occasionally, they even host special events in the cafe space.

If you find yourself in the area, why not visit Yuamo Cafe and share in the joys of what it might be like to be a child growing up in Japan and experiencing excitement for melonpan?

Yuamo Cafe