buik, the popular café in Minami-Aoyama. The hearty quiche and carefully curated deli lunch were all spot-on.

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buik

There’s a reason why people line up in the back alleys of Minami-Aoyama.

About an 8-minute walk from Omotesando Station. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood near the Nezu Museum, the café buik stands quietly. Located in a semi-basement down an alley, with only a menu board signaling its presence, this place is a hidden gem known only to those in the know—but it’s now a trendy café with lines that are all the rage on Instagram.

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It was 11:50 a.m. on a weekday; I managed to get in just as they opened.

I arrived in front of the shop around 11:50 a.m. on a weekday. Although I managed to get in right when they opened, there are only 16 seats available (two 4-person tables and four 2-person tables). It felt like I had just barely slipped into the first seating.

On weekends, the competition is even fiercer, so lining up before opening is a must. Reservations aren’t accepted (phone orders are available for takeout only), so be sure to check the official Instagram (@buik_tokyo) for operating hours before visiting. The shop may close unexpectedly due to preparation schedules.

I got the impression that there were many solo female diners inside. The narrow, semi-basement space, with its white walls, wooden tables, and exposed ductwork, has a minimalist atmosphere stripped of all excess, making it easy to relax even when dining alone.

Quiche Set: 3,200 yen. A substantial dish, 10 cm in diameter

I ordered the "Quesh of the Week Set" for 3,200 yen (includes coffee). The set includes the quesh of the week, brown rice salad, five types of the day’s salads, hummus, and a drink.

The quiche, about 10 cm in diameter, feels surprisingly heavy when held, despite its appearance. It’s quite substantial, and this single plate is more than enough to fill you up. The crust is firm and crisp, with just the right amount of tang. As I ate, the flavor conveyed a sense of “this was made with care.”

I loved every single one of the accompanying deli items ♡

The deli items served with the quiche are so well-prepared they could easily be the stars of the show. Here’s what was on the menu that day:

• Kale & Quinoa
• Carrot Rape & Sauerkraut
• Ratatouille
• Potatoes
• Brown Rice Salad
• Hummus

Every dish is carefully seasoned and hits the spot perfectly ♡ The balance of tartness in the carrot slaw and sauerkraut, the deep umami of the ratatouille, and the smooth hummus—no corners were cut with any of them. The quality is so high that these deli items alone could easily serve as a main course.

The menu features three lunch sets plus a wide selection of baked goods

There are three lunch sets. In addition to this week’s Quiche Set for 3,200 yen, there’s the Brown Rice Salad Bowl Set for 2,950 yen and the Soup à l’Pistou Set for 2,650 yen.

Drinks included with the set—coffee, black tea, and rooibos tea—are free. You can upgrade to café au lait for an additional 100 yen, Yebisu beer for 300 yen, or a glass of wine or craft beer for 600 yen. You can also add baked goods to your set as an option. The lineup is extensive, featuring Basque cake, carrot cake, Victoria sponge cake, lemon and almond cake, and more.

Strawberry and Rhubarb Pie, Take-out

This seasonal strawberry and rhubarb pie is available from spring through early summer. It costs 1,000 yen for takeout and 1,100 yen for dine-in, served with whipped cream or ice cream.

When you break into the thick, rustic crust, the strawberry and rhubarb filling oozes out. The balance of sweetness and refreshing tartness is exquisite—this is a treat you simply can’t resist taking home.

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