Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan

- 595 River Rd A-117, Edgewater, NJ 07020

Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan stands out as an essential culinary destination for anyone in New Jersey seeking a taste of authentic Japanese baking. Tucked away inside the bustling Mitsuwa Marketplace in Edgewater, this bakery offers a delightful escape with its wide array of both traditional Japanese baked goods and European-style pastries reimagined with Japanese precision. For locals and visitors to North Jersey, a trip to this spot is much more than a simple bakery visit—it is an immersion into the delicate, high-quality, and nuanced world of Japanese 'pan' (bread).

The Pullman Bakery name is rooted in a rich history, beginning in Hokkaido, Japan, in 1978. Inspired by the square-shaped breads baked on Pullman rail cars to maximize space, the name was also chosen to conceptually "pull" people toward their delicious goods. The philosophy of the original founder, Mr. Kazuomi Tachihara, was centered on customer enjoyment, health, and using the freshest ingredients, a tradition that clearly continues in their Edgewater location. This dedication to quality and traditional techniques ensures that every loaf and pastry has the soulful, satisfying taste of authentic Japanese bread. Combining the heritage of Pullman Bakery with the local presence of Shige Pan, this Edgewater establishment delivers a truly unique and authentic experience right here in New Jersey.

One of the key elements that makes Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan a must-visit in New Jersey is its strategic location inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace. Found at 595 River Rd, A-117, Edgewater, NJ 07020, USA, the bakery benefits from being part of a larger Japanese cultural and culinary complex. Mitsuwa Marketplace itself is renowned as an authentic Japanese grocery store and mini-mall, offering everything from specialty groceries and household goods to a popular food court. This makes Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan an ideal spot for a quick visit, whether you are stopping in specifically for a treat or as part of a larger shopping trip for Japanese goods.

For New Jersey residents, especially those in the northern and central regions, the Edgewater location is easily accessible. Being right on River Road (Route 5) provides excellent access, though visitors should note that the popularity of Mitsuwa Marketplace means the area, particularly the parking lot, can be busy, especially on weekends. However, the market structure and the bakery itself are designed with visitor convenience in mind.

Accessibility is also a priority at this location. The site features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that a quick, enjoyable visit is possible for all patrons. The combination of the bakery’s authenticity and its prime location within a major cultural hub solidifies its reputation as a significant culinary landmark in New Jersey.

Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan offers a streamlined and customer-focused experience, perfect for the on-the-go lifestyle of New Jersey residents. Their services ensure that you can enjoy their fresh-baked goods and cakes whenever and however you prefer.

• Delivery: For days when you can't make the trip to Edgewater, the bakery provides delivery service options, bringing authentic Japanese sweets and savories right to your door.
• Takeout: The primary service, allowing customers to quickly and conveniently select their favorite breads, pastries, and cakes to enjoy at home or on the go.
• In-Store Shopping: An inviting atmosphere for browsing the extensive selection of daily baked goods, often featuring seasonal and limited-edition items.
• Multiple Payment Options: Accepting major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, ensuring a quick and easy checkout process for a brief, quick visit.

What sets Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan apart from typical New Jersey bakeries is its commitment to authentic Japanese baking techniques, resulting in textures and flavors that are distinctively soft, light, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory. The menu is a comprehensive tour of Japanese ‘pan’ culture, from the famously soft loaves to innovative filled buns.

• The Signature Loaf Breads: A must-try is the celebrated Pullman White Bread or the Danish Pullman Bread, which is known for its incredibly soft, fluffy texture, often referred to as ‘shokupan’ (eating bread). The Hokkaido Premium Bread also promises a richer, superior texture, utilizing the region’s famous dairy heritage.
• Authentic Japanese Classics: The bakery excels in traditional Japanese filled pastries, known as ‘An Pan’ and ‘Kashi Pan.’ Highlights include the Melon Pan (a soft bun with a crisp, sugary cookie-like crust), the Cream Pan (filled with a rich custard), and the various An Pan options like Tsubu An Pan (sweet red bean paste) and Koshi An Pan (smooth bean paste).
• Savory Bread Buns: For a savory lunch or snack, be sure to try the Dansyaku Curry Bun Donut—a deep-fried bun filled with rich, savory Japanese curry. Other popular savory items include the Corn Mayo bread and the Spicy Tuna Bread, offering a distinctly Japanese take on baked goods.
• European Pastries with a Japanese Twist: The bakery expertly crafts European favorites with a focus on lightness and precise technique. The menu includes Croissant, various Danish pastries, and the popular Matcha Cornet Danish, blending classic buttery pastry with the earthy notes of green tea.
• Exquisite Cakes and Desserts: Beyond bread, the cake selection is truly gourmet. The Strawberry Short Cake is often praised by patrons for its authentic Japanese-style cream—light, not overly sweet, and reminiscent of those found in Japan. Other spectacular choices include the layered Mile Crepe Cake, the subtle Green Tea Cake, and the rich HOKKAIDO Cheese Cake.
• Customer-Approved Quality: Patrons consistently highlight the authenticity of the taste, with many noting that the cream in the cakes tastes exactly like the ones they've enjoyed in Japan, underscoring the bakery’s commitment to genuine Japanese flavor profiles.

To plan your visit or inquire about their special offerings, use the contact details below:

Address: 595 River Rd A-117, Edgewater, NJ 07020, USA (Inside Mitsuwa Marketplace)

Phone: (201) 945-9450

For New Jersey food enthusiasts looking to experience the best of Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan, a few selections are considered essential to truly understand the quality and unique flavors of this Edgewater gem.

First and foremost, the Melon Pan ($4.79) is a perennial favorite and a non-negotiable choice for first-time visitors. As noted by customers, it is "hard to describe but it's chewy inside, the outside is crisp but sugar cookie like." This classic Japanese sweet bun is a textural masterpiece that is perfectly sweet and satisfying.

For a savory indulgence, the Dansyaku Curry Bun Donut ($5.99) is highly recommended. The contrast of the sweet, fluffy donut dough with the rich, slightly spicy Japanese curry filling offers a flavorful experience that is quintessentially Japanese. Another unique savory choice is the Spicy Tuna Bread ($4.49) or the Corn Mayo ($4.69), which showcase how Japanese bakers seamlessly integrate unexpected savory ingredients into soft bread.

When it comes to dessert, you cannot go wrong with the Strawberry Short Cake ($7.99). Patrons consistently rave about the authentic, light, and delicate cream, setting it apart from its denser American counterparts. If you prefer a richness, the HOKKAIDO Cheese Cake ($7.99), with its regional Japanese origins, or the smooth, tall layers of the Mile Crepe Cake ($7.99) are excellent choices. Furthermore, their signature loaf breads, such as the Danish Pullman Bread ($13.99) or the Pullman White Bread (Small $5.99/Large $7.99), make for exceptional sandwich bread or toast at home, a testament to the superior softness of Japanese bread.

In conclusion, Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan provides an authentic, high-quality Japanese bakery experience, making it a valuable addition to New Jersey's diverse culinary landscape. Whether you are craving the comfort of a classic An Pan, the novelty of a Matcha Cornet, or a truly delicate cake, this Edgewater establishment is a destination that delivers on its promise of genuine Japanese baking artistry.

Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan

595 River Rd A-117, Edgewater, NJ 07020, USA