Seattlest Bites #4: Apricot Danish from Fuji Bakery

Apricot Danish from Fuji Bakery. Photo by Tamiko Nimura.

The Bite: Apricot Danish from Fuji Bakery

Though there are several wonderful Japanese and Japanese-style bakeries/sweet shops in Seattle (Hiroki, Fresh Flours, Tokara, and now Umai-Do come to mind), we’re especially happy that Fuji Bakery has a branch in the International District. (A larger store is also in Bellevue.)

Having fond memories of French-style bakeries in Japan, we were looking forward to checking out Fuji’s offerings. Fuji’s apricot Danish forever changed our view of listless, chewy Danishes with pathetic little cubes of dried apricot on top. More like an apricot croissant, with two whole apricots on top and—no dried cream cheese here—nestling on a bed of “organic almond custard cream and dried apricot cooked in fresh oranges and Grand Marnier,” according to the menu. Mmmhmm.

So many other offerings at Fuji have tempted us, too. Check out their cherry and pear Danishes and their Japanese breads, including the curry bun (filled with house-made beef curry!) and the azuki (red bean paste) bread. Others have recommended the breads and the brioche saumon (a square of brioche filled with salmon and dill). We left clutching a brown bag with savory and sweet breads and pastries (for about $13), and can’t wait to go back.