If you love fried bread, Zounomimi is a name you’ll want to remember.
At first glance, it looks like a generously sized piece of fried dough.
But one bite is enough to surprise most people — it’s not greasy at all.
Zounomimi uses a world-first cooking method: frying followed by baking, which removes excess oil while locking in flavor and texture.
A plain piece contains about 138 kcal, roughly half the calories of a slice of premium Japanese bread, making it a rare case of fried bread you can enjoy without guilt.
What truly sets Zounomimi apart is its two completely different textures:
crispy and chewy when freshly baked, or soft and fluffy when reheated later.
In this article, based on an actual visit to the Yoga (Tokyo) location, we’ll explain what Zounomimi is, how to enjoy it, menu options and customizations, a real tasting review, and practical tips for first-time visitors — including allergy information and reheating methods.
目次-table of contents
What Is Zounomimi?
A Japanese Evolution of the American “Elephant Ear”
Zounomimi is inspired by the American fair food known as the Elephant Ear, but refined in Japan over 19 years and 1,356 trials.
Unlike traditional Elephant Ears, which are only fried, Zounomimi is finished by baking after frying.
This proprietary method — sometimes referred to as “Fry-Baked Gelatinization” — evaporates excess oil from the surface, resulting in a lighter finish and a cleaner aftertaste.
Despite its impressive size, Zounomimi never feels heavy.
That balance of indulgence and lightness is exactly why many fried-bread lovers find themselves coming back again.
The Texture Secret:
“Crispy & Chewy” vs. “Soft & Fluffy”
Zounomimi is a rare bread that changes character over time — and that’s intentional.
◎ Within 5 minutes of baking
- Outside: crispy
- Inside: chewy and springy
- This is the best moment to enjoy the aroma and contrast in texture
- The Yoga store offers a small eat-in area, perfect for trying it fresh
◎ After 5 minutes (recommended reheating)
- The surface firms up naturally (few additives are used)
- Reheat in a microwave at 500W for about 25 seconds
- The bread transforms into an ultra-soft, fluffy, mochi-like texture
Some fans prefer it fresh and crisp, others love it reheated and pillowy.
This “two-in-one texture experience” is one of Zounomimi’s biggest charms.
Why Is Zounomimi Considered “Healthy”?
Zounomimi earns its reputation for being lighter than typical fried bread thanks to three key factors:
1. Ingredients
- Dough contains no eggs or dairy
- Minimal additives
- No margarine, shortening, trans fats, artificial coloring, or bleaching agents
※ Wheat flour is used
2. Cooking Method
- A small amount of olive-based oil is mixed into the dough
- Frying is followed by baking, which removes surface oil
- The dough structure absorbs less oil overall
3. Calories
- Plain Zounomimi: about 138 kcal per piece
- Premium Japanese bread (1 slice): approx. 264 kcal
Toppings will add calories, but the base itself is notably light.
Menu & Customization:
Enjoy Two Flavors at Once with “Half & Half”
One of the most popular ways to order Zounomimi is Half & Half, which lets you enjoy two flavors on a single piece.
You can even combine sweet and savory, making it ideal for first-timers who can’t decide.
Menus vary by location and season, but common options include:
Sweet Flavors
- Plain (about 138 kcal)
- Cinnamon Sugar
- Triple Sugar
- Double Chocolate & Peanuts
- Black Sesame Kinako & Peanuts
- Uji Matcha & Salted Red Bean
- Strawberry & Rare Cheesecake
- Cream Cheese & Blueberry
- Cream Cheese & Fig
- Cream Cheese & Mango
- Cassata-style dessert
- Ice Cream Parfait
Savory Flavors
- Margherita
- Spicy Margherita
- Okonomiyaki-style
- Isobe (soy sauce & seaweed)
- Seaweed & Grilled Cheese
- Baked Cheese European Curry
- Gratin-style Carbonara
- Uni Butter, Cream Cheese & Salted Kelp
Pricing for Half & Half is based on the higher-priced flavor
(e.g., Margherita + Cinnamon Sugar = ¥490).
Customization is another highlight:
extra cinnamon sugar, more jam, extra cheese — often free of charge when the shop isn’t crowded.
You can truly create your own personalized Zounomimi.
Tasting Report: Yoga Store Experience
I visited the Yoga location around 3:00 PM on a weekend and was lucky enough to order without waiting.
Order:
- Half & Half: Okonomiyaki flavor + Double Chocolate & Peanuts
- Preparation time: about 4–5 minutes
- Seating: small eat-in space (about 4 seats)
Okonomiyaki Flavor
Crispy outside, chewy inside, with small shrimp adding depth.
It genuinely feels like eating okonomiyaki — perfect for fans of Japanese savory pancakes.
Double Chocolate & Peanuts
Sweet without being heavy.
The chocolate richness followed by creamy peanut notes delivers classic fried-bread satisfaction, yet the aftertaste remains light.
Plain (Takeout)
Simple, subtly sweet dough that works beautifully with jams, curry, or tuna at home.
Reheating brings out the fluffy texture, making it surprisingly versatile.
Store Information (Yoga, Tokyo)
- Address: 3-15-6 Yoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00–17:00 (subject to change)
- Seating: Small eat-in space available
- Notes: Custom orders may be limited during busy times
Allergy Information
- Dough is egg- and dairy-free
- Wheat is used
- Toppings and preparation areas may involve other allergens
→ Those with severe allergies should consult staff before ordering
Why We Recommend Zounomimi
Zounomimi successfully balances what usually feels contradictory:
- Big and satisfying, yet light
- Fried, but not greasy
- Customizable, yet simple to enjoy
It’s ideal for:
- Fried-bread lovers watching calories
- Travelers looking for unique Japanese street food
- Anyone curious about texture-focused food experiences
Try it fresh for the crispy-chewy bite, then reheat later for a fluffy surprise.
Final Thoughts
Zounomimi is a new kind of fried bread, created with a world-first fry-and-bake method.
- Two textures: crispy & chewy fresh, soft & fluffy when reheated
- Egg- and dairy-free dough with minimal additives
- About 138 kcal for a plain piece
- Half & Half lets you enjoy two flavors at once
- Customization is flexible when the shop isn’t crowded
One last tip:
If possible, eat it fresh at the shop.
That first bite — warm, fragrant, and crisp — just might change how you think about fried bread forever.
