Just across the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from Shibuya Station lies “Shibuya Nishimura Fruits Parlor Dougenzaka-ten” (hereafter referred to as Nishimura Fruits Parlor). Since opening in 1936, it has been a beloved fixture in the Shibuya community.
Fruit parfaits loaded with seasonal fruits
At Nishimura Fruits Parlor, their guiding principle is “serving the best fruit at its peak season.” In practice, this means the menu undergoes seven updates a year to feature fruits at the height of their freshness and flavor.
“フルーツパフェ,” Fruit Parfait 1,700 JPY (tax included)
Umami bites writer Bensky visited Nishimura Fruits Parlor for the first time during the hot summer season. The Fruit Parfait featured peaches, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwis, dragon fruits, oranges, apples, pineapple, melon and watermelon.
At Nishimura Fruits Parlor, even the hidden bottom part of the glass is filled with cut fruit.
Cut fruit and strawberry jelly at the bottom of the parfait
In Japan, it’s rare to find a fruit parlor that adds fruit to the bottom of their parfaits, usually a spot reserved for cereal. This unique touch from Nishimura Fruit Parlor clearly conveys their desire for customers to enjoy a complete fruit experience from start to finish.
Bensky, who has a sweet tooth and a particular fondness for parfaits, could hardly contain his excitement as the beautifully crafted parfait was set before him. With spoon in hand, he eagerly dove in for his first bite.
Wow, that’s sweet! The fruit is so flavorful—its natural sweetness really shines.
In many establishments, the sweetness of the ice cream in parfaits often eclipses that of the fruit. However, at Nishimura Fruits Parlor, the ice cream is specifically crafted in their own factory to complement, not overshadow, the natural sweetness of the fruit. It has a subtler sweetness, allowing the true flavors of the fruit to shine through.
Savoring the carefully crafted Fruit Anmitsu
Following his first indulgence, Bensky decided to try the Fruit Anmitsu. Anmitsu is a traditional Japanese dessert featuring agar jelly and red bean paste, often enriched with fruits. In the case of fruit anmitsu, as the name suggests, fruits are a guaranteed addition. At Nishimura Fruits Parlor, their version includes an assortment of popular fruits like strawberries, bananas, apples, kiwis, oranges, and pineapple.
Please note that the selection of fruits can change depending on the season and availability.
“フルーツあんみつ,” Fruit Anmitsu 1,100 JPY (tax included)
Bensky’s face lit up as the Fruit Anmitsu arrived at the table, his smile saying it all: he couldn’t wait to dig in.
Bensky drizzled some of the dark brown kuromitsu syrup over the dessert and took his first mouthful of the generously portioned fruits.
The fruits are incredibly juicy and fresh. Wait a second, the agar jelly seems tastier than usual!
Unlike standard agar jelly often used in anmitsu, the version used at Nishimura Fruits Parlor has a unique, slightly chewy texture. As you eat, a subtle note of sea salt, derived from the agar’s seaweed origin, enriches the experience.
Bensky was clearly impressed by the carefully crafted agar jelly at Nishimura Fruits Parlor.
Falling for fruit sandwiches and fabulously fluffy bread
Nishimura Fruit Parlor also offers light meals. Their sandwich menu is extensive, featuring items like the “Fruit Sandwich,” the “Roast Beef & egg grilled sandwich,” and the “Avocado, Shrimp & egg sandwich.”
This time, Bensky ordered the “Assorted sandwiches” (‘mixed sandwich’ in Japanese) a set containing three different types of sandwiches.
“ミックスサンド,” Assorted sandwiches 1,350 JPY (tax included)
The assorted sandwiches he ordered consisted of a fruit sandwich featuring strawberries, apples, kiwis, pineapple and melon, alongside a ham and vegetable sandwich, and an egg sandwich. The whipped cream in the fruit sandwich is dialed back in sweetness, so as not to overshadow the fruits’ own flavors.
Moreover, the subtle tartness of the strawberries and apples serve as the perfect accent, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Tasting this delicious combination, Bensky felt a jolt of happiness.
Thoroughly satisfied with the fruit sandwich, he quickly polished off both the vegetable and egg sandwiches as well.
The bread used in the sandwiches was just the way I like it—fluffy and moist! The egg sandwich had just the right amount of saltiness that paired well with the bread. The vegetables in the ham sandwich were fresh and crisp; the whole set was a great combo. I really recommend this one!
Post-parlor shopping at the first floor fruit store
Originally founded as a high-end fruit store in 1910, Nishimura Fruits Parlor opened its current location in 1936.
The first floor sells seasonal fruits and gelato. Many people shop for fruit to take home after enjoying their meal at the upstairs parlor.
Having enjoyed a delicious parfait, fruit anmitsu, and assorted sandwiches, Bensky left the premises in high spirits, but not before carefully contemplating which gelato to try on his next visit to the fruit store.
Don’t miss the chance to experience a fantastic fruit journey at Nishimura Fruits Parlor!
Information
| Store name | 渋谷西村フルーツパーラー 道玄坂店 Shibuya Nishimura Fruits Parlor Dougenzaka-ten |
|---|---|
| Address | 2F, 22-2 Udagawachō, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Shibuya Station（SBY）Short walk from Shibuya Station Hachikō Exit
|
| Phone number | 03-3476-2002 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | Mon-Sat. 10:30-21:00 (last order 20:20), Sun. & nat’l holidays 10:00-21:00 (last order 20:20) |
| Closed | No holidays Closed for building maintenance twice a year |
| Seating | 124 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://snfruits.com/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of October 2023.
