Omelette-rice, also known as omurice, is a Japanese dish consisting of an omelette made with fried rice—usually chicken fried rice—and thin, fried scrambled eggs. It’s loved by generations from children to adults. While it’s a mainstream dish here in Japan, it’s still a minor presence in other countries.
Umami bites writer Bensky recounts that, until he first visited Tokyo, he didn’t know about omelette-rice.
“若鶏のチーズオムライス（デミグラスソース）,” Cheese Omelette-Rice with Young Chicken (Demi-Glace Sauce) 1,000 JPY (tax included)
When I first ate omelette-rice after moving to Tokyo, I was astonished! Since that day, I’ve been a fan and actively seek it out at restaurants.
Driven by his omelette-rice obsession, Bensky ventured into Roppongi in search of renowned eateries that he had not yet visited.
Melted cheese makes all the difference in the “Cheese Omelette-Rice with Young Chicken,” Cafe Frangipani’s most popular dish
Cafe Frangipani is a café loved not only by tourists but also by local residents and office workers. It is famous for its delicious yōshoku, a style of Western-influenced cooking originating in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th century. On their menu, you’ll find dishes like karē (Japanese-style curry) and naporitan, also known as spaghetti Napolitan. The dish normally consists of soft-cooked spaghetti, tomato ketchup, and ingredients such as onion, mushrooms, green peppers and sausage.
However, among these yōshoku delights, Cafe Frangipani’s “Cheese Omelette-Rice with Young Chicken” is their most popular dish by far.
When you order it, you can choose from three types of sauces: demi-glace, curry, and a Japanese plum-flavored sauce. Bensky opted for the omelette-rice with demi-glace sauce.
As suggested by its name, this popular dish features cheese as a distinctive feature. Indeed, a thick slice of cheddar cheese is sandwiched between the chicken rice and the egg during cooking.
Perfectly melted under the fluffy egg, the cheese makes all the difference, enhancing your enjoyment as you savor the dish.
The young chicken pieces, which are generously included, are large in size and pair exceptionally well with the demi-glace sauce made from vegetables and chicken stock. It’s no wonder it’s the most popular dish on the menu.
I had heard about the omelette-rice at Cafe Frangipani before, so I had high expectations but it was even better than I imagined! The combination of gooey cheese and the light sweetness of the demi-glace sauce was just the way I liked it.
Trying a nostalgic Japanese coffee shop menu item: old-fashioned spaghetti Napolitan
At lunchtime, in addition to their amazing omelette-rice, Cafe Frangipani serves curry as well as taco rice. A dish born in 1950s Okinawa, taco rice consists of rice topped with taco-flavored ground beef, and usually shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato and salsa.
However, another must-try dish on their lunchtime menu is “Spaghetti Napolitan.”
“スパゲティーナポリタン,” Spaghetti Napolitan 1,000 JPY (tax included)
Cafe Frangipani’s version features medium-thin spaghetti, bacon, bell peppers, onions, and ketchup. The old-fashioned taste of their Spaghetti Napolitan, long-cherished as a staple of Japanese coffee shops, is sure to captivate people of all ages.
A recommended way to enjoy it is to mix in plenty of powdered cheese and add Tabasco for some spice. The subtly sweet seasoning means you can add a bit extra without overwhelming the flavors.
Relishing a recommended regional specialty dessert: “Ice Cornet”
At Cafe Frangipani, you can try an “Ice Cornet,” a sweet treat rarely found in Tokyo. Born in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, ice cornet is a dessert combining a cornet-shaped bread with soft serve ice cream. It’s only offered in a few establishments in the Tokyo area.
“アイスコルネット（バニラ）,” Ice Cornet (Vanilla) 600 JPY (tax included)
The cafe began selling ice cornets, partly due to the owner’s origins in Hamamatsu City. Its uniqueness and deliciousness have often been highlighted on television and in magazines.
The combination of hot bread, freshly fried just before serving, and cold soft serve ice cream offers a novel taste experience.
Besides vanilla, the soft serve ice cream comes in three other flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and matcha. Each flavor creates a perfect harmony with the crispy bread, enchanting diners with every bite.
Bensky, who initially visited for the omelette-rice, decided to try Cafe Frangipani’s Ice Cornet as well!
The combination of the melting soft ice cream and the crispy bread was innovative and really enjoyable. I think you won’t regret visiting Cafe Frangipani just to try their Ice Cornet!
The cafe not only prides itself on its cuisine but also places great emphasis on its interior design. It offers various seating options, including counter, terrace, and comfortable sofa seats.
Moreover, inside the café is a classic Volkswagen Transporter, one of the car company’s most famous vans.
The Volkswagen van serves as a special seating area for two.
It’s a popular spot for its Instagram appeal! If you’re lucky enough to find it vacant, it’s also a great spot for a memorable photo.
After enjoying an awesome omelette-rice, a sensational Spaghetti Napolitan, and a delicious dessert to cap off his meal, Bensky found himself captivated by the diverse charms of Cafe Frangipani.
The cafe was very comfortable and a pleasure to spend time in. With its delicious food and charming decor, Cafe Frangipani has become one of my favorite cafes.
Perfect for both casual outings and creating happy memories on your trip to Japan, Cafe Frangipani invites you to relax and enjoy a delightful time.
Information
| Store name | カフェ フランジパニ Cafe Frangipani |
|---|---|
| Address | SK Roppongi Heim 1F, 6-8-21 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Roppongi Station 5-minute walk from Roppongi Station Exit 3
|
| Phone number | 03-3478-2966 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Tabelog |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | Service charge 10% If you pay the bill after 22:00 |
| Hours | Mon-Sat. 11:30-22:30（last order 21:30） lunchtime 11:30-16:00 |
| Closed | No holidays |
| Seating | 36 seats 7 counter seats, 24 table seats, 2 terrace seats |
| Smoking | Smoking at terrace seats only |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/cafe_frangipani/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of December 2023.
