Uchi Bake: Japanese Sandos & Desserts in East London
Tucked away in Hackney, London, Uchi Bake offers more than just a delicious menu of Japanese-inspired bites—it’s a quiet little escape that effortlessly transports you to the heart of Tokyo. With its clean, soft aesthetics, and minimalist design, this café invites you to step into a serene environment that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of East London. Whether you’re a fan of understated style or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Uchi Bake offers the perfect setting for both.
To get there, take a leisurely 10–15-minute walk from Hackney Central Overground station. The journey is a pleasant one, leading you through the charming streets of Hackney, past vibrant shops and local spots that set the tone for this hidden gem. As you make your way to Uchi Bake, you’ll notice the neighborhood’s creative vibe, making the café a fitting addition to this artistic corner of London.
Experience
When you walk into Uchi Bake, you’re immediately greeted by serene vibes and sleek, modern interiors that echo the calming minimalism of Japan. The space is divided into two seating areas: a cozy booth section and a more casual single-table zone.
If you’re leaning toward a more aesthetic experience, the booth area is the way to go—just know there’s a service fee involved, and you’ll need to remove your shoes. That said, the service in this area was minimal, so you’re mostly paying for the ambience.
Alternatively, the single-table area is a no-extra-cost option.
Once you place your order at the counter and collect your buzzer, you’re free to pick your seat.
Food
Uchi Bake’s menu is small but curated, focusing on Japanese sandwiches (sando), sweet treats, and drinks.
- Teriyaki Chicken Sando (£6.00) – This one leaned more soy-sauce than true teriyaki, but still had a satisfying flavour. Simple and filling.
- Teriyaki Salmon Sando (£6.50) – Again, not classic teriyaki, but the combo of salmon and egg was a standout—better balanced than the chicken.
- Tamago Mayo Sando (£5.50) – Fluffy, flavourful, and exactly what you’d want from an egg mayo sando.
- Curry Beef Bun (£4.80) – Surprisingly, this was one of my favourites. The outer coating had a corn dog vibe, and the beef curry inside was rich and savoury. Would 100% order this again.
- Hojicha Mochi Cookie (£3.20) – Tasted more like chocolate than hojicha, but the mochi had a nice chewy pull and was delicious overall.
- Matcha Latte (£4.00) – A bit on the mild side, especially if you like a punchy matcha, but still enjoyable.
Price
Price-wise, Uchi Bake sits in that sweet spot of being affordable but still curated. Most items fall within the £4–£6 range, making it easy to try a few things without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
The clear standouts for me were the Curry Beef Bun, Teriyaki Salmon Sando, and the Mochi Cookie. While not everything hit the exact flavour profiles you’d expect, everything still tasted good and felt thoughtfully made.
If you’re after an aesthetic café with chill vibes and Japanese-inspired bites, Uchi Bake is a solid spot to check out. Whether you’re posting up in the booth for a peaceful solo moment or grabbing a quick bite at a table, it’s a great little find in East London.
Explore more of my travel blog
CONNECT WITH ME ♡
💎 Instagram: @juliaxeats
💎 Tik Tok: @juliaxeats
💎 YouTube: @juliaxeats
💎 Blog: www.juliaxeats.com
Business inquiries: juliaxeats@gmail.com
More London Posts
Cotswolds: TRAVEL Guide to the Most Charming Villages in England
Discover the charm of the Cotswolds with this weekend getaway guide, exploring iconic villages like Broadway, Snowshill, Bourton-on-the-Water, and more. Get tips on attractions, travel costs, and the best photo spots for a memorable countryside escape.
Sophie’s Soho: A Fire-Roasted Sunday Roast Experience in the Heart of London
Discover Sophie’s Soho in London – a firepit restaurant serving wood-smoked Sunday roasts. Read our honest review of their lamb, pork belly with crackling, and whether it’s worth the visit.
Tags: uchi bake, uchi bake london, japanese cafe london, japanese sandwiches london, sando london, teriyaki sando, matcha latte london, hojicha cookie, mochi cookie london, curry beef bun, japanese street food london, aesthetic cafe london, lower clapton cafe, east london cafes, london food blog, japanese bakery london, minimal cafe london, london hidden gems, london eats, cafe review london, best cafes in london, london food spots, uchi bake review, japanese food london, london food guide, cozy cafes london, cafe with booths london, cute cafes london, instagrammable cafes london, matcha london
