Maple

Pressed golden brown until the edges crisp and melted cheese gently spills past the crust, a toasted sandwich here is all about warmth and texture. Located in Nakanobu, Shinagawa Ward, Maple specializes in Japanese hot sandwiches, known locally as hotto sando. Guests can tailor each press to their mood with an expansive selection of fillings and sauces. Every pressed sandwich arrives flanked by its crispy, trimmed crusts, keeping the meal satisfying to the very last bite.

The breadth of the lineup stands out right away. Meat selections include the Healthy Salsa, which combines house-made corned beef with onions and potatoes, and the American Pepper, filled with corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. Seafood choices range from the Saba Sand, pairing mackerel fillet with broccoli, to the Shrimp Shrimp, loaded with prawns and spinach. Classic comfort also makes an appearance in elevated builds like the Tuna Corn Special, packed generously with tuna, sweetcorn, potato, and hard-boiled egg.

A defining feature of the shop is the freedom to choose your sauce, with options including tomato, salsa, white sauce, curry, mayonnaise, and black pepper. That versatility lets diners match distinct profiles, whether opting for the Chiki-Chiki Tomato—herb-grilled chicken and broccoli tied together with tomato sauce—or the Buongiorno Italian Tomato, where savoury pepper ham and green peppers meet a rich tomato base.

For a more substantial meal, the Maple Set adds a fresh salad, hearty soup, and a drink. The beverage list extends well beyond standard drip coffee, featuring varied black teas such as Earl Grey, Assam, and Maple Caramel, a house blend infused with warm maple and caramel notes that linger pleasantly through the end of the meal.

Those with a sweet tooth can finish with a warm chocolate-banana hot sandwich laced with raisins, a baked cheese tart, or black tea jelly. Whether settling into a table while your sandwich toasts or picking up an order to enjoy on the go, Maple makes for an easy, comforting stop.