UPDATE: Blu Jam Café Daikanyama is permanently closed, but there is another branch in Azabu-juban. For more information, please check the restaurant’s website (here). You can also find great brunch restaurant alternatives in the Breakfast & Brunch section of my blog.
To all brunch-lovers out there — if you are looking for a great brunch place in Tokyo, search no more! Blu Jam Café has got you covered. I have tried lots of brunch places throughout the city, but nothing has come close to Blu Jam‘s all-day American breakfasts. Authenticity, hearty portions and affordable prices… it has it all.
Blu Jam Café is a small chain from Los Angeles with two restaurants in Tokyo. I always go to the Daikanyama branch, but they also have a café in Azabu Juban.
The Atmosphere
Don’t let the somewhat posh location fool you; the café is pretty casual — almost pub-like, and it is affordable. The crowd is mainly foreign (at least during brunch hours), and so is the staff. Every time I go to the Blu Jam Café I completely forget I am in Japan.
The Drinks
In terms of drinks, they serve all the classics of a regular café. On top of that, they have all kinds of lattes, cocktails and smoothies. The smoothies are expensive considering the size (prices start from 1,050 yen), but they are very fresh and they are not loaded with sugar like in most places. My favorite is the Avocado Pineapple Smoothie (1,200 yen).
The Food
When it comes to food, the menu is impressively varied. They have over 50 different dishes to choose from, not counting desserts! You will find different types of salads and burgers, as well as Mexican and egg dishes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also available, so no one is left out.
California Omelette (1,400 yen)
At Blu Jam, my favorite dish is definitely the California Omelette. The omelette is filled with avocado, bacon, cheddar and tomatoes with a bit of sour cream on top. Most dishes come with a side of rosemary potatoes, toast and jam, but you can ask for a healthier option at an extra-cost. Needless to say, it is very filling!
Blu Jam Norwegian Benedict (1,550 yen)
Eggs benedict are normally my go-to when I brunch. I tried Blu Jam‘s Norwegian Bennies, which come with smoked salmon, tomatoes and spinach. The homemade hollandaise sauce was on point! I did wish that the eggs and toast were served a bit warmer and with a bit more of the sauce though — it was not quite enough.
Salmon Hash (1,950 yen)
I only had one bite of the Salmon Hash and that was enough to tell how heavy it was. It is typical comfort food, but the spinach, capers, red peppers, pickled onions and dill hollandaise sauce bring out the best of it. Order it if you are very hungry!
Muscle Beach (1,400 yen)
The Muscle Beach is a chopped chicken breast scrambled with egg whites, spinach and tomatoes. It was good, but the flavoring was too simple. If you want to indulge yourself with a tasty breakfast, there are probably more satisfying options.
Blu Jam also offers sweet brunch options and desserts. I always go for the savory dishes, but if you are a sweet tooth, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. I have seen a few servings of French toast and they looked really mouth-watering!
If you go to the Blu Jam Café on a weekend, try to get there before noon. Otherwise, you may have to wait for a while to get a table. Unfortunately, you can only make a reservation if you are a group of 5 or more…
Blu Jam Café Daikanyama (Permanently closed)
Opening hours: open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 8:00 to 21:00
Website: click here
Address: B2-2 Moncheri Daikanyama, 20−20 Daikanyamacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Telephone: 03-6455-1446
