Light & Fluffy Gluten-Free Chiffon Cakes
Published: February 19, 2025
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“chantilly” is a cafe housed in a renovated 70-year-old traditional Japanese home, offering gluten-free sweets made with rice flour.
They serve moist, melt-in-your-mouth gluten-free chiffon cakes. In addition to chiffon cakes, the shop also offers limited items such as mango pudding and caneles.
The owner of “chantilly” has a gluten allergy, and that’s why she decided to cook entirely gluten-free, thinking of people who have the same condition. Her specialty is the chiffon cake: light, fluffy, and available in a tempting range of flavors such as cheese, caramel, and fragrant tea, all made with ingredients that are gentle on the stomach. Trained in the art of French patisserie, she even traveled to France to perfect her skills, bringing a touch of Parisian elegance to every slice. In addition to her signature chiffon cakes, the menu also features other delights that change with the seasons, from chocolate sweets in winter to refreshing homemade ice cream in summer, or airy meringues in spring.
They offer a variety of drinks, including their own special coffee blend crafted to complement chiffon cake, along with herbal teas, hojicha lattes, and matcha lattes. In winter, guests can also enjoy hot wine and hot chocolate.
What makes chantilly even more charming is that the entrance to the cafe is the kitchen itself, a unique detail that creates an open, welcoming atmosphere, making you feel right at home. The business first began by renting small spaces and selling at local events such as the “Sumidagawa Marche.” Thanks to its growing popularity and loyal customers, it eventually became successful enough for her to open her very own shop.
The recommended plain flavor chiffon cake
At this cafe, you immediately feel that you’re enjoying something truly high-quality, yet at a surprisingly affordable price: just 350 yen for a slice of homemade cake, and gluten-free on top of that! Why chiffon cake, and why at this price? The owner wants to create something light and gentle that can be enjoyed every day, not just as an expensive treat for special occasions. After all, living with a gluten allergy is a permanent reality, and adapting to it should feel natural. That’s why she bakes fresh chiffon cakes every single day.
Blended coffee
The coffee here is not bitter at all; it’s smooth and freshly ground from the beans each time you order. Just in front of the counter, there are two small tables, and if you head upstairs, you’ll find a quiet space with the cozy feel of an old Japanese home. A small shelf in the corner holds a few cookbooks, inviting you to linger and relax while you sip your coffee, which pairs perfectly with a slice of chiffon cake.
On days when sales are paused, the cafe hosts confectionery classes, offering one-on-one lessons in making chiffon cakes, roll cakes, caneles, and cookies.
In her classes, she shares her recipes and places a strong emphasis on teaching students how to cook gluten-free. Her goal is to spread this knowledge so that more people understand its importance, because she thinks that everyone should be able to enjoy bread and cakes without worry. She says that, contrary to what many might think, it isn’t that hard to make, though it does require careful attention to how it’s done. When she teaches, it never feels like a formal lesson with apprentices; instead, she creates a relaxed atmosphere, more like cooking together with friends. Custom breads and cakes are also available by request and can be reserved up to a week in advance.
ll of chantilly’s sweets are additive-free, pesticide-free, and gluten-free. Their seasonal menu features carefully selected ingredients that are both in season and rich in nutrients for that time of year.
Many of my friends from Spain often ask me for recommendations on gluten-free places when they visit Japan, but sadly, there still aren’t many options here. That’s why I feel so happy to have discovered this cafe. Whether or not you have a gluten allergy, the recipe for these chiffon cakes is truly special and wholesome, and the atmosphere of the cafe is calm and relaxing. It’s a wonderful place to stop by while strolling through the neighborhood or along the river.
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Diana
・Nationality：Spain
・Hobbies：Dancing, Bon Odori, DIY, and Crafts
※Information is based on July 2025. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
