Get the taste of the U.K. in Tokyo with 99 Flakes, meat pies, and Jaffa Cakes
Living abroad has plenty of perks, but sometimes you just want a taste of home. For British expats in Japan, that might mean a proper meat pie, a cup of strong tea or a box of Jaffa Cakes. The good news is you don’t have to fly back to the UK to get them. A small shop in Shibuya called The British Shop is bringing classic British food and snacks to central Tokyo. Here’s what’s on offer and how to find it.
A Tiny Slice of Britain in Shibuya
The British Shop is a specialist grocery store focused entirely on British food. It’s compact, smaller than a typical Japanese convenience store, but it makes clever use of its space.
The shelves are filled with familiar UK brands, and there’s a small table in the middle of the shop where you can sit and enjoy a treat.
It’s a welcome find for homesick Brits, but it’s also a fun stop for locals and tourists who want to try British food without leaving Tokyo.
A 99 Flake, Far From the Seaside
In the UK, a 99 Flake is a classic summer treat from the ice cream van: soft-serve ice cream in a cone, topped with a Cadbury Flake chocolate bar.
The British Shop offers its own version in Tokyo, though availability can change. When SoraNews24 visited, 99 Flake sales were temporarily paused, so it’s worth checking the shop’s Instagram before you go.
If the soft serve isn’t available, scooped ice cream is a tasty backup. British-inspired flavours include vanilla and clotted cream and blackcurrant and double cream, and you can add a Flake on top for a small extra charge.
Hearty Meat Pies Are Back on the Menu
In Japan, pies are usually sweet and filled with fruit, so finding a savoury one can be a challenge.
The British Shop solves that with its Chunky Beef Pie, filled with large pieces of diced beef in a rich, comforting filling. It’s the kind of warming food that’s perfect as Tokyo’s weather turns cooler.
Jaffa Cakes, Crisps and Classic Snacks
Jaffa Cakes, with their soft sponge, orange jelly layer and chocolate topping, are a British favourite. They were even the subject of a famous UK legal case that decided they’re cakes, not biscuits.
They’re hard to find in Japan. The shop says McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes can’t currently be imported because of Japan’s food additive rules, so it sells a German-made alternative, similar to those sold at UK supermarket Morrisons.
For something savoury, there are Savoursmiths crisps, a premium British brand. Flavours like Somerset Cheddar and Shallot cost a little more than regular Japanese crisps but make a satisfying treat.
What to Try at The British Shop (Approximate Prices)
| Item | What It Is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Double scoop ice cream | Vanilla and clotted cream, or blackcurrant and double cream | About 750 yen |
| Cadbury Flake add-on | A Flake to top your ice cream | About 100 yen |
| 99 Flake | Soft serve with a Cadbury Flake (availability varies) | Check in store |
| Chunky Beef Pie | Savoury pie with large chunks of beef | About 600 yen |
| Jaffa Cakes | German-made alternative to McVitie’s | About 520 yen |
| Savoursmiths crisps | Premium British crisps | About 220 yen |
| Online orders | Free shipping within Japan | Orders over 12,000 yen |
Prices are based on recent reports and may change.
British Groceries and Online Shopping
Beyond snacks, the shop stocks a range of British staples. You’ll find bacon, bread, seasonings and Yorkshire Tea Gold, plus biscuits, sweets and other pantry favourites.
If you can’t get to Shibuya, you can order online. The shop offers free delivery within Japan on orders over 12,000 yen, which is handy for stocking up on tea and treats.
How to Find The British Shop
The British Shop is just outside exit B3 of Shibuya subway station.
Address: Towa Miyamasuzaka Building 1F, 1-14-9 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tip: Check the shop’s Instagram for stock updates and whether the 99 Flake is available before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy British food in Tokyo?
The British Shop in Shibuya specialises in British groceries and snacks, and also sells online across Japan.
Can I get a 99 Flake in Tokyo?
Yes, The British Shop sells 99 Flakes, but availability can change, so it’s best to check before you visit.
Why are McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes not sold there?
The shop says McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes can’t currently be imported because of Japan’s food additive rules, so it offers a German-made alternative.
Does The British Shop deliver?
Yes. It ships within Japan, with free delivery on orders over 12,000 yen.
Conclusion
The British Shop shows you don’t need a plane ticket for a taste of Britain. From Chunky Beef Pies and Jaffa Cakes to clotted cream ice cream and Yorkshire Tea, this small Shibuya store is packed with British comfort food. Whether you’re a homesick expat or just curious about UK snacks, it’s well worth a visit, and if you’re lucky, you might even enjoy a 99 Flake in the middle of Tokyo.
