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Dancing around the cookie tree at Graubünden

By 25th November 2013March 22nd, 2021

When looking for a dining option in Hirafu I think the German-style café Graubünden gets slightly overlooked. This could be because of its distance from the centre of town (only a ten minute walk) or because it is truly a café, serving sandwiches and cakes until the relatively early time of 7 pm.

Whatever the reason for passing over Graubünden, it is very misguided. My recent visit to this little German gem concreted it as one of my favourite lunch spots in Hirafu.

This is the 'Original Graubünden' on a bagel. My neighbour's food photographed a lot better than mine but was no less delicious.

This is the ‘Original Graubünden’ on a bagel. My neighbour’s food photographed a lot better than mine but was no less delicious.

My mouth is watering as I recall my giant sandwich, served on the best rye bread I have tasted in Japan. I opted for the ‘Original Graubünden’, a toasted concoction of scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese and tomato. My partner in crime chose the smoked salmon and cream cheese on a crusty baguette, but you can also choose to have your sandwich on a bagel or a soft baguette.

Each sandwich was served up with an assortment of fresh veggies, eliminating the heavy feeling you usually feel after downing a side of chips. (I love chips, just for the record.)

While we waited with watering mouths for our giant sandwiches, we distracted ourselves by browsing the charming selection of home wares on display throughout the gift shop. There is everything from groovy tea infusers to luxurious soaps, all set out in a very attractive manner that could keep the savvy shopper occupied for quite some time.

The Graubünden gift shop is a browser's dream

The Graubünden gift shop is a browser’s dream

Christmas is in full swing at Graubünden, and we weren’t the only ones who were eyeing off the cookies on the Christmas tree! There was also a gingerbread sculpture of Santa and his sleigh, and one of the reindeers might have found its way into my mouth if our food hadn’t come out right about then.

Our new friend was also pretty tempted by the cookie Christmas tree

Our new friend was also pretty tempted by the cookie Christmas tree

The cherry on top is Graubünden’s absolutely sinful selection of cakes and tarts. This lip-smacking display changes slightly day by day, but the huge portions don’t, so if you get carried away like I did and decide to try three different cakes then prepare for a belly ache. It will be worth it. My recommendation is the fruit custard tart, but on my last visit I was enticed by a heavenly looking creature of sponge, cream and chocolate, intriguingly named just ‘Chocolate and Cheese’.

If you see someone in a food coma by the fireplace it will be me, so hurry down to Graubünden in Izumikyo 2 before all the cakes are gone.

These are the cakes that were here before I visited...

These are the cakes that were there before I visited…

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