Day 45 of eating at 100 Asian restaurants in Maryland brought me to a brand new Japanese cafe in Catonsville called Fukado, and you guys, it did not disappoint! Fukado Japanese Cafe just opened on Baltimore National Pike, and it’s the kind of cozy little kissaten-style spot Catonsville didn’t know it was missing. I did not expect a giant shrimp rice cracker to be one of my faves, but here we are.
If you’re anywhere near Baltimore County and you love Japanese cafe culture (think fruit sandos, souffle pancakes, matcha, and boba all under one adorable roof), this one’s a must. The standout for me was their Shrimp Senbei, but the whole menu reads like a greatest-hits of Japanese cafe treats. Here’s everything we got.
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What Makes Fukado a Standout Japanese Cafe in Catonsville
Catonsville’s quietly become one of my favorite eating neighborhoods (my Be.se.to Asian food court run is proof), but a dedicated Japanese cafe like this is new territory for the area. Fukado leans all the way into that kissaten feeling: part sweets counter, part sit-down cafe, with a menu that bounces from savory senbei and croquettes to fruit sandos, canele, and made-to-order souffle pancakes. They’re clearly proud of their drinks too, from lattes to fruity tea blends. It’s a lot of range for a spot this new, and it all feels intentional rather than scattered, which is exactly why I think it’s worth the drive. The menu bounces from savory to sweet to drinks without ever losing the plot.
And it’s not just the food scene growing here, Objects Found, a beloved antique and vintage shop, recently made its return to Catonsville and is worth a browse if you’re already in the neighborhood.
What to Order at Fukado
Shrimp Senbei ($11.95)
This was one of my faves, and I did not see that coming. Senbei are Japanese rice crackers, and this shrimp one is MASSIVE and exactly as super crispy as it looks. It’s a savory, snacky change of pace from all the sweets, and it’s a lot of fun to eat. If you only grab one savory item, make it this.
Strawberry Sando ($7.95)
A fruit sando is one of Japan’s great cafe inventions: fluffy, cloud-soft milk bread layered with fresh cream and fruit. If you’ve never had a Japanese fruit sando before, definitely make sure you give it a shot. They also do mango, chocolate, and a matcha pudding version, so you can pick your fighter depending on your mood.
Sweet Corn Croquette ($4.95)
Croquettes are those breaded, fried little pockets, and the sweet corn one is a warm, savory pick to break up all the sweets. At $4.95 it’s a budget-friendly, easy add-on, and a nice way to keep the visit from being ALL dessert.
Almond Tuiles ($4.95)
Tuiles are thin, crisp almond cookies, delicate and snacky, and these round out an order nicely. Fun fact, the team treated us to a few extra on top of the ones we bought, which was so generous!
Now, the souffle pancakes. Fukado’s the first in the area to offer them, which is honestly really cool, and they kindly comped us their brown sugar boba souffle pancakes plus a canele to try. I’ll be real with you, the souffle pancakes weren’t my personal favorite, but they’re a whole jiggly, made-to-order experience and worth trying if fluffy pancakes are your thing. And a few more things I’ve got my eye on for next time (per their menu): the tamago sando, a bacon senbei, cream puffs, and their strawberry tarts.
What Is a Kissaten, Exactly?
A kissaten is a traditional Japanese-style coffeehouse. The word basically translates to “tea-drinking shop,” and the whole idea is a calm, unhurried space with carefully made coffee, tea, and a little something sweet. It’s less grab-and-go and more sit, sip, and slow down, which is exactly the energy Fukado gives off. They’re really proud of their drink menu (lattes plus fruity tea “blooms” with boba and jelly), and I didn’t get to try them this round, so consider that my official excuse to go back.
The Vibe and Experience
The space is SUPER cute, you guys. I loved the vibes and the ambiance, it’s bright and cozy in that Japanese-cafe way that makes you want to linger. You order at the register or through one of two kiosks up front, which keeps things easy, and there’s real seating so you can actually sit and enjoy your noms. It’s an easy place to post up with a laptop or a friend, and nearby UMBC and CCBC students have already turned it into a study haunt, which tells you everything about the low-key, linger-a-while energy.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 6600 Baltimore National Pike, Ste E, Catonsville, MD 21228 (in the shopping center)
- Hours: Thursday through Tuesday, 11:30am to 8:30pm. Closed Wednesdays.
- Price: super affordable, most treats land around $5 to $12.
- Ordering: at the register or two self-order kiosks up front.
- Dine-in: yes, there’s seating, and it’s a comfy spot to sit a while.
- Parking: surface-lot parking in the shopping center out front.
- Payment: takes Apple Pay and contactless.
- Website + menu: order and browse here.
- Tip: save room to go back for the fruity tea “blooms” and lattes, I didn’t get to the drinks this round and they looked so good.
Is Fukado Worth Checking Out?
If Japanese cafe sweets are your thing, or you just want a cute new spot to sit with a fruit sando and a matcha, Fukado’s a great option in the area. It’s not a huge sit-down meal, it’s a sweets-and-snacks destination, so go in with that mindset and you’ll leave happy. Want more nearby ideas? Here’s my full guide to the best restaurants in Catonsville.
Have you guys been to Fukado yet?! Let me know what you order in the comments, Nomsters, and if you’ve got a Japanese cafe you love, put me on to it. Save this for your next Catonsville run and send it to your favorite sweets buddy.