Arai Pastry

A Taste of Tokyo in Tempe: Arai Pastry Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the heart of Tempe, Arai Pastry is a hidden Arizona treasure, offering a sublime fusion of authentic Japanese and classic French baking techniques. This establishment is not your typical American sweet shop; it specializes in pastries and cakes that are celebrated for being light, fluffy, and sweet, but not overwhelmingly sugary—a key characteristic of traditional Japanese sweets.

For years, Arai Pastry has been the go-to bakery for locals seeking expertly crafted treats that highlight the quality of ingredients over excessive sweetness. Their reputation is built on a range of exceptional products, from artisanal bread like the soft, sweet Cream Pan and An Pan (sweet red bean bread) to sophisticated cakes that customers order for nearly every birthday. The combination of meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality, often organic, ingredients ensures that every item, whether a sweet slice of Strawberry Cake or a savory Curry Pan, delivers an unparalleled flavor experience right here in the Valley. The dedication of the family-owned business to baking everything fresh daily underscores their commitment to the Tempe community.

Location and Accessibility

Arai Pastry is conveniently located near the Arizona State University campus, making it an easy stop for students and residents throughout Tempe and the greater Phoenix area.

The address is:

1335 W University Dr ste. 4, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

The bakery is situated in a retail strip, offering practical accessibility for all customers. For those arriving by vehicle, the establishment provides a Wheelchair accessible parking lot to ensure convenience. Once inside, the Wheelchair accessible entrance ensures a seamless entry for everyone. The overall design caters to a smooth and efficient experience, perfect for a Quick visit. Patrons have the option for In-store shopping to browse the tempting selection of freshly baked goods, or to grab an order via Takeout. For payment convenience, the bakery accepts both major Credit cards and modern NFC mobile payments. Its location near major Tempe intersections makes it a key destination for anyone craving authentic Japanese bakery items.

Services Offered

Arai Pastry is primarily a bakery and cake shop, specializing in a variety of Japanese and French-style baked goods and custom orders.

• Daily Baked Goods: Offering a rotating selection of fresh breads and savory pastries, including An Pan (sweet red bean bread), Cream Pan (custard-filled), Curry Pan (Japanese curry bread), and Hot Dog Pan.
• Specialty Cakes by the Slice: Featuring delicate, less-sweet layered cakes, available by the slice for immediate enjoyment. Popular options include Strawberry Cake, Green Tea Cake, Earl Grey Cake, Chocolate Cake, and Cheesecake.
• Custom Cake Ordering: Accepting pre-orders for whole cakes for birthdays and special events, offering personalized designs and various flavors for the Arizona community.
• Signature Desserts: Serving highly-rated individual desserts like the smooth, light Flan (often topped with fresh fruit) and the unique dome-shaped bun, the UFO.
• Coffee Service: Providing freshly brewed Coffee to perfectly complement any pastry or dessert choice.
• Fulfillment Options: Focusing on In-store shopping and Takeout services for quick and easy purchase.

Features / Highlights

Arai Pastry’s reputation in the Phoenix metro area is built on several distinctive characteristics that set it apart.

• Authentic Japanese Baking: The bakery is renowned for bringing the true essence of Japanese pastries to Arizona—characterized by incredibly light, fluffy textures and a balanced, non-overly-sweet flavor profile, as consistently noted by loyal customers.
• Signature Cake Quality: The Strawberry Cake and Flan are cited as absolute must-tries, with the cakes often being the item customers choose for all their special occasion orders year after year.
• Savory Japanese Offerings: Beyond the sweets, they offer authentic and hard-to-find savory Japanese baked goods, such as the flavorful Curry Pan and unique filled breads like the Hot Dog Pan.
• Expert Pâtissier and Freshness: The owner and head pastry chef has decades of experience, ensuring every item is made from scratch with authentic techniques, using fresh and natural ingredients and baking products daily.
• Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: Arai Pastry is a cozy establishment that is openly LGBTQ+ friendly, maintaining a polite and warm atmosphere with friendly service for all patrons.
• Ideal for Quick Stops: Optimized for convenience, it is the perfect spot for a fast pickup of dessert or a bread loaf, catering efficiently to customers on the go near ASU.

Contact Information

For pre-orders, custom cake inquiries, or to check on the availability of daily specials before your visit, please contact Arai Pastry using the following information:

Address: 1335 W University Dr ste. 4, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Phone: (480) 966-9002

Mobile Phone: +1 480-966-9002

What is Worth Choosing Arai Pastry

For Arizona residents, choosing Arai Pastry is choosing a distinct, high-quality international baking experience often sought in larger metropolitan areas but rarely found with this level of authenticity in the Valley. It is an ideal choice for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, Arai Pastry provides an essential culinary option for those who find traditional American desserts too sweet. Their cakes, such as the Green Tea Cake or the Earl Grey Cake, offer a perfectly balanced sweetness that allows the flavor of the core ingredients to shine—a refreshing difference that keeps customers coming back. This makes their products perfect for extended enjoyment without the sugar crash.

Secondly, this is the premier destination for authentic Japanese bread and pastries in the region. Whether you're craving a comforting, savory Curry Pan or a loaf of their famous soft, sweet milk bread (Shokupan), Arai Pastry delivers an experience that transports you, making it a valuable cultural and culinary spot in Tempe. Their mastery extends beyond sweets into savory filled breads, ensuring their menu is both versatile and satisfying.

Lastly, the high praise for their custom cakes means that when a special occasion demands something truly exceptional—something that is visually beautiful and taste-wise superior and unique—Arai Pastry is the reliable local expert. For anyone in the Phoenix area prioritizing freshness, quality ingredients, masterful technique, and a welcoming environment, making the trip to Arai Pastry in Tempe is an absolute must.

Arai Pastry

1335 W University Dr ste. 4, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA