If you’re looking for a new spot to grab coffee, pastries or a casual bite beyond the usual hotspots near campus, then look no further than Babychan. Located about four miles from Vanderbilt, this Japanese-inspired bakery offers something different without breaking the bank. With its modern space in historic Germantown and creative twists on familiar cafe staples, BabyChan perfectly balances novelty and comfort in a way that is indulgent, yet affordable. 

When I went to Babychan with my parents this weekend, we were greeted with a line stretching far beyond the door — a good sign for a place that opened just two months ago. The line moved fast, and it was well worth the wait. Babychan’s bakery and cafe open at 8 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. It transitions to a full-service restaurant at 10 a.m., and after 9:30 a.m., guests who only want to eat from the bakery and cafe may order takeout and are directed to outdoor seating only. 

Babychan sits in a lively area northwest of downtown Nashville and is surrounded by boutiques, coffee shops and lots of people milling about. This breakfast and lunch spot matches the neighborhood well, with a modern but cozy feel that makes it perfect for a family outing or a casual meet-up with friends. 

Savory 

Vegetable Curry Pan $6.00 

The curry pan was the first item I tried, and it immediately blew me away. The bread was perfectly cooked, with an airy exterior and a generous filling of tasty Japanese curry. The curry itself was flavorful and slightly sweet, with the taste of fresh spices and vegetables. The balance of textures and flavors made this pastry so enjoyable to eat.   

Breakfast Sandwich $8.00 

The breakfast sandwich was a delicious twist on a classic. The bun was topped with sesame seeds and resembled a hamburger bun. The pork sausage reminded me of the flavors of pork gyoza, and the cheese and fluffy egg paired perfectly with the rest of the sandwich. An addictive chili sauce tied it all together. 

Curry Egg Tart $8.00 

The curry egg tart was easily one of my favorite items. The pastry itself was golden and flaky and had just the right amount of crunch. The curry flavor inside was rich and warm and paired perfectly with the runny egg in the center. Every bite was delicious and comforting. While a bit pricier, it was worth it. 

Kurobuta Sausage Bun $6.00 

The sausage bun was probably my least favorite item from the lineup. The dough, flaked with dried seaweed, was a bit stale and less fluffy than I would have liked. That said, the Kurobuta sausage was juicy and flavorful. The bun itself was a little sweet and very buttery. While definitely not bad by any means, the sausage bun was forgettable compared to the other pastries. 

Salmon Onigiri $4.50 

I had high expectations for the salmon onigiri, and they were more than met. The red miso cured salmon was fresh, and the rice was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Once assembled, the crisp seaweed gave a nice crunch to the onigiri that balanced out the salmon and rice. Simple, fresh and absolutely delicious. 

Sweet 

Black Sesame Swiss Roll $5.00 

The Swiss roll was the perfect sweet counterpart to all the savory pastries I tried and was my mom’s favorite. The black sesame flavor stood out as a delicious and unique taste that paired well with the creamy frosting and fluffy bread. Like many Asian desserts, this roll was tasty without being too sweet, making it a delectable treat I would happily order again. 

Japanese Cheesecake $5.00 

This fluffy and creamy cheesecake was, unfortunately, a forgettable ending to my Babychan taste test. Unlike the dense and rich style of New York cheesecake, this version had a much lighter and airy texture closer to that of a sponge cake. There was a slight lemon taste, but no other flavors beyond that. While tasty, I would skip the cheesecake next time and opt for a different sweet treat. 

Drinks 

Okinawan Latte $6.00 and Miso Caramel Latte $6.00 

Both lattes had unique Japenese-inspired flavors that set them apart from your typical coffee shop offerings. The Okinawan Latte, made with Japanese brown sugar and various spices, was smooth and subtly sweet, perfect for those who prefer their coffee with less sweetness. On the other hand, the Miso Caramel Latte was richer and sweeter, with the white miso flavor and caramel adding extra depth to this drink. Personally, I preferred the sweeter miso caramel latte, but both drinks offer something delicious and different. 

Matcha Latte $6.00 

While my dad preferred the other two lattes on the menu, I found the hot matcha latte to be surprisingly good. The matcha itself seemed high quality and authentic, with honey adding just the right amount of sweetness. The drink had a nice green tea flavor that was rich without being bitter or overpowered by sugar. While I enjoyed the drink hot, I think it would have been even better and more refreshing as an iced drink. Either way, it is a solid choice for matcha lovers. 

All in all, Babychan definitely lived up to the hype. From savory pastries filled with rich Japanese flavors to lighter, subtly sweet desserts and lattes, every item tasted like it was made with love and intentionality. Even the few misses were still enjoyable in their own way, and the overall experience made it clear why the line stretches out the door. I am already looking forward to returning, and something tells me it won’t be long before I’m back in line with another order.