[Tokyu Hotels] Winning 'Gluten-Free Rice Bread' from the 24th Cooking Contest to be Offered Nationwide at Breakfast Buffets

Tokyu Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd. (Shibuya, Tokyo; President: Takashi Takei) will feature the grand-prize-winning rice-flour breads from its internal 'Tokyu Hotels Cooking Contest'—'Gluten-Free Brioche Noix' and 'Vegetable Rice-Flour Curry Bread' (created by Shinnosuke Fukushima of the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)—at breakfast buffets across its nationwide hotel network from Wednesday, May 20, 2026, through Friday, July 31, 2026.

The Tokyu Hotels Cooking Contest is designed to enhance the skills and mindset of next-generation culinary staff and create growth opportunities. The 24th competition focused on 'rice-flour bread,' aiming to provide safe and enjoyable meals in response to diversifying food cultures and increasing health consciousness. One staff member from each of the 32 hotels participated, and after rigorous judging in qualifying and final rounds, Shinnosuke Fukushima of the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel was named this year's grand-prize winner.

Fukushima explains his two rice-flour breads as follows:

Gluten-Free Brioche Noix

To solve the typical issues of rice-flour bread—dryness and tendency to crumble over time—he conducted over 30 test bakes. By incorporating eggs, butter, maple, and marzipan, he achieved a moist texture. The top is adorned with caramelized maple walnuts, adding accent and aroma. With the rich scent of walnuts and the gentle sweetness of maple, he turned the 'gluten-free' option into something special that everyone can enjoy.

Vegetable Rice-Flour Curry Bread

Designed with the goal of providing a meal that energizes both body and mind from the morning, this bread is made without gluten, the nine specified allergenic ingredients, or animal-based foods. It is crafted as a vegetable curry, with onions and other vegetables sautéed carefully to bring out their umami, resulting in a light flavor perfect for breakfast. A hidden touch of raisins allows diners to feel a slight sweetness amidst the stimulation of over ten types of spices, making it safe for those who dislike spicy food.

Overview:

- Availability: May 20, 2026 – July 31, 2026
- Location: Breakfast buffets at Tokyu Hotels nationwide (excluding some locations).
- Note: Availability periods and the specific menu items offered (one or both) may vary by hotel. Pictures are for reference only; shapes may vary.

Winner Profile:

Shinnosuke Fukushima, Baker Chief, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Born in Kanagawa in 1991. After graduating from Hattori Nutrition College, he gained experience as a baker at Tokyo hotels starting in 2011 and joined Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in 2022.