Pastry hero

Anpanman, Mahoroba Japanese Bakery

Illustration by Serene Lusano

If you think Americans like superheroes, you haven't been to Japan. Starting in the 1970s, Anpanman was a staunch defender of justice with a head made of bread, an anpan filled with red bean paste. Now you can eat Anpanman at Mahoroba Japanese Bakery. They make Japanese-style doughnuts. The Kobe Cream is the most popular, but the chocolate pudding–filled Anpanman ($1.40) is the cutest. Bite his poor head like a supervillain. Soreike, Anpanman! 4900 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 454-1879.