I give it 5 stars, and here's why…read more
First, I read a few reviews here claiming it's not worth $16-18 for a cheesecake. I have to disagree. It's reasonably priced considering the location, and there are no other authentic Japanese bakeries nearby that specialize in souffle-style Asian cheesecake. Yes, there are Eurasian bakeries like EBakery next door, Yum Yum across the street, or Tous Les Jours around the corner, but they don't make fresh cheesecake.
Second, I like their limited menu, which means that's all they do and that they perfect it.
Japanese souffle cheesecakes are clearly the best when eaten fresh and jiggly, but if that's not an option, you can always refrigerate them and enjoy that slightly dense, creamy texture, still airy. Also, these cheesecakes are naturally not very sweet. They have just enough sweetness to add a touch of flavor, unlike American cheesecakes, which are full of sugar and dense cream cheese.
Their cream puffs are, again, on the same limited menu. They have only a few flavors. They are airy and fluffy, not too sweet. Their shells also remind me of soboro bread. Unlike Italian or American cream puffs that have chewiness to the shell.
As far as service goes, I appreciate the cashier's patience in explaining each ingredient, what's best, and how to store them and their shelf life. Since they only use limited, whole, natural ingredients, he thoroughly explained how long each item stays good.
I do like the idea of bottomless boba drinks as long as you're shopping at H Mart. That's nice, but given its location, it can be inconvenient. Still, the idea is good, I guess.
Maybe in the future, if they can incorporate a small cafe setting to sit and enjoy unlimited boba drinks and serve cheesecake by the slice, that might be more feasible with the bottomless tea idea or by relocating near the cafeteria area, which would make more sense.