As the winter winds sweep through Toronto, city dwellers are often on the lookout for the perfect escape from the brisk chill outside. This holiday season, we're thrilled to share that a selection of teas has made a return to one of the city's most cherished gems - Tsuchi Cafe (@tsuchi.cafe)!
Tsuchi Cafe, in the heart of Little Italy, serves up a plant-based Japanese pastries and dishes. Their pastries are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste. Each bite is a testament to their craft. To us, it's incredibly amazing that they've perfected the texture, mouthfeel, and flavour of cheesecakes and whip creams. We've been enjoying their pastries since they've opened and it is still difficult to believe that it's all plant-based.
This year, in collaboration with Tsuchi, we have carefully selected three teas, distinct in flavour and character, that perfectly complement Tsuchi’s delicious plant-based pastries. These selected teas are available for purchase at Tsuchi, allowing you to enjoy them at home.
Tamaryoku Genmaicha & Icebox Cookies
Tsuchi is known for their beautiful holiday cookie box that sells out instantly. This year was no exception, but not to worry, as their ice box cookies are available all year round!
We’ve tried their Hojicha Pistachio Icebox Cookies and Matcha Almond Icebox Cookies. They have a light, crumbly texture, much like shortbread. As someone who absolutely adores shortbread, it was hard not to just devour them all in one go!
To pair with these delightful cookies, we chose our Tamaryoku Genmaicha. The tea’s gentle vegetal notes and the toasty flavor of the roasted rice perfectly complement the cookies’ delicate taste.
Kirari 31 Sencha & Miso Caramel Kabocha Cheesecake
We're always eager to sample Tsuchi's latest seasonal tarts, and the introduction of the Miso Caramel Kabocha Cheesecake was an immediate draw as Kabocha has been a personal favourite since we were little.
The tart was so beautiful that we almost felt guilty eating it, but we couldn’t resist and ended up devouring it. The combination of the creamy cheese whip and lavish swirl of rich Kabocha cream was rich and satisfying. The miso caramel in the middle added a touch of saltiness that kept us coming back for more.
We enjoyed this tart along with our Kirari 31 Sencha. The tea's mild umami and refreshing qualities beautifully complement the cheesecake's rich flavour, balancing the taste and enhancing every bite.
Baisen Kocha & Strawberry Cheesecake
Although strawberries are typically associated with summer here, eating strawberry cake is a quintessential Japanese winter tradition. Throughout the holiday season, numerous bakeries celebrate the season by showcasing unique takes on the classic strawberry shortcake.
Tsuchi brings a fresh take on this beloved flavour with their Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart. This delightful tart captures the perfect balance of sweet and tangy strawberries, with a luscious layer of strawberry puree in the center.
Pairing it with our Baisen Kōcha was an easy decision, as the combination of black tea and strawberry jam is a timeless favourite — and it did not disappoint!. The deep aroma and flavour of our roasted black tea pairs nicely with the tart’s gentle sweetness, creating a lovely balance with the creamy strawberry cheesecake.
Finally...
These delightful pairings are our way of bringing a touch of warmth and sweetness to the colder months. Available exclusively this holiday season, don't miss your chance to enjoy them! Stop by and savour the comfort and joy these combinations bring to your winter celebrations and cozy evenings.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season, filled with warmth, comfort, and all the delicious moments you deserve! :)
---
Tsuchi Cafe
Address: 688 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C1
Phone: 416-532-4748
Website: https://tsuchicafe.square.site/
Instagram: @tsuchi.cafe
Delivery: Available on Uber Eats, as well as Square for pickups.
