The rich, creamy dessert that has its roots in San Sebastian in the north of Spain is the next big cake trend in Hong Kong
As far as Instagrammable desserts go, Basque cheesecake (or Basque burnt cheesecake) is not exactly high on the list—yet, this contradictory creation is curiously beguiling, with its contrast of charred top and undercooked centre, and its bittersweet flavour. At La Viña, the pintxos bar in San Sebastian where it was first invented by chef-owner Santiago Rivera, shelves heave with round tins of cheesecake, slumbering in their roughly tussled waxed paper linings that have, too, blackened in the heat of the oven. The aroma of these baked beauties is unmistakeable—the rich, sweet tang of Spanish cream cheese (said to be saltier than American Philadelphia) catching with the deeply caramelised, nay, burnt toffee notes. Cut a slice and its centre is soft, creamy and oozes like a ripe Camembert, its light eggy shade in stark contrast to the firm, blackened layer that is reminiscent of the outer edges of a great canele.
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For an inexplicable reason, Google searches for Basque cheesecake have peaked not just in Hong Kong, but worldwide in the last two months—and versions of the cake have been popping up in multiple cafes around Hong Kong. Its quiet takeover has become more and more obvious as the craze for the Spanish cheesecake has seen Instagrammers sharing their own take throughout these days of social distancing, when home baking has reached new levels of popularity. Here are seven spots to find this decadent delight right here in Hong Kong.
1. Interval Coffee Bar
Limited quantities of the housemade burnt Basque cheesecake is available on Interval’s a la carte menu, priced at HK$68 per slice. The fluffy cake is supplemented with a serving of fresh fruits on the side do well to cut through the richness. We recommend you ask the knowledgeable staff for a glass of natural wine to complement your dessert, otherwise the coffee is excellent as well.
Interval Coffee Bar, UG/F, 33 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2570 7568