Uncle Tetsu provides lighter alternative to traditional cheesecake

In the newly renovated Hillsdale Mall Food Court, Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake effortlessly garners customers in with its scrumptious products and bright atmosphere. Customers can enjoy their purchase in the booths surrounding the shop or take them to go. While activity bustles on the weekends, there is usually no line on weekdays.

“Its flavor is much lighter, creating a delicate taste perfect for those who enjoy moderately sweet desserts”

Uncle Tetsu’s originated in Japan where it was founded by baker Tetsushi Mizokami who began making sweets at a young age to help his parents’ cake shop. In 1970, he opened the first Uncle Tetsu shop in Fukuoka, Japan, which instantly became a hit among the city’s youth. Fifteen years later, the original cheesecake was born, quickly gaining traction in the media and throughout Japan; Japanese cheesecake, which evolved from American cheesecake, became a staple for many bakeries.

At the Hillsdale location, the menu displays a modest selection of original and matcha flavored cheesecakes at $11 and various drinks, such as matcha tea cheese foam, green milk tea and sea salt green tea, for $4.

Uncle Tetsu’s original cheesecake is a puffy, brownish-yellow cake with an image of a round-faced chef holding a big heart in the center, representing Uncle Tetsu. Uncle Tetsu’s original cheesecake combines the cheesy butteriness of American cheesecake with the fluffy texture and eggy flavor of sponge cake. It is best served fresh out of the oven, in contrast to traditionally cold American cheesecakes.

With one bite, consumers are immediately met by the delicate creaminess of cheese and butter, which seem to dissolve. Uncle Tetsu’s original cake lacks the firm consistency of traditional cheesecake, containing a chiffon-like texture instead. Its flavor is much lighter, creating a delicate taste perfect for those who enjoy moderately sweet desserts.

Uncle Tetsu’s original cheesecake costs significantly less than the 7-inch original cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory, which is sold for $20.95, but The Cheesecake Factory’s rich cake is certainly denser than Uncle Tetsu’s original cake. If customers are looking for a cheaper, somewhat healthier and lighter alternative to American cheesecake, Uncle Tetsu’s original cheesecake may do the trick.