Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake

If a cheesecake and an angel food cake had a baby, this would be it.

Ever since seeing photos of this fluffy, unique looking "cheesecake" on Instagram tagged by people in Japan, I've been dying to try it!

I had no idea that I'd get a chance to taste it without traveling all the way across the Pacific until it popped up at Del Amo Mall in Torrance, CA. I *may* have squealed when I saw what was before my eyes at what used to be a sandal store! I immediately rushed up to the counter.

Uncle Tetsu originated in Japan in 1985 and has since become a global phenomenon - I'm sure due to the help of social media! Their website describes the cheesecakes as combining the richness of American cheesecakes with the lightness of French soufflés.

So what did I think? Did it live up to the Instagram hype?

Personally... I loved it - but it wasn't at all what I expected! When one traditionally hears the word "cheesecake", thoughts of sweet and creamy deliciousness are evoked. Uncle Tetsu's cheesecake had the slightly tangy flavor of our American version, but was as light and airy as a cloud! I think what surprised me most was the lack of sweetness. It was quite refreshing to have something that wasn't extremely heavy and I loved the spongy texture. It would be amazing paired with a cup of coffee with it's light sweet flavor and consistency.

When I purchased the Original flavor I got to try the Strawberry and Coffee flavors as well - they were much sweeter than the Original so if you have a sweet tooth - try those first! At this location they also had a Matcha flavor as well (but I didn't get to taste).

Menu options here are easy - cheesecakes are sold by the cake and are just under $10 each. Each cheesecake is about 7 inches in diameter and has approximately 4 servings. They also have several tea options and cheesecake biscotti for sale.