First Look: Uncle Tetsu’s Matcha Café

Vv Magazine’s Libby Roach visited Uncle Tetsu’s Matcha Café for an exclusive first look.

Uncle Tetsu, known for their delectable cheesecakes as much as their groan-inducing lines weaving up Bay Street (at Dundas), has opened its brand spankin’ new Matcha Café.

Now brand spankin’ is not a term we throw around lightly, but considering this is the first Matcha Café on Earth, and that Uncle Tetsu (and his business partner/wife Ms. Kimiyo) are overseeing operations is kind of a big deal. Uncle Tetsu has enjoyed massive success in his three months in Toronto and worldwide, with a takeover of 200 other shops in Asia. Considering that Toronto is his only location outside Asia, his love the for the 6ix is clearly up there with our boy Drake’s.

Located directly beside the cheesecake shop, the Matcha Café’s green signage is easy to spot, branded with Uncle Tetsu’s adorable logo. The café’s matcha (green tea) flavoured soft serve, shave ice, slushies and iced teas are sure to draw in those summer crowds. Prices are comparable to any other chain, with a cone, shave ice or slushie setting you back $3.99, and iced teas hovering at $2.99. Toppings like red bean, condensed milk or whipped cream go from 50 cents to a $1.

Matcha makes an appearance everywhere on the menu, including their Matcha Cheesecakes (coming in August) setting you back a lucky $8.88, or the Matcha Madelines (with red bean middle or straight up) going for $2.99.

Matcha has long been touted for its health benefits, and its tradition is steeped deeply in Japanese culture. Ms. Kimiyo is a practitioner of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and passes on her knowledge to the countless bakers working the lines. Each comes armed with a technique for blending the matcha that is as mesmerizing to watch as it is a workout for the biceps.

If plain is more your thing, queue up outside (and next door) for the Honey Madelines and insta-worthy cheesecakes.
It seems like a veritable Japanese takeover, with Muji recently opening and Uniqlo on its way, and Uncle Tetsu certainly has his finger on the pulse. Plans are underway for a third location, although this one will be strictly production; someone has to keep up with that cheesecake line.

Oh, and Uncle Tetsu’s Matcha Café is cash only.

Click here to view gallery.

Related Link: First Look, The Tiki Bar

Images: Libby Roach

Which menu item are you most excited to try from Uncle Tetsu’s Matcha Cafe? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.