Hoso Basque: the Japanese cheesecake coffee shop that's creating a buzz in Paris

We take you on a tour of a new coffee shop in the 4th arrondissement of Paris that's all the rage right now. As we like to make sacrifices, we had to try out Hoso Basque, a spot that offers an ultra-melting Japanese take on the famous Basque cheesecake brûlé, a creamy pastry originally from San Sebastian. It's a wonderful discovery and well worth a visit, just a stone's throw from Place des Vosges.

Discover Hoso Basque in video:

For those unfamiliar with the history of this now-trendy cake, Basque cheesecake was created in the 1990s at the La Viña restaurant in San Sebastian, in Spain's Basque Country. This version boasts an ultra-creamy texture, no pastry and a distinctive caramelized surface. The dessert has conquered the world via social networks, and was even voted "Flavor of the Year" by the New York Times in 2021. What's special about the Japanese version? It takes the smooth, creamy texture of the original cake one step further.

We tried out this new address and discovered a small takeaway counter-style stall with a few seats inside and out front. It's small but friendly, ideal for a quick gourmet break or to take away your cheesecake and latte. What immediately appealed to us was the texture of these cakes: ultra-molten at the core and denser on the outside. The whole thing is low in sugar and not at all nauseating, unlike some American cheesecakes that can quickly become heavy. At Hoso Basque, you'll find classic versions as well as more gourmet variations like tiramisu, which adds a decadent touch to the menu.

It's precisely this texture that seduced Vivi, the founder of Hoso Basque, during her travels between Japan, China and the Basque Country. "I discovered this dessert in Japan and China, where it's very popular. Then I traveled to San Sebastian and tasted the original version. The texture is different, somewhere between flan and American cheesecake, which is thicker. It's really my favorite dessert," she says. Her love affair with this pastry led her to open her own establishment in the Marais, her "favorite neighborhood".

At Hoso Basque, you'll find permanent flavors likeoriginal and matcha, as well as ephemeral creations that evolve with the seasons. During our visit, we discovered the hojicha version, a Japanese roasted green tea with roasted notes. Other classics include black sesame, Earl Grey tea and pistachio. What makes these cheesecakes really special is their composition: they are made with cream cheese (in this case Kiri), without any flour. A good point for celiacs or people allergic to gluten, who can indulge without constraint.

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Autumn also brings its share of novelties, with the forthcoming arrival of a pumpkin flavor and a rum-raisin version, perfect for the season. Speculoos, while not exactly Japanese, is a testament to this desire to blend influences. Here, we draw on flavors from all over the world to create surprising combinations that work wonders.

Price: 6.80€ for the original and 7.80€ for the more elaborate fragrances. We fell in love with the original, which we recommend you try first. It may seem expensive at first glance, but these cheesecakes are made largely from cream cheese, an ingredient that represents a much higher cost than more affordable materials such as the flour usually found in classic cakes.

But there's more to Hoso Basque than cheesecakes. The coffee shop also offers a fine menu of original drinks, well worth the detour. The house specialty? Signature lattes made with homemade mascarpone cream and crème fraîche. We loved the gourmet taste of these lattes, which don't cry for cream, with a generosity that's a pleasure to behold. These include theOrange Latte Under the Sea at 7€, which combines espresso, orange juice and homemade cream, the Pistachio Latte Secret also at 7€, and the Vienna Sesame Latte with black sesame at 7€, a real favorite for us. Matcha lovers won't be outdone, either, with the Mango Tango Matcha Latte at 7.50€ or the smooth Basque Matcha Latte at 7€.

More classic coffees are also on the menu, with espressos at 2.50€, cappuccinos at 5€ and mochas at 5.50€. For tea lovers, there's a hojicha latte for 6.50€ or an Earl Grey latte for 6€. Something to suit every taste and every craving.

The address is 44 rue Saint-Antoine, on a lively street in the Marais district, just a few steps from the Saint-Paul metro station. The area is packed with gourmet addresses and trendy boutiques, making it an ideal stop-off point for a sweet break after a stroll through the historic district. Place des Vosges is just a few minutes' walk away, as is Place de la Bastille.

Vivi, who worked in the restaurant business for many years, chose this area for its dynamism and inquisitive clientele, always on the lookout for new culinary discoveries."People here like to discover things that are out of the ordinary," she explains. And that's exactly what Hoso Basque offers: an out-of-the-ordinary experience, combining Basque tradition and Japanese refinement.

In short, here's an address that offers an alternative to the big coffee-shop chains. You'll come for the artisanal cheesecake made with quality ingredients, as well as for the signature drinks, which are a refreshing change from the ordinary, and you'll leave wanting to return to try the other flavors. Rhum-raison, wait for me, I'm coming!

This is a place for curious gourmets who like to discover original pastries, for fans of Japanese cuisine and cheesecakes, but also for those looking for a good coffee with a sweet treat in the Marais. It's also a great option for people with gluten intolerance, who can finally indulge in a real creamy cheesecake.

If you're looking for a good gourmet coffee shop in the Marais, why not try Hoso Basque and its surprising creations. Don't miss the seasonal flavors, which change with the months for even more gourmet discoveries. After all, to try it is to adopt it, as you've been warned...