Koshika [Mimi's World Tour]

Bakery: Koshika (小鹿)
Address: 1 Chome-3-35 Central, Wakkanai, Hokkaido
Website: n/a 
Style: Japanese
Price: $$ 

One of the northernmost bakeries in Japan (it would have taken top honours had it not been for another pastry shop on the very end of town), Koshika is a confectionery that specializes in "northernmost" and Hokkaido milk-themed gift boxes - mochi seems to be the focus there - along with individual treats such as milk pudding and cream puffs. In addition to all the thematic gimmicks, Koshika also has an amply stocked display of cakes, available as full-sized cakes and individual slices. Seeing as they don't really sell baked goods, just cake, they really need to invest in little cardboard boxes... I don't think I've been had a slice of cake just thrown into a paper bag, definitely not in cute packaging-crazy Japan.

With quite the ample selection of creamy tortes, fruit-laden tarts and mousse desserts , I decided to keep things simple and go with the souffle cheesecake (324 yen). After all, I'd been in the mood since having had quite a few really good ones! This simple unadorned version was fresh and pretty fluffy, with a good balance between cheesy and lightweight. Texture-wise, it didn't have that exceptional "soft as a cloud" feeling when slicing through it that I'd experienced elsewhere, but on the whole it was a very good cake. Would have just preferred not having to do reconstructive surgery on the tip due to transport issues....

Rating: ***