Author: bextnespeopha1973

Located on Bute and Robson, Mr. Osmad opened its doors in the Fall of 2017. When I learned that Vancouver was finally home to a Japanese cheesecake establishment I knew, based on past experience with this delightful treat, I just HAD to try this place....And I’m glad I did because Mr. Osmad does exemplify what Japanese cheesecake is all about. Of course, when visiting locations like this, one is bound to draw comparisons between what is had here with what can be had at Uncle Tetsu’s. I’ll readily admit that’s what I did. How can I not make such comparisons? After all, Uncle Tetsu’s is where I received my introduction to Japanese cheesecake some three years ago in Toronto. At the time, I commented that Tetsu’s cheesecake was “light, fluffy [. . . . perfection personified.” And I wished that Uncle Tetsu would open up a location in the Vancouver area. Fast forward three years and that wish is becoming a reality because, as of this writing, an Uncle Tetsu shop will be opening at Metrotown later this week (!!!). All of that said, how did Mr. Osmad’s compare? Overall, I felt that Mr. Osmad’s version of the Japanese cheesecake was very similar to Uncle Tetsu’s. For example, both cost about $10; both are basically the same size (though I think Osmad’s is SLIGHTLY larger in diameter); and both are far lighter and more subtle in flavour than, say, a New York-style cheesecake – the sweetness level is dialed way down (though you can add a strawberry compote at Mr. Osmad for $1.50). Mr. Osmad does differ from Uncle Tetsu’s in subtle yet notable ways, however. For instance, while the freshly baked cheesecakes are still much lighter than their North American counterparts, I did feel that Mr. Osmad’s were slightly heavier – less airy – than the Uncle Tetsu version and, as a result, were a bit more on the dense side and tasted eggier. It’s a minor observation, but one still relevant to note. FOOD: 4/5 SERVICE: 5/5 VALUE: 4.5/5 RECOMMENDATION: The cheesecakes at Mr. Osmad’s are prepared fresh every 30 minutes, ensuring exceptional quality. Had I never tried Japanese Cheesecake before coming here, I’d probably say that this was the best cheesecake of any type that I’ve ever had; however, I have been spoiled by Uncle Tetsu’s and, thus, was able to pick up on subtle differences in texture and taste. These are minor differences to be sure and should not, in any way, detract from what is otherwise a nice experience.