Tranquil cafe with Japanese traditional sweets
I popped by Katsute in Brick Lane Friday evening to catch up with my Japanese friend. As I had been to their Angel branch, my expectation was already high before getting there. On the way, I was thinking the cafe atmosphere may not match that of Brick Lane but actually, the shop looked like having been there for ages when I got there.
Once I stepped into the shop, it was so calm and tranquil that I felt shuttered from the busy street. I guess the inside of the shop is ‘Taisho Roman’ themed (kind of Japanese neo-classical). It is decorated with beautiful blue flower wallpapers against dark brown furniture, pretty ceramics, and cute flower-shaped lamps. The backside seats were segregated by wood beams and it reminded me of old Japanese houses. We were impressed they had realized this old Japanese house cafe feeling in London. The Japanese cakes displayed pleased us. They were all pretty and intricate. It was a surprise that there were Mochis, especially 'Sakura mochi' which is mochi with sweet red bean paste inside and wrapped with a pickled cherry blossom leaf. I don't know many shops that sell this kind of Mochi in London. Also, the range of the drink menu was wide. I jumped on Houjicha white hot chocolate though, as it is my favourite kind of tea. The combo with white hot chocolate tasted great. I thought it will be too much sweetness together with the cakes but it was after all totally fine. My friend’s Matcha latte was served on a cute Japanese traditional tray. We ordered the Japanese classic cakes: Shortcake, Mont Blanc Tart, and Sakura mochi. Both Shortcake and Montblanc tart tasted so delicate. Not overwhelming sweetness and the light fluffy sponge are the beauty of Japanese cakes and they hit it. Although they were big slices but did not taste heavy at all. We killed them literally in a second. The sweet red bean paste inside the Sakura mochi was beany one - in Japan, we have mainly two types: silky smooth or beany one. I preferred a silky smooth one but it tasted good anyway! As it was so comfortable, hours had flown so quickly. The location is so convenient; in the middle of Brick Lane. Also, it is a bonus that the cafe opens till late. I would definitely go back if I am in the area. It would be great if they start to serve Sake and Savoury foods as well.
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