Hoso Basque: the Asian fusion cheesecake

Opened last summer, Hoso already has a core of regulars seduced by this unique dessert which tells, in one bite, a story of a journey between Paris, Asia and San Sebastian.

Hoso, Vivi's new address, is inspired by her Franco-Chinese-Japanese family and her many stays in Europe and Asia. In a small space like a shelter in the middle of the city, between the books that line the walls and the carefully arranged cakes, one senses her obsession with a particular dessert: this cake halfway between flan and cheesecake, creamy, not too sweet or rich, but powerful in flavor.

It was in San Sebastián, while enjoying La Viña's famous flan-cheesecake, that Vivi had her epiphany, before refining the idea in Japan and China, where pastries are adapted to Asian palates. At Hoso, this ultra-creamy cake, with its molten center and golden crust, is available in six flavors. There's the classic version, matcha, sesame, black tea (very floral and subtle), pistachio, and cherry… These are complemented by seasonal variations such as yuzu or ube, the purple sweet potato. All are sure to delight lovers of delicate flavors.

The recipes are prepared on-site, featuring homemade cream cheese, even the version encased in a soft rice dough, and matcha (€6) imported directly from Japan. For drinks, there's espresso (€2,50), pistachio latte (espresso, pistachio, homemade milk and cream), hot chocolate, and hojicha (roasted tea) alongside genmaicha made with roasted buckwheat, further expanding the Japanese-inspired menu.

Coming from a family of Chinese and Thai restaurateurs, Vivi, before this new adventure, already had two restaurants to her credit. Vivi chose the Marais to launch her brand: a curious neighborhood, ready to discover cutting-edge creations and to accept the price, €7,80 per piece.