Koji Tamura, the mastermind behind Mr Cheesecake, has brought a taste of Tokyo to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. Growing up in Tokyo, Tamura fondly remembers the delicious cheesecakes his mother would make for him on his birthdays, particularly one topped with freshly made strawberry sauce. These childhood memories inspired him to pursue a career in dessert-making, eventually leading him to open his own brand, Mr Cheesecake.
After years of honing his skills in fine-dining restaurants in Japan and France, Tamura decided to challenge himself by creating unique and delicious cheesecakes that would appeal to a wider audience. His classic cheesecake, flavored with vanilla and tonka beans, quickly gained popularity when he shared the recipe on the Mr Cheesecake website during the pandemic. This move not only allowed people to enjoy his cheesecake at home but also helped to expand his customer base.
In March 2024, Tamura opened a Mr Cheesecake pop-up store in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, where he introduced a special milk tea cheesecake. The inspiration for this new flavor came from a visit to the city, where he was captivated by the sweetness of pineapple buns paired with the refreshing taste of milk tea. After receiving numerous requests on social media, Tamura decided to experiment with creating a milk tea cheesecake, using a blend of Sri Lankan Uva tea and aromatic Yunnan black tea to achieve the perfect flavor.
Tamura’s attention to detail and dedication to creating the best possible cheesecake experience is evident in his serving recommendations for the milk tea cheesecake. He suggests serving it fully thawed to enjoy the most intense flavor, and recommends pairing it with black tea, fruity coffee, or even champagne to enhance the smoky and spicy notes of the milk tea.
Despite the success and acclaim Mr Cheesecake has received, Tamura remains humble and focused on spreading joy through his creations. His motto, „Not the world’s best, but we make your days the best,“ reflects his commitment to providing delicious and memorable experiences for his customers. As he continues to expand his culinary knowledge and experiment with new flavors, it’s clear that Tamura’s passion for creating exceptional desserts will continue to delight taste buds in Hong Kong and beyond.