Japanese dessert specialist CAFÉ URASAKI has officially opened its doors at the Seibu Building in Harbour City, further cementing Tsim Sha Tsui’s reputation as a premier destination for gourmet discoveries. The launch is marked by an exclusive collaboration with Gion Kitagawa Hanbe, a revered tea merchant from Uji, Kyoto, whose legacy of craftsmanship spans 165 years. The culinary direction is helmed by Chef Ken, former executive pastry chef at agnès b. CAFÉ, who brings a refined philosophy of purity and simplicity to the patisserie.
A 165-Year Legacy Meets Modern Patisserie
The partnership allows CAFÉ URASAKI to work with Gion Kitagawa Hanbe’s signature “Ki no Shiro” matcha powder, alongside their distinctive high-temperature roasted hojicha. This infusion of traditional Japanese tea culture into Western-style desserts creates a uniquely harmonious menu that offers an authentic taste of Kyoto in the heart of Hong Kong.
Purity on a Plate: Chef Ken’s Vision
Chef Ken’s vision for the brand is centered around creating a truly comforting dessert experience. This is most evident in their signature Basque cheesecake, which strips away artificial additives to focus on a carefully selected group of premium ingredients: top-quality Japanese wheat flour, fresh French cream, and farm-fresh eggs. The result is a naturally rich, creamy texture that allows the core ingredients to shine.
Menu Highlights: Indulgent Creations
The collaborative menu features several show-stopping items designed for the modern dessert enthusiast:
- Matcha Gold Leaf Cheesecake (HK$68/piece, HK$368/4 inches): A decadent five-layer cake featuring a smooth matcha glaze over layers of matcha sponge, cream cheese, ganache, and velvety mousse.
- Matcha Chestnut Tart (HK$65): A perfect balance of bitter and sweet, combining the tea merchant’s premium matcha with rich French chestnut puree and chewy mochi.
- Caramel Basque Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies (HK$38–HK$42): An inventive hybrid that pairs a crunchy, cocoa-rich cookie with a slab of caramel Basque cheesecake. Available in Original, Hojicha, and Uji Matcha flavors. Due to their intricate production, only 120 are made daily, with a strict limit of 6 per person.
- Matcha Lemon Pudding (HK$42): A light and zesty option that layers the gentle sweetness of matcha with a refreshing lemon ganache.
What’s Next for CAFÉ URASAKI
The excitement doesn’t stop with the current offerings. The patisserie has already announced its upcoming winter lineup, which includes a Fresh Cream Matcha Roll Cake and a Fresh Cream Lemon Roll Cake slated for a December release. For those looking for a lasting souvenir, the shop also stocks beautifully packaged bake gift boxes and direct-import matcha powders from Japan, making for elegant gifts or personal indulgences.
Visit Details
CAFÉ URASAKI is located at Kiosk J on the 3rd floor of the Seibu Building at Harbour City. The doors are open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Given the extremely limited availability of the signature sandwich cookies, early visits are highly recommended to secure a taste of this exclusive collaboration.