Artisan bread is no newcomer to the Toronto food scene. Specialty bakeries serving up vegan and gluten-free offerings have been prominent sightings throughout Queen West and Kensington Market for some time now; next came fad items, such as cream cheese-smothered rounds and supposedly upscale sorts of Euro-Asian buns.
With the gradual passing of the charcoal craze and influx of Cantonese-inspired munchies, Hong Kong cafés have been popping up like dandelions in May,and not simply in the designated Chinatown districts. One Pear Cafe on Dundas was amongst the pioneers of the food genre in the tourist-heavy Yonge/Dundas area; needless to say, its prices are also reflective of its prime foot traffic coordinates. Consequently, I never bothered to pay the shop a visit, in spite of its close proximity. A slightly lengthier trek would readily present me with access to Pineapple Buns and HK Milk Tea at a mere fraction of the price.
With the gradual passing of the charcoal craze and influx of Cantonese-inspired munchies, Hong Kong cafés have been popping up like dandelions in May,and not simply in the designated Chinatown districts. One Pear Cafe on Dundas was amongst the pioneers of the food genre in the tourist-heavy Yonge/Dundas area; needless to say, its prices are also reflective of its prime foot traffic coordinates. Consequently, I never bothered to pay the shop a visit, in spite of its close proximity. A slightly lengthier trek would readily present me with access to Pineapple Buns and HK Milk Tea at a mere fraction of the price.
Bake Island
Observed in the spot just north of CoCo's Downtown Yonge location, Bake Island presented itself as a no-frills Chinese bakery capable of catering to both bo lo bau (菠蘿包) purists as well as trend-hunting urban citizens. The space was compact, yet varieties were vast: from classic Coconut Cocktail Buns (雞尾包) to delicately garnished Strawberry Buns to redolent Cheese Garlic Buns, not an inch of their shelves were left unstocked. The layout was almost identical to that of my local Chinese bakery, with the exception of their modern sliding bread trays.
Observed in the spot just north of CoCo's Downtown Yonge location, Bake Island presented itself as a no-frills Chinese bakery capable of catering to both bo lo bau (菠蘿包) purists as well as trend-hunting urban citizens. The space was compact, yet varieties were vast: from classic Coconut Cocktail Buns (雞尾包) to delicately garnished Strawberry Buns to redolent Cheese Garlic Buns, not an inch of their shelves were left unstocked. The layout was almost identical to that of my local Chinese bakery, with the exception of their modern sliding bread trays.
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With a subway station nearby and the Ryerson SLC within a thirty-second walk, the bakery/café hybrid was located along a very convenient strip for both students and out-of-town-ers. Taking this into consideration, prices were found to be reasonable at first glance.
On this visit, I obtained two items of interest: a Carbon Cheese Bun (one of the many "hip" options available) and a Coconut Cocktail Bun (a representative of Hong Kong casual eats). Swiss roll cakes and individual/whole cakes were also on display near the cashier. The beverage bar, which constituted as the café portion towards the back of the establishment, retailed an expansive array of milk teas and cha chan teng regulars.
On this visit, I obtained two items of interest: a Carbon Cheese Bun (one of the many "hip" options available) and a Coconut Cocktail Bun (a representative of Hong Kong casual eats). Swiss roll cakes and individual/whole cakes were also on display near the cashier. The beverage bar, which constituted as the café portion towards the back of the establishment, retailed an expansive array of milk teas and cha chan teng regulars.
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The Carbon Cheese Bun rang in at $2.50 before tax - respectable given its utterly gimmicky (and potentially pretentious) appearance. One ought to note, though, that the bun was dry and did not taste the teensiest bit "carbon-y". It was an interesting profile dissimilar to the golden, eggy surface of typical HK style creations.
Contained within was a basic cream cheese filling - neither heightened nor modified with synthetic additions. Satiating after-effects were experienced after consumption, but, speaking on a general note, it wasn't a terrible product. The bun was undeniably worth a one-time trial, though perhaps with a side of steaming green tea to purge fullness and aid with digestion.
Contained within was a basic cream cheese filling - neither heightened nor modified with synthetic additions. Satiating after-effects were experienced after consumption, but, speaking on a general note, it wasn't a terrible product. The bun was undeniably worth a one-time trial, though perhaps with a side of steaming green tea to purge fullness and aid with digestion.
A narrow rendition of a Coconut Cocktail Bun was priced at $1.80 - very fair given that even uptown bakeries have raised their prices as of late. The gritty coconut filling was bountiful, while the transformed shape rendered it easy to consume without much mess. Regrettably, the bun exhibited similar signs of dryness to the Carbon Cheese Bun.
I doubt freshness would have played a signficant factor in the bread, for several new batches were witnessed adorning the shelves during my stay. The lack of moisture may simply be a result of improper moisture adjustment during the cooler winter months.
I doubt freshness would have played a signficant factor in the bread, for several new batches were witnessed adorning the shelves during my stay. The lack of moisture may simply be a result of improper moisture adjustment during the cooler winter months.
I also requested an Iced Half & Half (yuan yang) to go; this set me back $4.00, with tapioca included. Hands down, this was the most disappointing item of the excursion: not only was it overly sugary and watery, the tapioca was blatantly soggy and did not possess cohesive properties. In the cup was a greater amount of ice than preferred, yet I did not complain since the beverage was excessively sweet to start. It wasn't too intense in terms of boldness nor caffeine content, making it suitable for insomniacs. That said, I will not be repurchasing this. Optimism remains towards their hot Hong Kong Milk Tea.
On a final note, please be advised that cash and debit are the suggested methods of payment, as credit cards incur an additional charge of fifty cents. (That's 30% of a bun!)
On a final note, please be advised that cash and debit are the suggested methods of payment, as credit cards incur an additional charge of fifty cents. (That's 30% of a bun!)
Cuppa Tea
The next day, I made a beeline for Yonge and Carlton, where I had witnessed a police takedown (involving a total of five officers) just twenty-four hours prior. Cuppa Tea had taken over Jule's old location - or an adjacent site anyway. It was difficult to distinguish the spots as my sole visit to the bubble tea vendor had taken place a few years back while building restoration operations were underway.
The next day, I made a beeline for Yonge and Carlton, where I had witnessed a police takedown (involving a total of five officers) just twenty-four hours prior. Cuppa Tea had taken over Jule's old location - or an adjacent site anyway. It was difficult to distinguish the spots as my sole visit to the bubble tea vendor had taken place a few years back while building restoration operations were underway.
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Prices were steep here: $3.99 for a Pineapple Butter Bun (波羅油), $4.99 for a Signature Milk Tea, $4.59 and up for egg waffles, and $6.99 for Mango Sago.
In spite of this, I remained eager to try their Signature Milk Tea. The beverage was offered in one size and delivered in a heavily decorated glass bottle. One could choose between iced and hot variations, though I did question whether the glass would be able to resist the heat should I order the latter. The cashier assured me that the drink would be served "at a drink-able temperature", and that all would fine.
In spite of this, I remained eager to try their Signature Milk Tea. The beverage was offered in one size and delivered in a heavily decorated glass bottle. One could choose between iced and hot variations, though I did question whether the glass would be able to resist the heat should I order the latter. The cashier assured me that the drink would be served "at a drink-able temperature", and that all would fine.
Several Yelpers had complained of poor service and incredulous wait times, though I was a victim of neither instance. Having arrived on a quiet weekday afternoon, the lineup was nonexistent and my 300 ml bottle emerged before my eyes - secured and bagged - within a mere thirty seconds.
Side note: The Signature Milk Tea and Sweet Milk Tea differ only by their choice of sweetner. Granulated sugar is utilized for the more popular Signature, while condensed milk for the other.
Side note: The Signature Milk Tea and Sweet Milk Tea differ only by their choice of sweetner. Granulated sugar is utilized for the more popular Signature, while condensed milk for the other.
During my brief stopover, I paid a visit to one of two unisex bathroom stalls located at the back of the establishment. Two hooks on the back of the door was a pleasant sight to behold. The sanitary condition of the toilet and sink, however, were not. Evident black specks floated within the bowl, unable to flushed away, while dust, hair, and urine stains were observed surrounding the lid and seat. Too many times had the mirror been splashed and left to dry without scrubbing; the heavily pressurized streams dissipating from the faucet proved to be the culprit of this.
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Washroom tirade aside, Cuppa Tea's Signature Milk Tea was well worth the twenty-minute journey to C(ollege)rimeville.
The formula was smooth with the ideal amount of sweetness. Its consistency was neither too milky nor too slick. Each sip enlightened the soul as no other Hong Kong Milk Tea in the GTA has ever done so.
From the first swig to the final drop, the bottle's contents bedazzled with a boldness whose strength played on equal footing with its silky sapidity. Following each sip was an everlasting golden twinkle - otherwise known as 甘香味.
From the first swig to the final drop, the bottle's contents bedazzled with a boldness whose strength played on equal footing with its silky sapidity. Following each sip was an everlasting golden twinkle - otherwise known as 甘香味.
The fact that the cafe is situated in a district renowned for homeless bums and perilous circumstances had initially earned itself a low ranking on the to-go list. Poor hygeine conditions is another factor to be wary of.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned areas of concern, my standpoint on their Signature Milk Tea prevails. I shall be inclined to pay Cuppa Tea another visit, even if their first impressions did not align precisely with my cup of tea.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned areas of concern, my standpoint on their Signature Milk Tea prevails. I shall be inclined to pay Cuppa Tea another visit, even if their first impressions did not align precisely with my cup of tea.
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