01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Open the box, and you are greeted by the deep, dark charred exterior that defines an authentic Basque cheesecake. At GAZTA, a specialty shop in Shirokane, bakers work with recipes and techniques handed down directly from San Sebastián, Spain, achieving a balance between caramelized bitterness on the outside and velvety richness within. Sinking a fork through reveals a transition from a structured exterior to a soft, melt-in-the-mouth core that delivers concentrated cheese flavor without lingering heavily on the palate. Letting the cake sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes after removing it from the refrigerator helps relax the texture and highlights the cheese's natural aromatic depth.
Versatile Sizes and Savory-Sweet Accents
The cake comes in several formats to suit different gatherings. There is the 15 cm whole cake, baked slowly so heat penetrates gently to create a delightfully runny center, alongside a 8 cm round suitable for solo indulgence or sharing, and the palm-sized Txiki Basque Cheesecake (5 cm). While delicious on its own, it also takes well to separate toppings. A light sprinkle of Basque Salt sharpens the savory contours of the cheese and turns a slice into an appealing partner for wine, whereas organic Canadian maple syrup or house-made black pepper caramel adds rich dessert complexity.
Chocolate Twists and Takeaway Service
Alongside the traditional plain recipe, variations include the Chocolate Basque Cheesecake, layered with crunchy salted cookies and whipped cream, and the White Chocolate Basque Cheesecake, which balances gentle sweetness with toasted white chocolate notes. Operating strictly as a takeaway shop, GAZTA makes an easy stop for an at-home treat or a refined gift to pick up while wandering through Shirokane.
