Torontonians Are Waiting in Line for Hours for Famous Japanese Cheesecake

Have you heard about Uncle Tetsu yet?

If you live or work around Bay and Dundas, you may have noticed the massive lineup outside its doors as of late.

For those in the dark, at Uncle Tetsu, it’s all about the Japenese cheesecake – and it’s so sought after that you’re only allowed one per customer. The brand new Toronto location only has three ovens, producing 12 cakes every 10 to 15 minutes.

The idea is to sell them as soon as they’re made so that they’re as fresh as possible.

The massive Toronto demand comes as no surprise. Nor do the lineups, which typically begin at 10am (the shop opens at 11:00).

The first Uncle Tetsu opened 25 years ago in Hakata, Japan and has become an international success story since. The inevitable lineups for the cheesecakes are all a part of the experience. 

Aside from Japan, the company has over 70 shops in China, along with others in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, and Cambodia. Toronto marks the company’s first opening outside Asia. 

Is it worth the wait? The consensus seems to be a resounding “yes.”

What makes the cheesecakes – which cost $8.88 for a single six-inch cake – so great? Compared to the North American type, they are fluffier, creamier, and have less sugar. The Japanese butter also plays a major role in their deliciousness, as do the quality, farm-fresh eggs.

The result is melt-in-your-mouth goodness that people seem to find more than worth the calories. 

But if lineups give you anxiety, you can check out the Twitter account @tetsulineup for updates and pictures on the status of the lineup. Alex Colangelo, who lives in a building across the street, operates the account.

Apparently, there are plans to expand Uncle Tetsu across the city and to add more flavours than the current plain version.

If you’re going to check it out, we suggest avoiding the weekends and don’t forget your cash – the shop doesn’t accept credit or debit. 

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