I’ve learnt several things as my time as a food blogger – such as ordering lots and sharing to fully taste and understand a restaurant’s menu or that drinks are sometimes as unique and significant as the food. The most important thing I have learnt thus far, however, is when Erin Ireland says to check out a place, you check it out! She knows a thing or two about food in this city and, therefore, I always trust her opinion. This lesson ultimately led me to Basho Café in the East Van Village one rainy Tuesday and has kept me longing to return ever since. This little café opened recently and almost all their treats and desserts are made with matcha.
The café is located on Hastings and Victoria and if you aren’t looking for it, you may miss it! Everything about this place exudes a sense of cuteness, homeliness, and hints at a time long ago. The décor is all mix-matchy, comfortable and worn-in. I loved that with every drink and tea item we ordered we were presented with a new and different plate set. The family that runs it is just so loveable and they do an excellent job of making their café your “home away from home”. The owner takes pride in her baking and products. They are grateful you walked into their coffee shop. Everything is made by the owner and the daughter makes the drinks. Walking into Basho, I always start to smile because the whole family (the father makes the meal items on the menu) are so happy and love what they do.
On the rainy Tuesday I decided to visit, my boyfriend and I ordered the afternoon set. This is $5 and comes with a big cup of matcha green tea latte and three little desserts from their beautiful display. The latte was perfect for a cold day and wasn’t sweet or processed like most matcha lattes in this city. It was comforting and I could tell authentic matcha was used. I had mine with almond milk. Of the three desserts I had the one that really stood out was the mochi brownie. Although it took only two bites for me to finish, it was soft and chewy and chocolaty. Of course three desserts were just not enough and I had to try everything in the display case! Memorable items include the match/white chocolate brownie (AMAZING!!!), and the sesame chocolate brownie. I also enjoyed the matcha/white chocolate cookie. I must have gone up to the counter ten times that day and just kept ordering goodies. Every time the owner was laughing and excited that I was enjoying her goodies so much. She even gave us her favourite “mochi mochi” on the house to try.
Basho Café is such a welcome addition to the neighbourhood. I cannot wait to take my friends here and let them try it for themselves. The prices are great, the décor is amazing, but the reason I would go back is because the owners are kind, happy people that you cannot help but feel happy yourself! I’m not sure now if I’m matcha obsessed or Basho obsessed – either way this has become my new addiction.
Written by: Micaela Monk
