IKUKA is this super cute new Japanese-inspired dessert and pastry food stall within State Street Market in downtown Los Altos. This concept is brought to you by the owners of the famous Orenchi ramen shops in the Bay, and it's right next to the Orenchi ramen stand in State Street Market too.
It's got a small display of pastries and mochis and a refrigerated case of desserts like this one below.
Everything looks beautiful and dainty and meticulously crafted. I ordered one of their popular favorites, the kabocha squash burnt basque cheesecake.
It is a tiny but mighty piece of cheesecake. It really packs a punch with its medley of flavors. There's a range of different tastes and textures - it's like an adventure unfolding as you take bites from it. There's the pillowy soft whipped cream, the crunchy pieces on top, the soft kabocha squash pieces, and the lush cheesecake itself. It's not a very bold/loud flavor, but it's just a very soft and subtle blending of flavors that's really good. My fave part is the crunchy crumble bits on top.
I really like how unique these desserts are, how they've taken something like squash that's normally a savory dish and turned it into a dessert. To be fair, I didn't immediately think omg this is the best thing ever, but instead it creeps up on you. A few days or weeks later, I was thinking about the cheesecake and wanting more. My husband said the same thing! It's very unsuspecting in how that cheesecake draws you in haha. Next time, I do want to try their other popular favorite, the mont blanc!
I recommend checking this place out! Let me know what you try and how you like it.
State Street Market
170 State St unit 107a
Los Altos, CA 94022
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