After trying the Angel location several years ago, I was excited when a friend suggested we stop by Katsute 100's new Brick Lane location for something sweet. The interior is pleasingly done up in a combination of Victorian parlour meets Japanese cafe meets speakeasy. Plenty of space to sit beckoned, but since it was a rather warm afternoon we selected seats near the whirring fan.
I ordered an ichigo daifuku--a large matcha mocha ball stuffed with red bean paste and a ripe strawberry. My friend ordered her craving: the matcha crepe cake, and a hojicha latte. I'm vegan, and it was nice to find a vegan option amongst the rich, dairy-filled confections. There was actually a second vegan option but I can't recall what it was. The wait person was friendly and brought over our order once things had been poured and plated.
My only sadness is that this location did not have the mekabucha I tried and loved in Angel. Mekabucha is a very special seaweed tea. However, that lack did not detract from my experience overall. If you'd like to take in some Japanesque decor and a sweet bite, stop by as you saunter down Brick Lane. read more