Kina

Choosing which of the cheese-based baked treats in the display case to take home is part of the pleasure of a small takeaway shop. Kina, in Higashi-Oizumi, Nerima Ward, offers a range of cheese desserts, including its classic Basque cheesecake. It is moist and rich, yet not overly heavy, making it easy to enjoy bite after bite. Chocolate Basque cheesecake is also available, pairing the chocolate’s bold flavour with the richness of the cheese.

The bottled cheese pudding is another tempting option beyond cake. Smoother and richer than a standard custard pudding, it has a measured sweetness and a restrained finish. It also makes a good accompaniment to coffee or tea at home. Other offerings include cheesecake with walnuts and maple, where the nuts add texture; lemon rare cheesecake, with a refreshing tang; and tiramisu.

Kina opens on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 3 days a week, from 12:00 around lunchtime until the evening. There is no dine-in seating or table service; the compact, counter-service shop is for takeaway only, and accepts PayPay. Its modest but satisfying cheese sweets make a thoughtful choice for a gift or an at-home treat.