VanFoodies.com

Ever since the opening of Bonchaz Cafe, I’ve been intrigued by something called the bonchaz. My bus drives by it every morning and evening, and I have yet to give it a try. Finally there’s a chance!! I walked by the store the other day and I just knew I had to walk in and pick some up.

So, I bought an Apple Cinnamon and the new Matcha Green Tea bonchaz:

Matcha Green Tea (back) and Apple Cinnamon Bonchaz

What is bonchaz?

According to the staff there, it’s  their recipe of mixing Mexican sweet pastry with Asian pastry. On its take-out bag, it says the recipe and namesake were inspired by concha, a festive Mexican pastry. Essentially, it’s a baked bun with cream filling and cookie-like crust.

Verdict? They are quite good. Between the two I tried, I like the Matcha Green Tea. It has a top that reminds me of a meringue cookie, crispy and chewy at the same time. The green tea filling was creamy and fragrant. The Apple Cinnamon one has filling like an apple pie, although I’d prefer the flavour to be a tad more intense. Over all the bonchaz are crispy on the outside, soft, fluffy on the inside. $1.75 is a decent deal.

The bonchaz is best served warm. The staff generously gave me 1/4 of the bonchaz to sample before making a purchase. He took it right out of the oven and it was REALLY good. I had to grab mine to-go and it’s just not the same when it’s only lukewarm.

Final Thoughts

I just went on its Facebook page and found that there’s a Chocolate Truffle flavour and it’s now discontinued. I should’ve gone there sooner! Now I will look forward to future offerings. The cafe is a neat space for study group (it’s right across from SFU Harbour Centre) and coffee breaks. I’ll remember to try it with a cup of coffee next time.

Bonchaz Bakery Cafe
426 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
604-626-7215
www.bonchaz.ca