Charisma Cafe & Dessert House

Charisma Cafe & Dessert House is a spacious cafe located outside the Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain station. It specializes in homemade cheesecakes and beverages, such as bubble tea and coffee. Recently, it also sells twice-baked croissants from Elmo Pinpin. This blog post consists of multiple visits.Thai Tea Cheescake

Thai Tea Cheesecake

I tried this cheesecake with my friends last winter, and the flavour was unique that attracted us right away. The Thai Milk Tea Cheesecake was paired with condensed milk drizzles. Unfortunately, we barely tasted any Thai milk tea in the cake. The texture of the cake was dense, just like how it should be done! We also hoped that the crust was crunchier.

Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake

Along with the Thai Milk Tea Cheesecake, we also ordered the Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake. The overall texture was quite similar, but this definitely had a stronger and more defined flavour. Pairing with chocolate drizzles, it added a subtle sweetness to the espresso’s bitterness. The crust was crunchier on this one too.

Dirty Matcha Tiramisu

I was lucky to try one of the newest creation recently. Dirty Matcha Tiramisu was layered with espresso cream and matcha sponge cake. I always love the combination of matcha and espresso, but I was hoping that the matcha flavour was more dominate, instead of the espresso. Given said that, the cake was not sweet at all. I still enjoyed the cake though. Maybe I should try making something similar one day.

Black Sesame Charcoal Twice Baked Croissant

I think this was a wise addition to the menu, not only it is delicious, supports among local businesses was such a warm thing to do. Charisma is the only location in Metro Vancouver that sells Elmo Pinpin’s twice-baked croissants. You may also order them in Richmond or online. There are four flavours available: Black Sesame Charcoal, AlmondVanilla, Hazelnut Banana Chocolate, and Peanut Butter & Jelly.

Although I have not tried other flavours, except the Black Sesame Charcoal, I have already fallen in love with this croissant. It was baked to order, so if you are in a rush, call in and ask the store to reserve one for you! The croissant was flaky and buttery. When you bite through, the black sesame lava paste may squirt out. Overall, it can be heavy because of the lava paste. I would recommend pairing it with a cup of tea to lighten it. The croissant might be on the pricier side, I think it is worth trying it once.

Overall Impression

Charisma Cafe & Dessert House is a spacious cafe, with free wifi and plugs. If your friends and you are seeking for a place to study or hang out, this should be on your to-go list. There are also savouries on the menu, such as daily soup and sandwiches. If you are coming to try the croissant, I would recommend to message or call them in advance before they sold out.

Taste : 4/5 • Service: 4/5 • Ambiance: 5/5 • Quality-Price: 3.5/5

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ADDRESS: Unit 101, 181 Keefer Place, Vancouver, BC V6B 6C1

HOURS: 11:30AM – 10PM | Tue to Thurs • 11:30AM – 11PM | Sat to Sun

INSTAGRAM: @cafecharisma