likebyregina Take Urban is a new hidden gem near Stadium Chinatown, and it was originally a petite Korean cafe that sells bibimbap and rice burgers. It recently reopened and transformed to a cute dessert cafe. Except the classic Korean dishes, they also sell big macarons that caught my attention. You might miss this shop, but it is totally worth your time to pay a visit here.
Take Urban specializes in Korean-style macarons, which is also known as ddungcaron or “fat macarons”. These macarons are unlike anything that can be found in other cafes in Vancouver. They are double or even triple the size of a regular macaron. Each macaron is $3/each. Take Urban serves over 10 flavours, and each is filled with a unique buttercream and garnish. For example, the Matcha Kitkat uses a matcha buttercream with pieces of matcha kitkat as garnish.
I bought half a dozen, and here are the flavors that I tried:
- Cookie Crunch
- Real Oreo
- Honey Yuzu
- Tiramisu
- Matcha Kitkat
- Coffee Anglaise
Cookie Crunch has cookie crumbs surrounded outside, and it is overloaded with buttercream filling. Between the buttercream of the Real Oreo, there is literally an oreo, which adds crunch to the soft macaron. Coffee Anglaise is my favourite, as I can never resist the touch of bitterness from the strong espresso flavor. Honey Yuzu surprises me the most. Bits of real yuzu is mixed into the buttercream, which gives a refresh touch to a heavy macaron. Tiramisu is coated with cocoa powder, and Matcha Kitkat adds chunks of matcha kitkat into the matcha buttercream.
All the flavours are great and on point. My favourite is the Tiramisu and Honey Yuzu, and I think I would love to try other unique flavours, such as the Cheese Cracker and Birthday Cake. If you are planning to put them in the fridge, make sure to put them out for 5 minutes before savoring it. The buttercream will be more creamy, and the shell is soft and chewy.
Overall Impression
These macarons are pretty and delicious. If you are looking for gift ideas, I think half a dozen to a box of 8 is nice and presentable. I love how it is not too sweet, and each one is unique. The additional touch of garnish just brings the macaron game to a whole new level. I highly recommend this place!
Taste : 5/5 • Service: 4/5 • Ambiance: 3.5/5 • Quality-Price: 5/5
| Take Urban | Instagram | Facebook |
| Address: 1019 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V6 A 4L 4 |
| Hours: Mon to Fri: 7 AM – 7 PM Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM Sun: CLOSED |
