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Best Japanese Desserts in Ottawa [2023]

Japanese desserts have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These sweet treats are not only delicious, but they are also visually stunning and often incorporate unique flavors and ingredients. If you’re a dessert lover living in Ottawa, you’re in luck – there are several Japanese dessert shops in the city that offer a wide variety of tantalizing desserts. From traditional favorites like mochi and matcha treats to more modern creations like Japanese-style cheesecake and shaved ice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will explore some of the best Japanese dessert shops in Ottawa, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in the flavors of Japan right here in Canada’s capital. 

For other great local eats check out our list of the best Japanese restaurants in Ottawa and the best Filipino restaurants in Ottawa.

What is the most popular Japanese dessert?

One of the most popular Japanese desserts is matcha (powdered green tea) flavored desserts. Matcha has a unique and delicious flavor and is used in a wide variety of desserts, including ice cream, cakes, cookies, and even KitKat bars. Mochi is another popular Japanese dessert, which is a soft, chewy rice cake that is often filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste, strawberries, or ice cream. Other popular Japanese desserts include dorayaki (sweet pancakes filled with red bean paste), wagashi (traditional Japanese confections), and anmitsu (a dessert made with agar jelly, sweet beans, and fruit).

Best Japanese Desserts in Ottawa

1) Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake

Uncle Tetsu is a Japanese dessert shop that offers a wide range of delicious treats that are made fresh daily. Established in 1985 in Fukuoka, Japan, Uncle Tetsu has since expanded globally and now has locations in Canada, the United States, Australia, and many other countries.

Uncle Tetsu’s signature dessert is their Japanese-style cheesecake, which is made with premium ingredients and a secret recipe that has been perfected over the years. The cheesecake is light, fluffy, and has a delicate flavor that melts in your mouth. In addition to their traditional offerings, Uncle Tetsu also offers unique and innovative desserts, such as their famous cheese tart, angel cake and etc. 

Uncle Tetsu prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and making all of their desserts by hand. Their desserts are made fresh daily, ensuring that customers receive the highest quality and freshest products possible. With friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere, Uncle Tetsu is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth and experience the flavors of Japan.

Business Information:

280 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J4
uncletetsu-ca.com
+16135651000

Customer Review:
“This is like a must try Japanese style cheesecake. I'm not a cheesecake fan at all, but this one is pretty different. The cheese taste is quite light and the cake itself is super puffy. I'll definitely come back with other flavors!”
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2) Ichiban Bakery

Ichiban Bakery is a Japanese bakery that offers a unique selection of freshly baked desserts and pastries. Located in Ottawa, Ichiban Bakery has been providing customers with the finest quality Japanese desserts since 2004.

Ichiban Bakery is well known for their selection of cheese buns, a sweet bun filled with various sweet fillings. In addition to their traditional offerings, Ichiban Bakery also offers a range of cakes, cookies, and pastries that are inspired by both Japanese and European baking techniques.

All of Ichiban Bakery’s desserts and pastries are made fresh daily using only the highest quality ingredients. Their dedication to using premium ingredients and traditional baking methods ensures that every bite is a delicious and memorable experience.

Ichiban Bakery prides itself on providing exceptional customer service and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for customers to enjoy their desserts. With friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere, Ichiban Bakery is the perfect place to indulge in Japanese-inspired desserts and pastries.

Business Information:

825 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V9
ichiban-bakery.com
+16136800999

Customer Review:
“Amazing bakery! Staff is so sweet and gave great recommendations. I cannot wait for an excuse to go back and take my friends. Everything is made fresh and tastes amazing.”
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3) Dao Bake and Sip Café

Dao Cafe is a Japanese dessert shop located in Ottawa, Canada, that offers a unique fusion of traditional Japanese desserts and modern creations. It is a local favorite for its exceptional desserts and drinks.

Dao Cafe is a unique and modern café located in Ottawa that specializes in high-quality baked goods, premium tea and coffee. It is the only location in Ottawa that offers a range of exclusive desserts, including Pablo Cheese Tarts, Cho-kwok-lat Chocolates, Hattendo Cream Buns and Puddings, and Daango Macarons and cakes.

In addition to their selection of exclusive desserts, Dao Cafe also offers their own line of Euro-Asian inspired, fresh baked croissants and buns with a modern twist. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations has made them a local favorite in Ottawa.

Dao Cafe’s cozy and inviting atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a delicious treat with friends or colleagues. Their commitment to providing exceptional customer service and high-quality products has made them a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in unique and delicious desserts in Ottawa.

Business Information:

1558 Merivale Rd Unit 102, Nepean, ON K2G 3J9
daocanada.com
+16134215000

Customer Review:
“I can’t believe this cute cafe is in Merivale! Such a little oasis, calm and modern space. The desserts were absolutely delicious - not too sweet and lots of creative flavors. It makes you want to keep coming back to try them all!”
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4) Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen

Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen is a unique and modern dessert shop located in Ottawa that specializes in craft ice cream with Asian-inspired flavors. With a rotating menu of snacks, Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen offers a constantly changing selection of delicious treats for customers to enjoy.

Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen is well known for their inventive and unique ice cream flavors, such as black sesame, matcha, and taro. They also offer classic flavors with an Asian twist, such as vanilla with lychee swirls and salted caramel with miso. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations has made them a local favorite in Ottawa.

In addition to their ice cream, Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen also offers a rotating menu of snacks that includes items such as mochi donuts and egg waffles. Their commitment to using fresh ingredients and creating unique flavor combinations ensures that every item on their menu is a delicious and memorable experience.

Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen’s modern and inviting atmosphere is the perfect place to indulge in unique and delicious desserts. With their constantly changing menu of snacks and ice cream flavors, there is always something new to try at Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen.

Business Information:

477 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z2
mooshuicecream.com
+16135651524

Customer Review:
“Excellent homemade vegan ice cream! Full flavour and none of that watery, washed out taste you usually get with many store bought vegan ice creams. Fast and friendly service. The chocolate and the rose/lychee jam flavours are fantastic. Just wish I had time to have tried the other flavours, but I'll be back. Definitely recommend. Nearby 1 hr. free parking on Arlington”
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5) Kuidaore

Kuidaore is a popular Japanese restaurant located in Ottawa, Canada, that offers a range of authentic Japanese dishes with a modern twist. While their main menu is certainly worth a visit, their dessert selection is particularly noteworthy.

Kuidaore’s dessert menu features a range of unique and delicious Japanese-inspired treats, including green tea tiramisu, matcha crème brûlée, and mochi ice cream. Their desserts are made using high-quality ingredients, and the presentation of each dish is just as impressive as the taste.

One of the standout desserts on Kuidaore’s menu is their matcha cheesecake, which is made with creamy mascarpone cheese and features a rich matcha flavor that perfectly balances sweetness with a slightly bitter finish. They also offer a traditional Japanese dessert called dorayaki, which is a sweet red bean paste sandwiched between two fluffy pancakes.

Kuidaore’s commitment to using authentic Japanese ingredients and flavors sets them apart from other dessert destinations in Ottawa. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to finish off a meal or want to indulge in a range of unique and delicious Japanese-inspired desserts, Kuidaore’s dessert menu is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Business Information:

420 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N2
kuidaore.ca
+16134227537

Customer Review:
“The food here is so delicious and the decor is Instagram approved. So many cute decorations and the service was quick and friendly. The overall variety of items on the menu was appealing and they listed different ways a meal can become gluten free or vegetarian. Can't wait to go here again or order takeout if it is super busy”
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FAQs
Ottawa has several Japanese dessert shops that offer traditional treats such as mochi (sweet glutinous rice cakes), daifuku (mochi stuffed with sweet filling), and dorayaki (sweet pancakes filled with red bean paste). You can also find a variety of matcha-flavored desserts, including matcha ice cream and matcha mochi.

Yes, there are Japanese dessert shops in Ottawa that offer vegan and gluten-free options. Some of these options include vegan matcha soft serve, gluten-free mochi, and vegan coconut milk pudding. Be sure to check with the specific shop to see what options they have available.

The cost of Japanese desserts in Ottawa can vary depending on the specific shop and the type of dessert you choose. Generally, you can expect to spend between $3 and $10 per dessert.

Yes, many Japanese dessert shops in Ottawa offer delivery and takeout options. Some shops may offer delivery through third-party services such as Uber Eats or DoorDash, while others may offer their own delivery service. Be sure to check with the specific shop to see what options are available.

Final Thoughts

Ottawa offers a diverse range of Japanese dessert shops that cater to every type of sweet tooth. From the classic and traditional to the modern and inventive, each of the shops we highlighted in this article brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re in the mood for fluffy cheesecakes, rich matcha treats, or creamy soft serve ice cream, there is no shortage of delicious Japanese desserts to enjoy in Ottawa.

Not only do these dessert shops offer delicious treats, but they also provide a cultural experience that is not to be missed. Their commitment to using authentic Japanese ingredients and techniques ensures that each bite is a taste of Japan. Visiting these dessert shops is a great way to expand your culinary horizons and experience the unique flavors and textures of Japanese desserts.

So, whether you’re a long-time fan of Japanese desserts or are just starting to explore this delicious cuisine, be sure to check out these top Japanese dessert shops in Ottawa. Each of these shops offers a unique and memorable experience that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.