Uncle Tetsu — Restaurant in San Mateo

I have tried the Uncle Tetsu in SoCal, and both of these locations tasted a like! So no disappointment here! It's located in the Hillsdale Mall, upstairs in the food court. I heard it's always pretty busy, so when I came around the afternoon there was a really long line! But actually, I didn't have to wait that long. There aren't many Japanese cheesecake places in SJ, especially that are affordable in price.

《Caution》 Beware that Japanese cheesecake is totally different from American cheesecake!!!

I read a good handful reviews on here giving them bad ratings because it's nothing like American cheesecake... and it's pretty sad to give them a bad rating for not being the "standard" cheesecake. So if you have not heard of or tried Japanese cheesecake, I suggest doing some research about it so you know what you're getting! :)

《Food》 Personally I love Japanese cheesecake more than your heavy standard cheesecake. Just because it's not heavy and rich, not making you feel heavier after eating it. It's super spongey, airy, good in flavor (original, coffee, etc. flavors). I ordered two cheesecakes, $11 each, a Coffee and Original, for my boyfriend's birthday. Sadly, they didn't have the strawberry flavor.. (I didn't have a picture of the coffee one). I absolutely loved the coffee one, it's not heavy in coffee flavor but a good amount. And you can't go wrong in ordering the original either. It's basically like eating air, that's how light it is! I would definitely be back here for more...Can't get...

The reason I gave 2 star instead of the lowest score is because of the sincere customer service in cashier when I showed them what I just bought and half-finished with my toddler. As shown in the photo here, there is a plastic wrap embedded within the cheese cake. The package is all paper, so the plastic is likely from the cream cheese wrap when they made it. I was glad I was the one found it in my mouth, not my 2 years old (hope she did not eat any wrap from her piece). There would be a choking hazard if any kids eat that wrap. I went back to the cashier and told them the issue I had as I feel I obligated. In fact, I am not sure what the proper way for them to deal with this. The staff immediately apologized without any questions/hassles. As the result, they did provide another new cake to me and I took the cake. (I was not sure how to respond properly at the moment. and I still dont know even now. When I rethink the situation now, the safest way would be disposal all the cakes made today to prevent any health risk. But I don't think it is possible for a random customer to ask). I hesitate whether I should share this, but I decide to do so and hopefully they can take this VERY serious, considering what would happen if an infant or toddler eats the same piece as I just did few hours ago. I do like their cake, nice texture, slightly light cheese favor to me. But some quality controls are...

The Food I am a fan of light and fluffy cheesecake, and Uncle Tetsu takes the cake on this one. 😆The new location opened in San Mateo so naturally I had to check it out. I went with a friend so we ordered more than cheesecake. We also got the Sea Salt Green Tea and the Matcha Tea with Cheese Foam. The cheesecake was good, nice and fluffy while is warm, but note that it will dense up when chilled. The drinks were mediocre, the Green Tea was ok, but the Matcha Tea was quite overpower with the rest of the drink. Is good that there's light and fluffy cheesecake in NorCal, but lacking a bit in quality compared to SoCal.

The Miscellaneous Uncle Tetsu is inside the Hillsdale Shopping Center at the food court area. There are plenty of seating at the food court to chow down on the cake...unless is peak hours. Their menu is standard like the one in other locations. There were few items missing that I noticed such as cheese tarts. Their prices is well...normal, with the standard NorCal taxes added. Though it is worth a try if you have not...