Cheesecakes, in all their smooth velvety glory, crept up on Karachi’s palate slowly but surely. This was a city that was all about its love for “chocolate malt cakes” or even red velvet. The idea of it liking a cake that was in stark contrast to anything it had seen before and with “cheese” in the name which had thus far only been associated with all things savoury was unfathomable but cheesecakes in Karachi have come a long way and we are so glad.
The Best Cheesecakes In Karachi - Our Top 9
1.
Cote Rotie
New York Style Cheesecake
We feel like anything that is the “best” of anything needs to get its basics right but then also find a way to elevate it somehow. CoteRotie does that for their New York Cheesecake. It has the familiar smooth finish and the tang but then there is a subtle caramelisation at the base that takes you by surprise. It doesn’t overpower the cheesecake at all but adds this really delightful element to a dessert that you’d think you know everything about by now.
How to get it? Head over to Cote Rotie at Alliance Francaise.
Price: Rs. 1300 + Tax for a slice
2.
Esquire's
New York Cheesecake
The new york cheesecake at Esquire’s gets many things right about a cheesecake. The soft, creamy and crumbly texture of the cheese, the mild sweetness without being eggy. There isn’t anything else elevating the flavours here but overall, it works as a solid choice for an every day, instant pick-up cheesecake.
How to get it? Head over to Esquire’s
Price: Rs. 650 + Tax for a slice
3.
Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Maapis
We tried this cheesecake recently and it was good enough to head to top 3 straight up. This cheesecake is the “burnt, basque” kind which means it is baked at a higher temperature so it’s caramelised at the top. The texture is softer and not as dense as the NY cheesecake. However, the additional caramel tones here are delicious. Another difference is that it doesn’t have that familiar biscuit base that you see in a NY cheesecake and you don’t miss it. This is a cheesecake you have to experience once.
How to get it? DM @maapis_ on instagram. Price: Rs 2,200.
4.
The 'No-Nonsense' Cheesecake
The “No-Nonsense Cheesecake” over the years has garnered a dedicated following. It is self-admittedly no-fuss, no-frills and probably your idea of a “comfort cheesecake“. No strawberry preserves are found here and to be honest, none needed. The creamy texture is delightful, the base cuts through just fine and chances are you will finish this one all by yourself. We also dearly love this one.
It’s only available on pre-orders. Price: Rs. 1800 for the small and Rs. 3000 for the biggest one
5.
The NY Cheesecake at YumByAmna
The kind of cheesecake that can help you get over a breakup. Lol. This is that. Again, this cheesecake gets everything right. The creaminess, the base, the flavour, the sweetness. And the best part? You can probably pick up a slice from the cafe without the hassle of pre-ordering whenever you want.
How to get it? Pick it up from YumByAmna Cafe. Price: Rs 970 per slice.
6.
The 'Baked Baloch' Signature Cheesecake
This cheesecake is luxurious. It is indulgent but without being OTT. It says a lot but all of it is meaningful. This cheesecake will have you nodding your head as you have it. It just wins you over. This has that familiar cheesecake tang with that velvety texture that cascades with each swish of a spoon. Everything about it says perfection and if you are asking which cheesecake in our opinion is the best in the city: This, right here, is it.
It’s only available on pre-order. Price: Rs. 6000 for a 3lb. Sometimes slices are available too.
7.
German Cheesecake
Kasekuchen by Schwarzbackerei
The authentic German style cheesecake, is a lot lighter than its New York counterpart. While the varieties made by Baked Baloch, Yum By Amna etc. are luxurious and indulgent, this is a cheesecake you can have for breakfast. It is light and airy with only a “barely there” level of sweetness. If you are a fan of cheesecake and like trying new takes, this is definitely worth a try!
This cheesecake isn’t extraordinary but it is a good everyday cheesecake, priced at Rs. 500 a slice. Satisfies the cheesecake cravings, so no complaint! And the fact there is no pre-ordering and you can enjoy it with a side of a hot creme brulee latte. Sometimes, it is the context that makes something win.
If you are wondering why is Test Kitchen at no. 9 for us on this list, it is because, this is also a “basque cheesecake” but this one is a lot less sweet than we would like and doesn’t really have the burnt, caramlised notes that one would expect. It’s in the list in case someone likes it this way!
That's not all. We also asked you about your favourite cheesecakes and here is what you picked!
From the responses we got, a lot of people chimed in for Pie In The Sky and to be honest, we are curious. This cheesecake is priced at Rs. 2590.
"Hear me out - Pie In the Sky. The best, no fuss, always comes through on the flavour."
Sameen Hayat
"Pie in the sky! They have honestly the best cheesecake."
Haiqa Farasat Hussain
Other suggestions were also really interesting. Apparently, Springs Store stocks cheesecake slices from The Cheesecake Factory? Who knew? Well, Midhat did.
"The Cheesecake Factory slices at Springs!"
Midhat Siddiqui
And then this tip about Walla’s cheesecake. Seems interesting!
"Walla! You won't believe but they import best New York cheese and it's divine."
Hamza Ashraf
And, well.
"The one I make."
Nusair Teli
So there you go! All the many places in Karachi you can have a really good cheesecake. Is there a place you want us to check out? Let us know below. We are meanwhile headed to Springs to get our hands on The Cheesecake Factory one..
You have missed wildflour cheesecake please do try it and you will see the difference .