While strolling through the pastry and sweets section of the Seibu Ikebukuro department store in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, I stumbled upon a fascinating dessert. It is a cake that combines cheese with “flan” (flan pâtissier)—a custard tart-like pastry that has been gaining popularity in Japan in recent years.
Sold by the renowned pastry shop “Chez Shibata,” the product is called “Flan Fromage.” Although it is sold as a traditional flan, its appearance and taste are remarkably close to a cheesecake, making it a unique and intriguing creation. Let me share a detailed look at what this treat is like.
About Chez Shibata
For this review, I visited the Chez Shibata boutique located inside Seibu Ikebukuro. Headed by Chef Takeshi Shibata, a familiar face on Japanese television, the brand currently operates boutiques in Gifu, Nagoya, and Ikebukuro. As an authentic French-style patisserie, Chez Shibata crafts sophisticated petits gâteaux with meticulous technique alongside classic traditional French baked goods.
Flan × Cheese: The “Flan Fromage”
The dessert I purchased at Chez Shibata this time is their signature “Flan Fromage.”
The price is 981 yen (tax included). It is generously sized and quite substantial.
A crisp tart crust lines the bottom and sides, while the main custard filling shows a delicate pale yellow hue. “Fromage” means cheese in French—meaning this cake is a flan blended with rich cheese. Visually, it looks just like a gourmet cheesecake or cheese tart.
Tasting Impressions of the Flan Fromage
Now that we’ve covered the concept of flan, let’s move on to the tasting experience.
The custard filling (appareil) features a dense, velvety consistency that glides over the palate with incredible smoothness—almost like eating an ultra-rich, creamy cheesecake. The tart shell holds its shape well, yet crumbles pleasantly upon biting into it, offering a satisfying and crisp texture.
As for the flavor, given the name “flan,” I had anticipated a dominant eggy note, but was pleasantly surprised by the robust richness and creamy depth of the cream cheese. The surface appears to be coated with a light nappage (glaze), lending a delicate, fruity sweetness. Combined with the nutty, buttery aroma of the crust, this seemingly simple cake reveals complex layers of flavor with every bite, ensuring you never tire of its delicious taste.
It is a rare and delightful hybrid dessert that is equal parts traditional French flan and decadent cheesecake. If you have the chance, be sure to experience it for yourself!
Product Information
- Shop: Chez Shibata (Purchased at the Seibu Ikebukuro boutique)
- Product Name: Flan Fromage
- Price: 981 yen (tax included)
■ This article is a translation of a post originally written in Japanese (Original Article).