Cheesecakes that Jiggle {Keki}

There are few places in Abu Dhabi, or anywhere, that really do things right while at the same time maintain simplicity.  And that is exactly what I like best about Keki.  Keki is a tiny Japanese cafe in Al Bateen Park, in Abu Dhabi.  (Its location keeps it hidden, so you have to know about it to find it, or at least be looking intently out the window of your car.)  Keki' has bloomed from its owner's experience in the food business in the city, combined with his incredible passion for Japan and its food.  While Keki has been popular as a food truck over that last year, they are very happy to have finally established brick and mortar feet.

The cafe specializes in baking and specialty coffees.  They keep it simple to focus on the quality, which is obvious when you taste their signature fluffy Japanese Cheesecake.  In case you don't know, Japanese Cheesecake is actually more similar to a chiffon cake than a stereotypical cheesecake. By the way their chiffon cake is perfect too)  It is fluffy, moist, and addicting.  In addition to the plain flavor, they make a chocolate version that tastes of dark cocoa.  Having just launched their breakfast menu, they also make a stack of Japanese pancakes that are similarly cloud-like.  If you move your plate a little too quickly, you will smile at the trademark jiggle.   

Want something on the healthy side?  There is an avocado (and egg, if you choose) toast on a thick slice of slightly sweet, homemade, multi-grain bread.  I should mention that all of their pastries, cakes and breads are all made in house.  Eventually they plan to sell their bread on its own, but for now it is only used in the cafe's offerings....like the buttery French Toast.

The coffees are a business of their own.  In addition to the standard espresso drinks, they make a thick creamy "Keki Latte" that is their own twist on a Spanish Latte.  They also have Matcha drinks, and even an "Iced Cereal Latte".  It is a creamy iced latte mixed with Japanese sweet cereal.  It will remind you of those childhood days of slurping up the last few sips of milk from your cereal bowl.  

The cafe was packed on a Saturday so it is best to arrive early or just plan to take away,  They have boxes stacked and waiting (stamped with their adorable logo).  

Keki

Al Bateen Park

Abu Dhabi

Open weekdays from 11am -8pm; Fri and Sat from 8am