The first Toronto location of cult dessert maker Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake has opened in Toronto near the corner of Bay and Dundas. In operation since Wednesday, the tiny takeout spot has seen steady crowds culminating in line-ups approaching two hour waiting times this afternoon.

Billed as a mini-sweets factory, Uncle Tetsu has attained cult status in Japan and Southeast Asia where the Fukuoka founded company has a loyal following not unlike fellow Japanese brand Muji. The cheesecake purveyor has more than a hundred stores across Japan, Taiwan, China, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Cambodia but this is its first foray into North America.

At the Toronto location customers are treated to an open kitchen type environment where a team of bakers pour and mold mini (petite madeleine) and regular size cheesecakes. The Japanese cheesecakes are described as lighter and more soufflĂŠ-like compared to the traditional New York style. Prices range from just over $2 for the madeleines to about $10 for the larger cakes.

Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake can be found at 598 Bay St. (just north of Dundas) and is open from 11am to 11pm daily.