Sweet-o-one
Sweet-o-one is a family-owned bakery that is a must-visit for those in search of European desserts, especially for their renowned soft meringue cake.
Tucked away in a quiet mall on Doncaster Avenue in Markham, this hidden treasure has been serving the community since the early '80s and is currently under the stewardship of the family's second generation.
Inside the bakery, you can find a spacious storefront featuring a large pastry display case with an extensive array of offerings.
The team is consistently bringing in new flavour combinations, complemented by a rotating menu updated every three months.
Sip on their latte ($3.50) or cappuccino ($3.50) while waiting for the sweet treats to arrive at your table.
Sourced from local organic tea brand Genuine Tea, the floral fragrance and silky smooth texture of Oolong milk ($2.50) combine to create a flavour that closely resembles the Taiwanese oolong milk tea.
Hazelnut meringue raspberry torte cake ($35) definitely steals the spotlight, crafted with only five essential ingredients — raspberry, egg white, sugar, whipped cream, and hazelnuts.
This cake comes in an assortment of flavours such as pineapple, mango passionfruit, Cherry-Tonka, and apricot.
For those seeking distinctive meringue delights in more manageable sizes, opt for the German meringue cookies, known as Baiser ($10 for a box of six).
These crisp and airy meringue rosettes are sandwiched with a light vanilla whipped cream.
Sitting on a soft cookie base and coated with crusty chocolate glaze, their top-selling Guava ($7) is perfect for those who prefer less sweetness.
The guava compote in the center is enveloped in a smooth vanilla lime chantilly.
My personal favourite among their offerings is the refreshing Lychee ($7), made up of layers of lychee and coconut mousse, raspberry lychee compote, and a sweet and nutty ube cream.
The finishing touch of crunchy almond chocolate beautifully replicates the texture of real lychee skin.
Provence ($6) offers a fusion of fruity and floral notes, thanks to the sweet ripe peach coulis nested within the silky lavender mousse.
This light purple entremet lays on a sponge-like almond cake and is adorned with Rice Krispies for added texture.
Finish off your visit with this irresistible Foresta ($7), where the rich and creamy chocolate mousse pairs nicely with the caramelized hazelnuts. It's all underlined with a subtle infusion of brandy-soaked dried nuts.
Sweet-o-one is located at 50 Doncaster Ave Unit 5.
Fareen Karim