Cafe Cre Asion is a Japanese café with a loyal following, operating from a small, understated space with limited seating.
2013
A dessert-focused visit led directly to the macaron selection (6 for $16.00).
Jasmine Tea
The shell was smooth with a standard chew. Jasmine appeared late in the bite as a faint floral note, secondary to the base sweetness. Greater intensity or reduced sugar would have improved clarity.
Charcoal and Black Sesame
The shell carried a slight flatness in flavour, likely from the charcoal. The filling, however, delivered a clear, creamy black sesame profile with a rounded nuttiness that persisted.
Yuzu Lemonade
Immediate citrus impact on contact. The yuzu read as dominant, with a sharp, clean acidity that carried through the full bite. Among the set, this was the most direct in flavour delivery.
Lychee and Raspberry
Both elements appeared simultaneously rather than sequentially. The sweetness of lychee and the acidity of raspberry sat in balance, without either taking precedence.
Hōjicha
A warm, nutty profile with mild sweetness. The flavour was clearly expressed, supported by a smooth, slightly dense filling.
Uji Matcha
A restrained presentation. The filling delivered a clean green tea flavour without bitterness, while the lighter colour suggested a moderated matcha intensity. Balanced and controlled.
Green Tea Fondant ($8.50)
A chocolate fondant with a green tea white chocolate centre, matcha dusting, green tea latte, and berries. The molten centre reduced the density typical of chocolate fondants, introducing a softer sweetness and mild bitterness. Matcha powder added a dry, slightly astringent edge. The latte extended the tea profile, while berries contributed acidity. The structure maintained richness while preventing accumulation.
Mocha
Carried a sour note, suggesting imbalance in extraction. This disrupted the expected chocolate–coffee integration.
Green Tea Cappuccino
Aromatic profile aligned with matcha confectionery. Milk softened the tea, producing a rounded, slightly sweet drink. The format—a bowl rather than a handled cup—shifted the drinking experience.
Overall, macarons demonstrated stronger flavour clarity than expected from the format, particularly in sesame and citrus. The fondant integrated Japanese elements with structural control. Beverage execution was less consistent.
2017
Hōjicha Latte ($5.00)
Delivered a clear roasted tea profile with caramel notes. Milk added body and smoothed the edges without obscuring the tea. Balanced and cohesive.
Hōjicha Chiffon Cake ($4.50)
The sponge was dry with limited hōjicha presence. The cream carried a faint tea note but was dominated by dairy. The intended flavour did not translate effectively.
Macarons (selection repeated)
Flavour profiles remained consistent with the earlier visit, with sesame, yuzu and hōjicha continuing to perform most reliably.
Overall, beverages outperformed baked goods in this instance, with the chiffon failing to deliver expected flavour or texture.
Cafe Cre Asion is located at 101/21 Alberta Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
2023
Following closure of the CBD store, operations shifted to Pyrmont and North Sydney.
Hōjicha Swiss Roll ($9.00)
The sponge was soft but leaned slightly dry. Both sponge and cream carried a clear hōjicha profile, producing a consistent flavour across the roll. The cream compensated for the sponge’s reduced moisture.
Yuzu and Grape Swiss Roll ($9.00)
Vanilla sponge with yuzu cream and green grapes. The sponge was neutral, allowing the yuzu to sit forward, though a stronger citrus note would have improved definition. Grapes added moisture and a direct sweetness, integrating more effectively than expected.
Plum Soda ($7.50)
Light carbonation with a controlled ume acidity. Sweetness was restrained, keeping the drink clean and refreshing.
Overall, later iterations showed improvement in flavour integration, particularly in tea-based desserts. Texture remained variable, with sponge dryness recurring. The offering remained solid, though alternatives such as Matcha-Ya and Moon & Back provided stronger execution in similar categories.
Cafe Cre Asion is located at 3/310 Harris St, Pyrmont NSW 2009.