Mitsu Sweet Cafe & Sushi marks its 10th anniversary this year, while its spin‑off, Mitsu Japanese Street Food, opened for a soft launch in May – offering a fresh taste of Japan’s vibrant street snack‑ culture.
Blending cafe culture with authentic Japanese cuisine
Owner Emiko Hennenfent opened Mitsu Sweet Cafe in 2015 with a passion for authentic Japanese flavours and a wish to introduce greater diversity in Canadian dining. “When I moved to Canada, I noticed there were quite limited options of Japanese food‑ offered” she says. “I always wanted to show more variety of authentic flavours and culture to the local people.”
Initially, Mitsu offered full cafe items including locally roasted coffee, quality matcha drinks and Bubble Tea, along with signature desserts such as Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake, Mango Cheesecake, Crepes and Honey Toast – a half loaf of toasted bread filled with fruit, honey, sauce, ice cream and whipped cream - delighting customers with contemporary Japanese café culture.
Mitsu’s culinary adventure kicked into high gear in 2015, with the introduction of sushi and rice bowls. The cafe’s bold menu expansions followed, including steaming ramen and one-of -a-kind sushi rolls bursting with imaginative fillings.
Raising a glass — and a toast
Mitsu Café also boasts a carefully curated sake selection, imported from Japan, including award-winning‑ labels such as Kaiūn. ‘We also regularly hold sake events inviting a sake sommelier, which are always very well received.’ Emiko mentioned.
A new chapter: street food‑ style
With a loyal local following behind her, Emiko and her partners turned to the next adventure: Mitsu Japanese Street Food, which soft ‑launched in May. Located on Main Street, it offers grab-‑and-‑go snacks inspired by childhood visits to Japanese shrines. “We wanted something new and delicious, but still easy for younger generations to enjoy – a Japanese hot dog, which we call the Japa Hot Dog,” she explains. “Then we thought of Taiyaki — the traditional fish-shaped waffle — served with soft ice cream! A little cup of happiness that’s sure to bring a big smile to everyone, from little ones to adults.” Unlike the sit-down‑, elevated experience of the café, the new outlet is all about casual treats enjoyed as you stroll.
Emiko and her team are preparing special promotions to give back to the community that has supported them over the past decade. “We are so grateful for our supporters,” she says. “We want to show our appreciation with some exciting 10-year‑ anniversary specials – please stay tuned!”
This summer, Mitsu Café is open daily, with cafe and dessert items from 10 a.m. and sushi service from 11 a.m. until 9:00p.m., with Sunday hours beginning at noon through to 8 p.m.
Mitsu Japanese Street Food is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday noon ‘til 8 p.m.
To learn more, visit mitsucafe.ca , mitsujapan.ca or find them on Facebook and Instagram.