LeTAO is a confectionery from Hokkaido known for its sweets made with local ingredients, including its famous take-home cheesecake, the Double Fromage. We spoke with a public relations representative to learn about the story of how LeTAO became a popular confectionery, the secret behind the development of the Double Fromage, and their must-try recommended sweets.

While LeTAO is strongly associated with its rich and milky Double Fromage cheesecake, it actually began as a chocolate factory. Later, in 1998, the LeTAO Main Store opened in Otaru City. Although they were confident in the taste of their products, a lack of recognition meant that sales were slow. This led them to start their unique "Super Tasting" sales style, which continues to this day.

This style involves sales staff explaining the value of their products while offering samples, ensuring customers are fully satisfied before making a purchase. True to its "super" name, the store generously offers multiple types of cake for tasting.

The LeTAO Main Store, opened in 1998 at the Marchen Crossroads in Sakaimachi, Otaru.

Still, sales struggled to stabilize. To gain recognition not just from tourists but also from locals, they started a free cake delivery service within Otaru City. "Otaru has many hills, and in winter, snow and ice make it difficult for the elderly or those with mobility issues to go out. So, we decided to offer free delivery, even for a single 120-yen cream puff, and our customers were delighted," explains the PR representative. From an unknown patisserie, LeTAO gradually built its reputation, growing to the point where "Otaru means LeTAO."

It's well known that LeTAO is "Otaru" spelled backward, but there's more to the name. It's also an acronym for the French phrase "La Tour Amitié Otaru" (The Amiable Tower of Otaru). "We named it 'LeTAO' with the intention of becoming a beloved symbol of Otaru, cherished by the local people and everyone else."

With the motto of "Creating Passionate Fans," LeTAO has undertaken various initiatives, including its generous tastings and free delivery, all based on the principle of "if it makes our customers happy." The same philosophy applies to their confectionery making. To win over as many fans as possible, they constantly think, "How can we make it even more delicious tomorrow than it is today?" and continue to pursue perfection without compromising, even on their hit products.

The café corner on the second floor of the LeTAO Main Store.

From chocolate, cheese, and fruits to nuts, their search for the finest ingredients starts in Hokkaido and extends across Japan and around the world. Their patissiers even travel to the sources themselves, listening to producers as they craft their recipes.

"It's the LeTAO way for everyone, not just the patissiers and factory managers, but even first-year staff, to think from a management perspective: 'Is there a better ingredient? Is there a way to maximize its potential? Are the mixing methods, baking techniques, and balance just right?'" they shared.

Double Fromage: 2,376 yen

LeTAO's signature sweet is the Double Fromage, a creation born from the marriage of LeTAO's original fresh cream, made from Hokkaido milk, and cheeses from around the world.

Initially, it was just one of the fresh cakes sold only at the Otaru store. However, a flood of customer requests to "take it home as a souvenir" or "have it shipped to my house" prompted the development of a freezing technology.

The common belief was that freezing ruins the taste of cake. So, they spent about five years revising freezing methods and ingredient formulations to develop their own unique freezing technology. This innovation made it possible to ship the cake frozen, allowing it to reach many more people.

It's best to thaw it in the refrigerator for 5-8 hours before eating. Enjoying it partially frozen is also recommended.

The key to the Double Fromage's deliciousness is said to be LeTAO's original fresh cream, made from Hokkaido raw milk. They spent a great deal of time finding the perfect balance between the natural flavor of Hokkaido milk, the pasteurization temperature needed to bring out its richness, and the ideal milk fat percentage to complement them. This journey led them to the fresh cream that defines the cake's taste.

Enhancing the flavor of the fresh cream are two types of cheese: Italian mascarpone and Australian cream cheese. The rich, high-fat mascarpone is used in the melt-in-your-mouth no-bake cheesecake layer, while the smooth cream cheese is used in the rich and moist baked cheesecake layer. The exquisite balance of these two cheesecake layers, combined with the fresh cream from Hokkaido milk, creates a distinct milky flavor and a simple, timeless deliciousness.

At stores in Hokkaido that handle fresh cakes, you can find the fresh, unfrozen version of the Double Fromage. This version is topped with individually piped fresh cream and enveloped in fluffy sponge crumbs, offering an even smoother, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Also, be sure to check out seasonal flavors like Fraise Double, Melon Double, and Niagara Double when they appear.

The spring-limited Fraise Double: 2,376 yen

Chocolat Double: 2,484 yen

For repeat fans of the Double Fromage and chocolate lovers, the Chocolat Double is a top recommendation. This two-layered cake features a rich baked chocolate cheesecake, which combines aromatic chocolate with flavor-enhancing cream cheese, topped with a milky mascarpone mousse.

It's an exquisite dessert where the deep, bittersweet notes of cacao harmonize with the mellowness of cheese.

Royal Montagne: From 1,188 yen

As mentioned earlier, LeTAO started as a chocolate factory and continues to focus on its chocolate sweets. Among them, the Royal Montagne is one of LeTAO's signature chocolates.

It melts smoothly at 21.9°C, filling your mouth with the aroma of Darjeeling tea. The cacao beans are custom-blended to complement the Darjeeling. As it melts smoothly and clings to your palate, you can fully experience the magnificent fragrance of Darjeeling.

Rare Chocolate Niagara: 1,188 yen

The Rare Chocolate Niagara, a nama-style chocolate made with LeTAO's special fresh cream, is another popular item. This treat combines chocolate with Niagara wine, known for its robust flavor in Hokkaido. It fills your mouth with a fresh, juicy sensation, as if you've just bitten into a real grape. You'll be amazed by the fruity burst from a piece of chocolate.

In Otaru and at New Chitose Airport, you'll find Nouvelle Vague LeTAO Chocolatier, a specialty shop offering LeTAO's classic chocolates, limited-edition items, and take-out sweets. It might be fun to visit both and enjoy the variety.

Nouvelle Vague LeTAO Chocolatier Main Store in Otaru

*Information is current as of the article's publication date.
*Please check the official website for the latest information, as details may change.