The Peachy
The Peachy is a Korean dessert cafe at the corner of Yonge and Finch.
Tucked away on the bottom floor of Xerox Tower, just across the street from Finch Station, The Peachy is a one-stop shop for cakes, coffee and croissants, all with an East Asian twist.
The cafe is a clean, white space dotted with round tables and colourful chairs.
Posters on the walls depict steaming pots of coffee and scenic locations throughout South Korea, while a minimalist mural on the back wall declares that "everything is just peachy".
Though Korean cafes are quite common along this stretch of Yonge Street, The Peachy distinguishes itself through its use of high quality ingredients, including organic vanilla beans, Callebaut chocolate and Valrhona cocoa powder.
The staff also prides themselves on their ability to bring traditional Korean flavours to a wider audience, through dishes like bingsu and drinks like hanrabong juice.
The Peachy 1st Store Vanilla Bean Cream ($7) is the cafe's signature latte. This strong, creamy coffee is served over ice and acts as a balanced counterpart to many of the Peachy's sweeter options.
Jeju Hanrabong Ade ($7) is a lemonade-like drink made from hanrabong, a citrus fruit that can best be described as a cross between a pomelo and a tangerine.
A splash of soda gives it a pleasantly fizzy texture, but the tangy citrus taste still takes center stage. If sunshine were something you could drink, I'd imagine it would taste a little like this.
The Flat Peach Yogurt Frap ($8) is a beautiful pastel pink drink, shot through with ribbons of red.
Its consistency is similar to that of a milkshake, while its flavour is a unique mix of fruity sweetness and milky smoothness.The earl gray milk tea cream croissant ($6.75) is a decadent dessert dipped in white chocolate and filled with earl gray-infused cream.
A small sprig of lavender enhances the pastry’s rich, floral flavour.The strawberry cream croissant ($6.75) is another variation on the same dish. Instead of tea flavoured filling, this croissant is stuffed with fluffy pink cream and garnished with fresh strawberries.
The Peachy also carries a wide array of savoury pastries, including the 100 per cent Beef Sausage Croissant ($5.65).
This dish is similar to a loaded hot dog, with a croissant in lieu of a bun. The sausage is topped with onions, oregano and sauce, and cooked to crispy perfection.
True to its name, the Holic Corn Cheese Croissant ($4.95) is made for veggie lovers.
This croissant is chock full of corn, onions, cheese and seasoning, making it just as filling as the meatier options.
Shine Muscat Greek Yogurt Fresh Cream Spoon Cake ($11.95) is a sweet and sour treat that pairs well with warmer weather.
This dessert's descriptive name should give you a good idea of what to expect: a soft, spongy cake, topped with greek yogurt, whipped cream and muscat grapes.
Shine Muscat Bingsu ($16.50/regular, $21.50/family size) is one of several types of bingsu, a popular Korean dessert made with shaved ice and fresh fruit.
Each bowl resembles a small, snow-capped mountain, thanks to a generous helping of vanilla ice cream and muscat grapes.
Grape syrup and condensed milk are served on the side, allowing diners to add toppings as needed.
The Peachy also sells pre-packaged meals, such as sandwiches and salads, out of a small freezer near the front counter.
The Peachy is located at 5650 Yonge Street.
Fareen Karim