The popular Basque cheesecake that has people queuing up.
Before boarding your plane, indulge in one.
Located on the third floor of the new airport is the elegantly designed cake shop “RICO”. “RICO” is a unique store that specializes in cheesecakes. Thinking it’s just cheesecakes? First, focus on the variety. From the most popular Basque cheesecake to chocolate, caramel, coffee, and matcha, there are as many as 12 types of cheesecakes available. This time, exclusively launched at the airport is the “Cheesecake named Richness”. The person boasting this confident masterpiece is the inventor, Mr. Michihiro Nishimura. He shared the dedication that went into it.
Airport exclusive item – the cheesecake defined as “Rich”.
What is a Basque cheesecake?
Originating from Spain, the Basque cheesecake spread in Japan around 2018 after being introduced in convenience stores. When asked about its unique features, Nishimura explained in detail. “By baking it at a high temperature rapidly, the surface gets slightly burnt, while the inside remains slightly rare. That’s the characteristic of the Basque cheesecake.” When you try it, the smoky flavor fills your mouth. The inside is creamy, offering a contrasting texture between the inside (rare) and the outside (baked), providing a fresh experience.
On the other hand, the airport-exclusive “Cheesecake named Richness” is a milk cheesecake. After appreciating its richness, you’ll experience the dense flavor of cheese again when swallowing. “This cheesecake is the opposite of Basque. We bake it in a water bath, slightly increasing its humidity, making it moist and smooth. Though the taste is entirely different, the recipe and dough are the same. The baking method is key,” says Nishimura.
A staple product of the shop – Basque Cheesecake.
The Cake Filled with Passion
Nishimura aspired to become a chef since working part-time in a hotel restaurant during high school. After graduating, he trained and returned to Kumamoto, where he manages four dining establishments. However, due to the Kumamoto earthquake and the impact of the novel coronavirus, he had to close his shops.
During these challenging times, a senior chef, who he had long been indebted to, gifted him the recipe for Basque cheesecake. “I knew of Basque cheesecake since I managed a Spanish bar. It wasn’t well-known in Japan, so I saw a potential opportunity,” he shared. But the simple recipe was profound. Despite using the same ingredients and temperature, achieving a consistent taste was challenging. “I focused on high-quality ingredients and underwent several trials. For eggs, I chose “Kiouran eggs” from Fukuoka, which have a rich yolk. The cheese is a rich cream cheese from Ohm Dairy, and the cream has a slightly higher fat content of 48% from Kagoshima.” With these ingredients, the Basque cheesecake of “RICO” was perfected.
Around this time, he had another fortunate encounter. On a casual visit to a real estate office in Nishihara Village, he found the perfect property. “Coincidentally, I met a great gardener, and together we created a space that perfectly fit the cafe’s concept.” Hence, a Basque cheesecake specialty shop was born in Nishihara Village.
Located about 10 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport and 40 minutes from Kumamoto City, Nishihara Village in Aso District of Kumamoto Prefecture is a nature-rich village with a population of 6,752. The Basque cheesecake sent from here carries a special sentiment. “From Kumamoto to dining tables nationwide, that’s our dream. With the airport store, we feel closer to making it a reality,” shared Nishimura.
Since March, the airport store has been selling the limited-edition “Cheesecake named Richness”. Unlike the Basque cheesecake, it boasts a fluffy texture and the rich flavor of two types of cheese. Its packaging, predominantly black, exudes a sophisticated and premium aura, making it an ideal special gift. Besides this, there are visually delightful cakes like strawberry Basque and those flavored with snow salt and maple syrup. The cheesecakes, which change their appearance like makeup depending on the season, always offer a fresh experience, bringing smiles to visitors’ faces. Whether you want to enjoy a delightful moment before departure or pick a gift for someone special, please savor the exquisite cheesecakes from Aso Nishihara Village at the airport.
How About Relishing a Cheesecake Elegantly on the Airport Terrace?
A new arrival – Matcha Milk Cheesecake.
A taste for adults – Snow Salt and Maple Syrup.
Strawberry Basque with heart-shaped strawberry sauce.
Eating a cake while enjoying the panoramic view of airplanes is sublime.
Michihiro Nishimura
Born in 1981 in Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. After graduating from Tsuji Culinary Institute, he worked as a chef in hotels in Kumamoto and eateries in Tokyo. He started his own venture at 28, managing four establishments in Kumamoto City. In 2021, he opened the Basque cheesecake specialty store “RICO”.
