Like most foodies, I’m someone who definitely loves a good sweet treat. After two years of living in Boston, I can safely say I’ve tried my fair share of the most popular desserts in the area. On the search for something new, I recently ventured just 15 minutes outside the city center into the charming neighborhood of Charlestown, where I had the unique opportunity to try one of its newest bakeries, Pixlcat! Believe me when I tell you this Hawaiian inspired cafe’s signature dessert is like nothing you’ve had before. They’re serving up the most decadent and masterfully made butter mochi you’ll find anywhere near Boston.
What is Butter Mochi?
If you’ve never heard of butter mochi, don’t worry—I hadn’t either before trying Pixlcat. But from the first bite, I was hooked and had to know more about this tasty treat! The cafe describes the dessert as a sister to the more commonly known Japanese mochi—a sweet, sticky delicacy made from rice flour formed into a pillowy dough. The dessert has been growing in popularity in the U.S., especially in recent years, making it widely accessible in Boston cafes, restaurants, and even grocery stores. But the Hawaiian version is its own thing entirely! It’s made with the addition of eggs and butter before being baked to achieve a more cake-like texture while retaining that same springy feeling at your fingertips. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll no doubt crave the mochi-cake hybrid time and time again. At least, I know I will!
Some Background
Luckily enough, Pixlcat is now extremely close by, so Bostonians can satisfy their sweet tooth with butter mochi anytime they’d like. The company started out much further away, however, with its roots in San Francisco, California. Brothers Dennis, Daniel, and David Lee and their close family friend, Jeff Kim, opened the bakery’s first location on the west coast 3 years ago with a menu fully inspired by Hawaiian-Asian fusion flavors. The Lees grew up alongside the culinary industry from a young age, and went on to each open their own California restaurants, with Kim as a consistent collaborator. Pixlcat was actually born from customers’ deep love for the Lee’s version of butter mochi, which first appeared on their restaurants’ dessert menus. Logically, they turned the dessert menu into its own cafe, adding drinks and a variety of flavors to their Hawaiian treats.
Once established in San Francisco, Pixlcat’s fanbase continued to grow. With demand and profits for their butter mochi starting to take over, the company chose both to expand to Boston and open an online catering system, allowing the dessert to be enjoyed by customers across the U.S. While butter mochi is delicious no matter where you enjoy it, the Lees specifically chose Boston as a hub for Pixlcat after having spent their entire childhood in the city. Now, the group is bringing their culinary talent and cultural passion to the city’s dessert scene. Knowing how much care and dedication exists behind the scenes, you’re able to appreciate their menu’s distinctive flavors that much more.
Unique Flavors
Speaking of Pixlcat’s outstanding menu, I can’t express enough just how incredibly flavorful and high quality their butter mochi really is. I got to taste almost all of their flavors: plain, breakfast, ube, matcha, s’mores, and black sesame. Although consistent in texture and visual appeal, each one stood out with its own distinct flavor profile and packed its own unique punch. The company only utilizes the highest quality ingredients for their desserts, from ceremonial grade matcha powder sourced straight from Uji, Japan to their very own house-made black sesame paste. And you can certainly taste the difference! There was never just a hint of flavoring—each bite of butter mochi was packed with a decadent depth of flavor that seemed to coat every crumb. The flavors are bold, rich, and perfectly satisfying, making this dessert one of the most enjoyable comfort treats I’ve ever tasted!
If you’re anything like me and love to try new foods, this spot is definitely for you. But even if you consider yourself less of an adventurous eater, their menu offers the classic plain and fun s’mores which are sure to satisfy anyone’s palate (but trust me, their other flavors are worth it; even my dad and brother who are notoriously picky loved their ube variation). I have to say, the ube along with the matcha and black sesame were undoubtable standouts! In addition to their wonderful butter mochi, the cafe also serves a wide array of breakfast and lunch sandwiches and has no shortage of tasty coffees and drink creations. I tried their Island Matcha with guava jam and a shot of their ceremonial matcha powder, and it was incredible to say the least!
Final Thoughts
Truly, I can’t praise Pixlcat enough! Their desserts are unique and exciting, filled with comforting flavors and made with care. Kim and the Lee brothers are bringing a beautiful new dessert concept to Boston that celebrates the dynamics of Hawaiian and Asian culture, bringing awareness and access of these culinary delights to the greater public. This cafe is certainly not one to miss. I know I’ll be back, and if I’m too tired to travel, their online catering makes it just as easy to order to your door. There’s really no excuse not to support this lovely business as it continues to grow and bring its personality into Boston’s bakery scene. Pixlcat is now certainly on my list of go-to sweet treats, and it should definitely be added to yours!