This local husband-and-wife duo run a burnt cheesecake cafe tucked in a hidden back alley in PJ

Tucked away in a quiet back alley in PJ, you’ll find one of the most charming cafes you’ve ever stepped into. 10 Ten Baker is a humble, heartwarming cafe run by a husband-and-wife duo that’s been wowing locals with their signature burnt cheesecakes since opening its doors in late October 2024.

A cosy little secret above a quiet alley

Finding 10 Ten Baker might feel like embarking on a little adventure. The cafe is hidden in an unassuming, abandoned building block, so you might miss it if you’re not paying attention. But once you spot the small doorway on the street, a short flight of stairs takes you up to a second-floor cafe that immediately feels like a home away from home. It’s small, intimate, and unpretentious. The perfect escape from the bustle of city life.

Step inside and you’ll immediately feel at ease. The interior of 10 Ten Baker is a quirky blend of vintage designs and random objects that somehow come together. The dim lighting and old-school glass-panel windows give the place a nostalgic, homely vibe. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve just walked into your aunty and uncle’s house—comfy, cosy, and full of personality.

It’s not the kind of cafe that’s trying to be trendy or flashy. Instead, it radiates charm in the simplest ways: mismatched furniture, soft tunes playing in the background, and the faint scent of freshly baked goods filling the air. Every corner of this space is infused with warmth, inviting you to linger and unwind.

A story of love, cheesecake, and faith

Image Credit: MFT (left), Suzanne Tham on Google Review (right)

What makes 10 Ten Baker stand out isn’t just the yummy cheesecake, though that’s definitely a big part of it. It’s the story behind it all. For the owners, their journey started on October 10th—not only the day they made their relationship official but also the day they got married. After months of dating, the wife gifted her now-husband a burnt cheesecake that she’d baked herself. It wasn’t just any cheesecake, though. It was the cheesecake that he instantly fell in love with and, as the story goes, told her that it was so good that she could sell it.

Just like that, a dream was born. The couple turned that moment into something bigger: 10 Ten Baker was inspired by the Bible verse John 10:10, which speaks of living life to the fullest. For them, the cafe became a way to share their love for life, each other, and their faith.

The connection they have with the space is felt in every little detail. From the warm, personal welcome you receive, to the cosy atmosphere that feels like it was crafted with love. What makes it even more interesting is that his wife, who spent 10 years working in banking, made the bold move to pursue this full-time. Together, they’ve created a space that’s not just about serving cheesecake but about pouring their hearts into everything they do.

A weekend surprise: Church on Sundays

What’s even more special about 10 Ten Baker is how it transforms over the weekend. On Sundays, the space becomes a small church, hosting around 35 members. How cool is that? You won’t find many cafes that can claim to double as a place of worship, but for the owners, this was an important way to give back to the community and honour their faith.

Whether you’re there for the food or the Sunday service, it’s clear that 10 Ten Baker offers something a little different. If you visit on Fridays, you can join the small community event they host, where people get together, share some cheesecake, and connect.

The building itself has a story to tell too. Built in 1953, it once belonged to the owner’s grandfather, a place that’s seen generations come and go. When the owner first looked at the space, it was empty and forgotten, but there was something about it that felt worth saving. Rather than letting it fade into the background, he saw the potential to turn it into something meaningful, not just for himself but for the community too.

Now, the cafe feels like a bridge between past and present. The owners didn’t just want a cafe, but a space where history and new beginnings could coexist. Somewhere that feels lived in, familiar, and full of character. Just like a home that’s been lovingly cared for.

MFT’s Review

Naturally, no visit to 10 Ten Baker would be complete without trying their burnt cheesecakes.

We kicked things off with their Signature Burnt Cheesecake (RM15). It had a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and wasn’t overly sweet. It’s definitely on the richer side, so it can get a bit much if you have too much in one sitting.

If you’re after something with a bit more depth, the Chocolate Burnt Cheesecake (RM16) is highly recommended. We’d give it a solid 9/10 thanks to its rich chocolate flavour. It’s not too sweet and is best enjoyed chilled.

For something a little more adventurous, try the Hojicha Burnt Cheesecake (RM16). It has a subtle bittersweet kick, though it might not be for everyone, especially if you don’t consider yourself a tea person.

It’s no surprise that 10 Ten Baker has earned a 5-star rating on Google Reviews. Between the satisfying burnt cheesecakes and cosy atmosphere, it’s definitely a place you’ll want to return to. So, the next time you find yourself in the area, make sure to seek out this hidden gem. We’re sure you’ll feel right at home.