I believe there are very few things a good cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake can’t fix. I happened upon Adore Cake Atelier while scrolling through Instagram one day and knew I had to make my way there as soon as possible to satisfy a cake craving that had been building for a while.
The owners, Daria and Anastasia, are two young and enthusiastic Russians who came to The Hague around eight years ago and connected on having similar backgrounds — only to later discover they had both attended the same university in Finland several years prior (talk about fate!). The two clicked and a lovely friendship blossomed. Anastasia was working in corporate with baking as a hobby, while Daria was a home baker, and around two and a half years ago they decided to turn their shared passion into something real. The dream of opening a café was no longer just a dream.
The initial idea was to have a smaller takeaway-only space, but they decided to go big. If it scares you, then you know you should go for it — that was their philosophy, and the pair bravely took on the daunting process of setting up their business even though they were nervous. Finding the right size, neighbourhood, and space was no easy task, but just as luck would have it, they found their spot at Kepplerstraat 125. Daria recalls sitting in that very space years earlier — it was a lunchroom back then — and envisioning a café of her own. Well, the universe was clearly listening, because that same spot is now what she proudly calls her work home.
With a charming corner entrance and plenty of space inside, the café has a welcoming, calm atmosphere. The best sellers are the blueberry and poppy seed cake — tart, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet — the honey cake, a beloved Slavic recipe and a labour of love, made up of several thin, caramelised pecan layers sandwiched with a tangy, rich frosting (my personal favourite), and the raspberry red velvet. I also tried the mango and passion fruit cheesecake, which was smooth and creamy with the perfect jiggle.
They have recently introduced weekend breakfasts with both Danish and Nordic-style options, ideal if you’re in the mood for something savoury. The drinks menu features seasonal creations, with current offerings including a pistachio latte, raspberry mint tea, and a coconut vanilla iced latte. They also love dreaming up creative limited-edition cakes — a Bridgerton-inspired creation was on the menu when Season 4 of the hit series launched recently. Keep an eye on their Instagram for the next special treat.
The duo also take custom orders for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions, as well as last-minute cakes for those forgotten anniversaries. And if you’ve ever wanted to learn the craft yourself, they offer cake decorating workshops too. With a terrace also on the way this spring, there’s never been a better reason to pay Adore Cake Atelier a visit. Open everyday except Tuesdays, add this spot to your upcoming weekend plans to satisfy your sweet tooth craving.
Images: Sherika Rooplal-Clappers and Adore Cake Atelier
Do you have a story about your own café, restaurant or bar in the city? Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com to possibly be featured.
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.