The Kk by Khanh Dang
The KK (a play on the word “cake” and the founder’s name) is a Da Nang based startup by Khanh P. Dang, specializing in unique artisanal pastries and cakes using locally sourced ingredients. Dang operates The KK as a pop-up / pre-order model, with new products every month made to order. The KK also supplies local cafés with customized orders in larger quantities and a variety of tastes.
“The Kkumquat” is Dang’s latest and most popular cake to date, with its key ingredients being green kumquats, a citrus native to Viet Nam’s tropical climate. It builds on a matcha sponge base, stacked on top is a dome of kumquat mousse filled with yoghurt cream, layered all over with Italian meringue. Placed along the base are more meringue shards that are baked to perfection, resembling the shape of a crown. “The Kkumquat” is finally garnished with gold flakes on top for extra flair. The result is an incredible edible piece of artwork, a fulfilling sensory experience triggered by the glistering gold flakes on the meringue dome fortified by the crispy meringue shards; the matcha adds a natural grassy aroma, and the kumquat mousse breaks up the creaminess with its citrusy zing.
Each of The KK’s product begins with a core ingredient and a visualization, usually in the form of a drawing. The physical dimensions are recorded, and final measurements of ingredients comes after several tasting trial by Dang and his business partners. Dang takes inspiration from Western cuisine, applying his training from William Angliss Institute, and his adding in his Vietnamese heritage into developing each recipes.
You can find more about The KK and Khanh P. Dang at @thekkbykhanhdang on Instagram and support his business located in Da Nang, Viet Nam.