The Japanese started their loving relationship with matcha long ago. One of the many uses of matcha is the making of traditional Japanese sweets. Today, we’ll be introducing some matcha sweets that are just as popular amongst the Japanese as they are with tourists.

【Ginza, Tokyo】Tsujiri Ginza

The popular Kyoto–based Tsujiri Ginza has brought its rich, tea-ceremony-worthy matcha over to Tokyo. This matcha is used to make Tsujiri soft Koi matcha ice cream (Tsujiri Soft Ice Cream Koi Cha), and a white chocolate, rich-flavoured roll cake. The roll cake is carefully prepared at a low temperature and then baked. The roll cake is a limited product of the Ginza store. Tsujiri Ginza has so many items on the menu, including the Kyo Koi Cha Terrine! You can also purchase matcha, sencha and fresh Yatsuhashi sweets and much more!

Find out more by following this link: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/37411

【Ginza, Tokyo】Jugetsudo

The most popular treat on Jugetsudo’s menu is the matcha parfait. The matcha is farmed by a method used in Nakajima so that the matcha retains a high amount of minerals. Underneath the luxurious soft cream is a layer of granola, matcha syrup, and matcha kanten (agar). The entire parfait is sprinkled with matcha powder. The sweet flavour of the matcha ice cream combined with the slightly bitter taste of the matcha syrup is a matcha-match made in heaven!

For more information, click here: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/44832

【Shibuya】Nanaya Aoyama

The shop’s special consists of gelato made with matcha sourced from Fujieda. The intensity of the matcha is on a scale from 1 to 7, where level 1 begins with a moderately sweet flavour, but as you progress up the scale to level 7 the flavour of the matcha becomes richer and deeper. The menu is also packed with a range of gelato that are made using other types of tea such as houjicha (roasted green tea) and genmaicha (brown rice green tea). Amongst these is one matcha that is known as the world’s most intense: matcha premium – No.7. (￥560 for a single scoop). It uses matcha that received an award from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The deeply rich and bitter matcha flavour and the hint of refreshing sweetness gives it a splendid finish.

More information can be found here: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/58538

http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/50277

【Shibuya, Tokyo】Matcha Café MAIKO

Following booming business in Hawaii in July 2016, this matcha stand was reimported to Japan, opening its first store in Omotesando. Kyoto is known as the city from where Japanese green tea originated, and this is home to the old matcha cultivating business Harimaen, which provides the high quality matcha used for the desserts. The aroma is strong and the flavour is deep. The preparation process ensures that as much flavour as possible is retained in the ice cream.

Ujitawara Harimaen’s first store in Japan “Maccha Cafe Maiko” was open in Omotesando on 24^th June. The store serves matcha soft serve ice cream, which is very popular in Hawaii, as well as Japan-limited original desserts.

More information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/47577

【City suburbs, Saitama】MACCHA HOUSE

MACCHA HOUSE first opened a branch in Singapore, followed by Hong Kong and Taiwan. It now has a total of 9 branches across Asia. MACCHA HOUSE used matcha from Kyoto’s “Morihan“ to develop and carefully make original drinks and sweets. The Uji matcha Tiramisu is made using specially selected matcha and a generous serving of mascarpone cheese, giving a refreshing taste. It is served in a traditional Japanese “masu,” which is a wooden box cup. The fragrant scent of the hinoki cypress wood compliments and enhances the taste of matcha.

More information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/45076

So, what do you think? These Japanese sweets really bring out the essence of matcha so that you can enjoy this authentic flavour to your heart’s content!

Translator: Samantha Fernandes