Matcha’s one of those foods which people either hate or love to death. Some people think that matcha is the same as green tea – but it’s not exactly the same. That’s like saying marijuana is cannabis. Matcha is pretty much green tea, but in ground up form, which means that it’ll yield a much stronger, richer taste. Confusing right?
We love our fair share of matcha ice cream and mochi, but recently on a food-hunting trip to Japan, we found that the obsession with matcha is real. Not only are there cafes and shops dedicated to matcha, there’s an entire street in Uji that sells only matcha – from food, to drinks and even beauty products, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll be able to find there.
Here’s a list of unusual foods and products that you never imagined you’ll find matcha in. Some of them sound dubious – but totally worth a try if you as huge of a matcha fan as you say you are.
Matcha body soap
With so many health benefits like containing tons of antioxidants and loads of good stuff that you can read more about here on why matcha is an ideal ingredient as a beauty product, we shouldn’t have been surprised to realise you can literally bathe in matcha. Sounds just about right. At a city famous for its matcha, you can find matcha body soap, shampoo, and a ton of other beauty stuff in various souvenier shops at Byodoin Omotesando in Uji, a street dedicated to everything matcha.
Where you can get it: any souvenir shop in Byodoin Omotesando, Uji, Japan
Matcha curry
And when we say you can find anything to do with matcha at Byodoin Omotesando, you can find anything. We came across this curry mix that is – you guessed it – matcha flavour. Matcha is not only limited to desserts!
Where you can get it: any souvenir shop in Byodoin Omotesando, Uji, Japan
Matcha gyoza
Here’s another savoury dish for you – gyozas. The gyoza skin was mixed with matcha for that slight taste of gritty bitterness, and came with some matcha salt on the side for you to dip your gyozas in. Obviously since you’re already dipping your gyozas in salt, skip any soya sauce, or you’ll be hit with a mouthful of saltiness.
Where you can get it: Round the corner next to Nakamura Tōkichi Honten along Byodoin Omotesando (the Uji matcha street)
Matcha beer
The Japanese love drinking a lot and there are tons of breweries all over Japan. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that you can enjoy a matcha-infused cold one. The green colour beverage makes it look like you’re drinking healthy juice, and you won’t think twice about ordering another one. Remember; matcha has tons of antioxidants and is good for the body!
Where you can get it: Cha Cafe Takewaka in Ginza, Tokyo
Matcha Sake
If you can brew matcha beer, you can certainly brew matcha sake. Kizakura Sake Brewery does a mean sake already, but they also have their version of a matcha sake! According to the bottle, the sake will be a delight for your tastebuds with both sweet and bitter tastes.
Where you can get it: At stores in the Kansai region, or online at Mister Wright
Matcha cup noodles
Green noodles and green soup? Check. And while matcha as a soup broth might seem weird, it’s not exactly the weirdest cup noodle flavour that Nissin has come out with.
Where you can get it: Convenient stores and supermarkets in Japan, or online at q0010
Matcha jam
You could eat pure matcha powder, but you’ll probably end up coughing up a huge green cloud. Have it as a jam instead, where its mixed with milk and can be eaten on toast or straight from the jar.
Where you can get it: online at Zairyo
Matcha perfume
Tea-scented perfumes aren’t any new, but this matcha perfume is a much stronger scent than your normal green tea perfume. Mmmmmm.
Where you can get it: Urban Outfitters
Matcha white wine
Do not be fooled by the ‘white wine’ part – you’re still drinking a green drink here. The bitterness of the tea complements the sweet acidity of white wine for a refreshingly cool drink. Itohkyuemon, who brews the wine, recommedns that the wine pairs well with fish, and can be mixed with soda for a fizzy cocktail.
Where you can get it: at any Itohkyuemon store in Japan or online at Rakuten. They also carry a range of other matcha liquer like matcha shochu and matcha shochu
Matcha salt (matcha jio)
For those who are truly sal-tea. The mixture of matcha and salt gives an additional tinge of umami, and can be used in a range of both savoury and sweet dishes, as well as salty-sweet desserts. You can also use matcha salt as an alternative to soy sauce for gyozas, sushi and onigiri.
Where you can get it: you can get it online or make your own by mixing matcha powder and salt (similar to chicken salt)
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