If you’re a fan of sweet treats in Hong Kong, then there’s a big chance you’ve already run into some kind of matcha or Japanese green tea dessert. Whether it’s a simple cake or a decadent parfait you’re after, this city has got it all — and we’ve compiled the ultimate matcha bucket list for you to start checking off. Time to taste them all!
Nakamura Tokichi: Warabimochi
Every photogenic matcha dessert of your dreams can be found at Nakamura Tokichi’s first-ever overseas flagship store here in Hong Kong; if you’re a true matcha fan, this is one place you just can’t miss. Having been around for six generations, this Kyoto OG serves up a limited amount of their signature warabimochi (glutinous rice jelly) every day. The soft and chewy mochi covered in matcha powder is absolutely addictive, whilst the soy bean version is also a customer favourite.
Shop 3005-9, 3/F Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2156-1168.
Can’t be bothered with the crazy queues? Head to their take-out kiosk across the road: Shop G06, G/F Mira Mall, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2426-6111.
Via Tokyo: Soft Serve Ice Cream
Another obvious choice that makes every matcha lover’s list, Via Tokyo’s constant long queues are testament to the quality and taste of their small but always evolving menu. Limited-edition flavors like sakura or royal milk tea aside, their slightly bitter Kyoto matcha or creamy Hokkaido milk soft serve is always firm, flavorful but not too sweet. Don’t forget to top it off with some mochi or red bean before you snap a photo for your ‘gram.
Shop 1A & 1B, G/F Lei Shun Court, 106-126 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, 2895-1116; 29A Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2385-6388.
Kyo Hayashiya: Parfait
Kyo Hayashiya is another prestigious Japanese tea house that has set up its first overseas shop in Hong Kong. If you’re looking for the most authentic parfait there is, they’ve got you covered — they’re actually the original inventors of Japanese matcha parfait! They’ve been serving their signature dessert for the past two centuries, but our city got an upgrade with the special-edition Hong Kong parfait, which is layered with ice cream, tea jelly, red bean and seasonal fruits.
Shop 603-604, 6/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 3580-1838.
Sinmei Tea: Matcha Angel Cake
Head along to Sinmei Tea for their trademark green tea desserts, but stay for their laidback atmosphere. The café was originally founded to promote the culture of traditional tea ceremonies, but their modern vegetarian menu soon attracted foodies and hipsters alike from across the city. A heaven for matcha lovers, you’ll find everything from sizzling brownies and molten lava cakes to “Tea Rice” and afternoon tea sets – all with a green tea element, of course. P.S. Don’t miss a photo opp with their house cat Mithu!
5/F, CS Tower, 50 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, 3690-8238.
Gozen Matcha: Tofu Pudding
A Japanese-looking brand from Taiwan, Gozen Matcha has taken Instagram by storm — first with its pop-up store in Causeway Bay, and then with a permanent dine-in shop and take-away bakery in Mong Kok. Aside from baked goodies like ice-cream matcha buns and matcha cookie balls, customers usually opt for their sizzling waffles and seasonal fresh fruit desserts (fresh mango parfait anyone?). A less ‘grammable but more delicious choice is their tofu pudding, served with matcha syrup and green tea jelly — a down to earth but satisfying summer dessert.
Shop 4-5, G/F, 13 Kwong Wah Street, Mong Kok, 2448-6738.
i Cremeria: Matcha Roll
Most people know i Cremeria for their decadent ice-cream served with fresh fruits… or just straight up served inside a Japanese honeydew melon! But before you make a beeline for the soft serve machine, make sure you take a peek at their cake selection too. The soft matcha sponge cake roll, for example, is filled with fluffy matcha cream and a touch of red bean, making it the perfect after-dinner treat. P.S. The matcha roll is currently exclusive to their brand new Langham Place branch.
Various locations including: Shop 13, 4/F, Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, 2897-3908; Shop F-9, 1/F, 11-19 Great George Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, 2897-1118.
Hiroshi: Matcha Everything!
If there’s one place we had to pick as our one-stop-shop for matcha desserts, it’s Hiroshi. While most shops are known for one particular dish, this Japanese restaurant actually offers a full menu of authentic savoury dishes (think tempura and udon) as well as plenty of sweet treats. Their matcha dessert set is the name of the game here, with matcha cookies, pudding, jelly, cake roll and ice-cream all served up on a pretty platter. Their cream-covered chiffon cake is another a la carte option to be considered, but it’s their authentic Uji matcha milk tea that takes the crown in our book.
Shop 502, 5/F, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2737-2665.
