Taste of Matcha in London (Part 1)
- Christine Qi
- Sep 9, 2019
- 4 min read
Read this if you want to try any foods featured in matcha in London. The green bitter powder has gained such a popularity in Western world due to its scientifically proven health benefits. And when it is incorporated into delicious foods, then what a win-win situation for both of body and soul! Remember, an important quality of premium matcha is the aftertaste, the subtle sweetness that comes from your throat, contrasting to the immediate bitterness.
Although being originated in China, the culture of Matcha is undoubtedly mastered by Japanese. From the arduous tea ceremony (茶道) to the variety of matcha flavored baked goods. It is no wonder that the most impressive matcha goodies are often offered by the Japanese patisseries and cafes in London. In part 1, let me take you go through some of my favorite places for matcha dessert ?!
1: Katsute 100 - Matcha Crêpe Cake
Katsute 100 is a lovely Japanese cafe with friendly staff and cozy atmosphere, always making me feel very welcomed. The crepes of the cake are surprisingly thinner than other places I have tried. It is bigger in size, with very creamy and abundant matcha cream. It is on the sweeter side, so even if you don't like matcha very much, I bet you will fall in love with it!
(More on my IG post)
I was going to have their Ichigo Daifuku one day but it was sold out when I was there. So I decided to try their 'Matcha Float' instead which turned out to be an excellent choice. Semi-bitter and strong matcha perfectly balanced the creamy and sweet matcha soft serve on the top. What a treat for matchaholic! (Read More)
2: Kova Pattiserie - Matcha Mille Crêpes
Talking about Japanese patisserie in London, one cannot be mention enough within social media is the Kova Patisserie. With the success of opening their 3rd branch recently, it is undoubted that this patisserie has their secret recipe to mesmerize people's tastebuds. Their Mille Crêpes was actually the first cake I tried in London (Old Post). I remembered that I was eating the cake and walking on my way home as I just could not stop having another bite of it. It taste so much better than Lady M (Sorry, my sweet- tooth friends) as the sweetness is just at the sweet spot for me.
3: WA Cafe - Matcha Rolled Cake
Nestling in the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, WA cafe brings you perfect combination of westernized and traditional Japanese desserts. Their counter displays a variety of colorful treats and all of them are very tempting. I eventually gave their seemingly humble Matcha Rolled Cake a try. The sponge is very delicate and soft, just like marshmallows melting in your mouth. And the cream is rich in flavour green tea (not technically same as matcha but this is what their website says) with the perfectly balanced sweetness. The red bean paste in the middle is quite sweet, although red bean (小豆) and matcha is absolutely a traditional combo, I do feel like the sweetness of the paste can be more subtle and can even be substituted for simple cooked red beans (like this one). (Read More)
4: Lanka - Green Tea Roll Cake and Éclair
Lanka is a little gem, locating at a small street in a quiet neighborhood, while always populated by gourmets and foodies like me. It is created by a Japanese chef who is specialized in French cuisine. Their cakes feature the delicacy and decadence of French patisserie, as well as incorporating with the Japanese traditional flavors. This green tea roll is suitable for my sweet tooth friends who likes the creaminess and sweetness of cream and fruits(video on my IG). I love their Éclairs better which has stronger green tea flavor, with very light cream filling and soft buttery pastry.
5: Sakurado Cafe - Matcha Mille Crêpes
You may not be familiar with this picture based on my IG since I have not posted yet. Nevertheless, they acclaim to be the best Matcha Mille Crepes in London which seems to be an exaggerated statement to me. I was having high expectation towards the taste but it did bring me a small disappointment (but I blamed myself from expecting too much). The cake seems to be not freshly made as the crêpes are hard and thick, and the cream is just not smooth enough. The overall matcha flavour is at the strong side but not very delicate and have no aftertaste. They have branches in Kensington and China Town, and I highly advise you to visit the former as their China Town branch is located in a separate bakery house.
6: Rubys of London -Matcha Baked Doughnut
Where are my vegan foodies? Without any animal based ingredients, the vegan treats from Rubys are definitely blows your mind. The doughnut has soft cake texture, frosted with matcha and white chocolate ganache and sprinkled with pistachios. It is not too sweet, not heavy at all, and I can indeed taste the mild aroma of matcha from it. Their cakes are on the sweet side but I would definitely have this doughnut next time. Worth travelling an entire London for it.
7: Tombo - Vegan Matcha Cheesecake
Another treat for my vegan fellows, especially for the ones who like something light and healthy. Tombo is a Japanese cafe, featuring delicious Japanese cuisine as well as their well know desserts. This cheesecake is made of tofu and coconut cream which is a blessing for me because I am slightly allergic to cashew (I am fine when eating a small handful of cashew nuts but feeling nauseous when having cashew-based cheese or excessive cashew milk). The taste is quiet....bland? as you cannot really taste neither the matcha nor the sweetness. But I heard my friend saying that their other cakes are delicious. Well, I think I may need take a matcha lover buddy next time.
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