Top 7: Ways to Eat Matcha in London This WeekBy Alicia Grimshaw
Love it or hate it, people can’t get enough of matcha. From matcha lattes to brownies and ice cream, London has fully embraced the green stuff. We love a good sprinkling of matcha, here´s 7 ways to eat in the capital this week:
Order: Kinako French toast with matcha soft serve (£6)
Why: If you aren’t familiar with Shackfuyu, it’s part of the Bone Daddies family and is London’s hottest Japanese fast food joint. The outside of the toast is crisp and the centre is soft, gooey and utterly amazing, all served with a generous portion of matcha soft serve, giving your classic Mr Whippy a run for its money. This dessert is by no means fancy, but it doesn’t have to be when it tastes this good. The secret is red bean powder, which they sprinkle generously on the outside. If anything, that blue and white China plate is crying out for an Instagram.
Where: Bone Daddies Shackfuyu, 14a Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TJ
2. In a Doughnut: Crosstown Doughnuts
Order: Matcha tea doughnut
Why: Since hitting the food scene, Crosstown have seriously upped the doughnut game. The doughnuts from the supermarket do not compare to these dreamy sweet treats. Their dough is a mixture of sourdough and yeast creating a doughnut that has a resilient crumb structure with a slight chew. They add the matcha to their signature Tongan vanilla bean glaze and whack it all over a ringed doughnut – sensational. Order their sea salted caramel and banana cream doughnut for the journey home, it’s our favourite.
Where: Locations here
3. In a Latte: Curators Coffee Gallery
Order: Matcha latte (£2.80)
Why: The cafe itself is fairly minimal (kind of like a gallery – who would have thought?) but everything from the drinks to the decor are completely on-point. Gallery doesn’t mess about frills and quirks like some coffee houses do but gets straight to the good stuff with exceptional hot beverages and their matcha is no exception. Their latte manages to pull off the bitter matcha taste without being too grassy and is sweet enough without being too overly milky.
Where: 51 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London
Order: Iced Latte (£4.20)
Why: Tombo is a dedicated matcha bar and Japanese cafe nestled in South Kensington. They’ve got a a whole menu dedicated to the tea leaves including matcha brownies, soft serve, cocktails and gateau, if you need a matcha fix you certainly need to head to Tombo. The high quality green teas and matcha are sourced from the foothills of Mt. Fuji, no sub standard ingredients here.
Where: 29 Thurloe Place, London SW7 2HQ
5. In a Cheesecake: Shoyru Ramen
Order: Matcha Cheesecake
Why: Head to Shoryu Ramen for steaming hot bowls of ramen and other noodle delights. Hailing from the Hakata district of Fukuoka city, Shoryu prepares Hakata tonkotsu ramen, with a number of different toppings. Their ramen menu is extensive and they also serve charcoal grilled skewers and sashimi. Leave room for their matcha cheesecake, not too heavy with a subtle matcha kick – the dream.
Where: Locations here
Photo courtesy of Louise Jyun
6. In a Cake: La Pâtisserie des Rêves
Order: Vanilla and ref fruits Charlotte (£6.50)
Why: For high end cakes and pastries, La pâtisserie des rêves is your place. Creating traditional French pastries with a modern twist, well-loved classics including vanilla mille-feuille and the tarte tatin have been given jazzy makeovers. Renowned French pastry chef Philippe Conticin has created the cake which features a lime sponge biscuit sprinkled with matcha tea and filled with vanilla cream, raspberry mousse and fresh red fruit compote. This cake is the ultimate treat, best served with a cup of tea on your sofa.
Where: Locations here
Order: Matcha brownie (£2.20)
Why: Only opened since March, Mobo brings together French and Asian cuisine to create some pretty special fusion food. Hello, green tea croissant. Early risers can enjoy their porridge with salted caramel and spicy pineapple chansons (a pocket of flaky pastry to you and I). Traditional Vietnamese sandwiches are up for grabs at lunchtime and contain a whole host of fillings. If you want to make new pals in the office, take one of their matcha brownies back. Friendships guaranteed.
Where: 53 Goodge St, London, W1T 1TG
