A Roundup of 2016’s Viral “Matcha” Desserts – Can Matcha Lovers Resist?

Travel Center / Compiled Report

Matcha desserts were still all the rage in 2016. Taiwanese people’s love for matcha is nothing new — how could anyone resist that slight bitterness paired with an incredibly soothing green hue? As part of its annual review, ETtoday EBC News specially compiled a list of six matcha desserts that went viral this year. Have you tried them all if you’re a fellow matcha fan?

▲%...? A crow coffin was quickly filled with... excitement... (Photo provided by card user with permission)

Laurel Matcha Rice Dumplings

Rice dumplings with matcha — have you ever imagined something so delightful? The tender, chewy white exterior wraps around a rich matcha filling and a touch of red bean, and when you bite in, the green matcha sauce oozes out. Its sweetness level is similar to that of sesame flavor, and they sold out instantly upon launch. Making your own matcha-infused soup base at home only makes it better.

▲50 Ran’s matcha latte sold so well that they ran out of matcha powder, causing many branches to temporarily suspend sales, leaving fans waiting eagerly for its return. (Photo / IG @)jtft1006(Please do not take photos without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

50 Ran Matcha Latte

The chain beverage store 50 Ran officially launched its matcha latte in November, featuring a beautiful gradient along with the flavor of matcha. Coupled with its wide availability across branches, it caused surprisingly long queues as soon as it hit the shelves. Waiting over half an hour wouldn’t be too surprising. Initially, it was only available in seven counties and cities across Taiwan, which made friends in Taipei and New Taipei itch with anticipation. The lovely light green gradient instantly won over matcha lovers, and the staff professionally recommend it best with 70% sugar. Adding tapioca pearls gives it a nice chewy texture that keeps things interesting.

▲Itoh Kyuemon’s Kyoto Uji Matcha Cake Roll. (Photo / from Itoh Kyuemon’s online pre-order site)Itoh Kyuemon Online Pre-order Website)

Itoh Kyuemon

The renowned Kyoto shop “Itoh Kyuemon Matcha Specialty Store,” established for about 180 years, finally made its way to Taiwan in July this year, giving fans a chance to satisfy their cravings without flying to Japan. The fastest-selling item at launch was the “Matcha Cake Roll,” and there were also matcha raw chocolate and matcha parfaits. In November, they also introduced an especially unique matcha soba noodle, packed with matcha — it’s truly hard to resist.

▲%Nana’s Green Tea’s matcha mochi parfait and matcha udon. (Photo / from Nana’s Green Tea official website)

nana's green tea

Nana’s Green Tea set up shop at Linkou Mitsui Outlet Park in March this year, using matcha powder sourced from Kyoto. In addition to matcha beverages, they also offer hojicha, red bean, coffee, and juice drinks, as well as eight varieties of udon and three sets of organic rice ball meals. Among the udon options, besides the regular noodles, you can also find matcha udon, a Taiwan-exclusive option. As for the organic rice ball meal sets, these are also exclusive to Taiwan and can’t be found elsewhere. In August, they opened a second branch in Taipei, officially joining the city’s matcha scene.

▲Matcha red bean layered cake and matcha usucha. (Photo / taken by intern reporter Liao Xiaoqiao)

Matcha One

Matcha One, which opened in July, is the sister shop of the well-known Heiankyo Chashitsu. It targets young matcha enthusiasts, offering a modern twist distinct from Heiankyo Chashitsu’s traditional Kyoto style, while also keeping prices more affordable. Despite its budget-friendly pricing, the ingredients are nothing but top-notch — all in-store products use matcha powder from Uji Obubu, which has a uniquely fragrant taste compared to other brands.

The shop’s signature matcha red bean layered cake features hand-panned French-style crepes layered with a red bean paste made from Vandans red beans, topped with a special homemade matcha milk drizzle upon serving — enjoy its sweet yet not cloying multi-layered flavors and rich overall aroma.

▲%Gasha’s matcha tiramisu and matcha pudding. (Photo / from the Facebook page “一抹绿 Taipei Minsheng Branch”)Fan Page)

Yi Mo Lu (One Shade of Green)

The well-known Taoyuan shop “Yi Mo Lu” opened a new branch in the north earlier this year, introducing super rare matcha-flavored risotto, lasagna, and beer, attracting netizens to visit in droves and successfully sparking a new matcha trend and heated online discussions. Among them, the “Shrimp Matcha Risotto” comes with an exclusive “matcha sauce,” made with Uji matcha, seafood broth, and cheese, offering a slight bitterness and tea fragrance. The risotto is mixed with some onions, nuts, and mushrooms, topped with shrimp and tomato — the rich matcha flavor is simply addictive. Additionally, the “Cheese Meat Sauce Matcha Lasagna” and the refreshing “Matcha Beer” also drove fans wild, with many calling them incredibly unique.

In recent years, Taiwan has seen a growing number of matcha specialty shops, making it no longer difficult to enjoy delicious matcha. As a fellow matcha lover, do you have your own go-to favorites you’d like to share with everyone? Feel free to leave recommendations in the comments below.