Dubai, a city that thrives on caffeine, is witnessing a delightful new trend that is making waves across its vibrant café scene: Hojicha. While matcha has long held the spotlight, this roasted Japanese green tea is emerging as a favourite among coffee aficionados and tea lovers alike, bringing a nutty warmth that stands in contrast to its earthier cousin.
What is Hojicha?
For those unfamiliar, Hojicha offers a refreshing alternative to traditional matcha. Made from roasted green tea leaves, it boasts a unique, warm flavour profile that’s both comforting and distinctive. Not only is it lower in caffeine, making it an ideal choice for those looking to cut back, but it also comes in a variety of styles, including lattes and desserts, appealing to a wide range of palates.
Cafés Serving Hojicha in Dubai
If you’re eager to jump on the Hojicha bandwagon and expand your taste horizons, here are five must-visit cafés in Dubai where you can indulge in this trendy beverage:
Avantcha Tea
Avantcha Tea stands out as a conceptual tea store in Al Quoz, offering over 150 premium-grade teas, including Hojicha leaves. Their Tea and Bar space promises a comprehensive menu of innovative drinks and dessert combinations that will excite any tea enthusiast. Additionally, you can purchase Hojicha tea leaves from their official website, where free recipes for signature drinks are also available.
Where: AVANTCHA Tea and Bar, Al Quoz
Contact: avantcha.com
The Matcha Tokyo
Known for its creative interpretations of tea, Matcha Tokyo has recently expanded its menu to include a Hojicha latte and a delightful Hojicha Dubai Chocolate dessert. This evolution signals the café’s commitment to staying ahead of the trends while satisfying the sweet tooth of its clientele.
Where: Multiple locations including The Beach JBR, City Center Mirdif, and Al Khawaneej.
Contact: @thematchatokyo.uae
Bred Bakehouse
Located in the bustling Mall of the Emirates, Bred Bakehouse offers a classic Hojicha latte that can be enjoyed hot or cold. This makes it a perfect stop for a quick refreshment while shopping, allowing you to recharge with a popular beverage.
Where: Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha.
Contact: @bred_bakehouse
Otaku
Tucked away in the stylish Dubai Design District (D3), Otaku is a minimalist café that embodies the trend of Japanese-inspired drinks. The Hojicha crème here is a fantastic option for those seeking a serene environment to work remotely while enjoying a quality beverage.
L’eto
This London-born favourite has made its mark in Dubai with a unique take on Hojicha. Found in several popular shopping centres, L’eto serves a creamy, Parisian-style Hojicha latte that is sure to please those looking for something rich and indulgent.
Where: Multiple locations, including Dubai Mall and City Center Mirdif.
Contact: @letocaffe.official
As Dubai’s café scene continues to evolve, Hojicha is undoubtedly carving out its niche. Whether you’re a long-time matcha lover or new to the world of Japanese teas, now is the perfect time to explore this warm, nutty beverage that is capturing the hearts and taste buds of many.