Matcha, but make it unusual: 6 flavor pairings to try
Matcha is everywhere in the local food scene these days. It’s no longer unusual to find matcha-flavored desserts, such as matcha cheesecakes and matcha ice creams, on cafe menus anywhere you go. Even the humble matcha latte—which is essentially matcha, hot water, milk, and the optional sweetener—is now competing with more elaborate and creative concoctions and flavor pairings.
Some of these flavor pairings have become pretty common, like matcha and strawberry. There’s also matcha and sea salt. Or even matcha and banana pudding.
But for those looking to sip something new and different, these unusual matcha pairings push the envelope even further.
1. Matcha and caramel
Matcha has a rather strong flavor, so people might think that pairing it with another strong ingredient will cause them to clash. For one to overpower the other. But that’s not always the case. Take caramel, for example. Done right, caramel’s buttery, toasted flavor gives the bitter matcha a sweet and salty edge.
Where to find: Ujisan’s Hokkaido Butter Caramel Matcha Latte is a rich, indulgent drink perfect for those who like their matcha lattes on the sweeter side.
Ujisan has locations in White Plains, Quezon City, and Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City
2. Matcha and caramiso
Want to take the matcha and caramel flavor to the next level? Add more umami to it with the help of caramiso, a beverage flavor that puts together caramel and savory miso.
Where to find: NoDoze Coffee Lounge’s Caramiso Matcha offers sweetness, saltiness, and bitterness in a smooth, creamy, and ultimately satisfying drink.
NoDoze Coffee Lounge is located at 219 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
3. Matcha and mulberry
Just like blackberries, mulberries are typically used in teas, wines, and jams. It’s a juicy, sweet fruit whose slight tartness complements matcha and softens its grassy flavor.
Where to find: Thirty-Three Café adds mulberry jam to matcha from Uji to create its crowd-favorite Matcha Mulberry drink.
Thirty-Three Café is located at 271 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City
4. Matcha and peach
Peaches may not be as familiar to the Filipino palate as strawberries and mangoes, but the sweetness and floral aroma of this fruit provide the perfect balance to the bitterness of matcha.
Where to find: Matcha Bar’s Momo Matcha layers high-quality matcha with soft peach purée that brings lightness and the right touch of fruitiness to the drink.
Matcha Bar has locations in Makati, Siargao, and Davao
5. Matcha and taho
Sweet and comforting, the taho is a timeless classic and favorite of Filipinos, no matter what age. Through time, we’ve seen ube taho and strawberry taho being sold on the streets, particularly in Baguio. But believe it or not, there’s already such a thing as a taho matcha, too.
Where to find: Currently Whisking offers a Japanese spin on the much-loved taho that strikes the right balance between sweetness and earthiness, trendy and nostalgic.
Currently Whisking is a pop-up shop
6. Matcha and tarragon
While it’s not unusual to pair matcha with an herb, what typically comes to mind is lavender or mint. But tarragon? It might sound odd, but the tarragon’s highly aromatic, slightly sweet, and lightly anise-like flavor complements the freshness of matcha.
Where to find: In the Cranberry Tarragon Matcha Latte, Acay pairs its matcha—not just with tarragon, but also with cranberry for a tart, refreshing, and aromatic drink.
Acay is a pop-up shop
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