With 2014 winding down, predictions for 2015 have started trickling in, with Colorado-based advertising agency Sterling-Rice Group publishing its list of trends that will penetrate the culinary industry next year.
Because everyone is still fixated with pursuing a healthier lifestyle, the SRG predicts there bound to be a matcha madness next year. Matcha is high quality green tea that’s been pulverized and finely milled. Adding it to any food item gives it a green hue and an astringent and sweet flavor.
Be ahead of the pack and enjoy its unique and rich taste before 2015 rolls in. Here are some notable matcha snacks that are worth a try.
Matcha and Black Sesame Cookie by Scout’s Honor
Miko Aspiras keeps within Asia for this standout cookie. His green tea cookie is speckled with choco chips and sandwiches a layer of black sesame and white chocolate filling. (available at Hole in the Wall, 4/F Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati)
Green Tea Latte by Starbucks Coffee (PHP140-PHP160 depending on size)
There’s no secret to it really. It’s just sweetened matcha green tea and steamed milk. The formula works so why mess it? Starbucks also offers green tea frappuccino, which satisfies just the same. (Located nationwide)
Green Tea Cupcake by Cupcake Lab (PHP90)
Cay Cuasay knows how to pair flavors really well. She ingeniously fills her matcha cupcake with red bean paste, and crowns the beauty with white chocolate ganache. (3/F The Podium, 12 ADB Ave, Ortigas CBD)
Green Tea Oreo Ice Cream by Caramilk Creamery (PHP280/pint)
One of the newest ice cream brands to hit the market impresses with good flavor combos. Made by award-winning pastry chef Jackie Ang Po, Caramilk uses pure carabao’s milk for its ice cream. No scrimping on quality here as she incorporates Grade A matcha powder in the base and throws in crushed Oreo cookies in the mix. (Facebook; +63 2 4776938)
Green Tea Japanese Cheesecake by Karen’s Kitchen (PHP660/6-inch)
With a texture as soft as cotton and a subtle but evident green tea taste, this fluffy and spongey Japanese cheesecake is so light it inevitably makes you eat more than your fair share. (Unit 107B, 210 Zodiac St, Palm Village, Makati; +63 2 8982280; Website)
Thick Toast Green Tea Nutella in UCC Coffee Café (PHP340)
Here’s a dessert that keeps on giving: a warm, thick matcha toast is smothered with warm Nutella then topped with a scoop of vanilla bean and green tea ice cream. As though that’s not enough, it is finished off with whipped cream and ogura drizzled with warm chocolate sauce (Located nationwide)
Green Tea Belgian White Chocolate Torte from Homemade by Roshan (PHP1550)
Roshan Samtani turns a classic combo into a classic cake. In between chewy meringue is creamy matcha frosting that tempers the sweetness of the white chocolate. (Website; +63 2 6317786)
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– 11 food stalls to check out at Hole in the Wall
– Good grub: Bald Bakers chewy cookies
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