national matcha day! 🍵

As a fan of matcha and hojicha myself, I find that National Matcha Day is a perfect excuse to explore new and creative matcha offerings around the city. When trying the brownie batter hojicha at the Little Foot Matcha pop-up, I noticed that hojicha's signature roasted notes were present, but they leaned more on the mild side rather than bold. The hint of chocolate was an interesting addition, but I agree it could benefit from a touch more sweetness to balance the natural toastiness and avoid a slightly flat finish. In my experience, hojicha-based drinks can vary widely depending on the roast level and the mix-ins, so some experimentation can lead to surprising and delightful results. Similarly, the blueberry pie matcha sounds like a creative twist, combining classic matcha’s earthy bitterness with a fruity sweetness, which might appeal to those looking for something refreshing yet indulgent. Pricing is always a consideration. A $9 price tag is on the higher end for a single drink, so I tend to weigh whether the flavor complexity and quality justify that cost. For those visiting pop-ups or specialty shops, it’s worth trying signature drinks but also keeping expectations balanced—some innovations may not hit the mark for everyone, as happened with the brownie batter hojicha here. Overall, celebrating National Matcha Day by exploring local matcha pop-ups is fun and flavorful. It’s a great way to support small businesses and enjoy seasonal or limited-run matcha creations. Don’t hesitate to share your own matcha experiences and preferences, as the community around this green tea trend is always vibrant and welcoming.