Explore the Best Street Food in Uji, Kyoto: A Matcha Lover’s Paradise

Introduction to Uji’s Cultural Richness
Uji, located south of Kyoto, is renowned for its world heritage sites and exquisite matcha tea. This charming town offers a rich history, especially in tea culture dating back 800 years. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk while exploring the historical significance of tea through various plaques scattered throughout the region.

Nakamura Tokichi: A Tea Shop with History
The video highlights Nakamura Tokichi, a historical tea shop where the current owner descends from seven generations of tea makers. The specialty of the store is their signature dessert, “namacha matcha,” which consists of silky jelly cubes, sweet red bean paste (anko), and rice flour balls (shiratama). This delightful combination of textures and flavors showcases the excellence of Uji’s matcha.

A Diverse Range of Matcha Delicacies
The host samples various matcha-themed delicacies which include:
– Hojicha financier: A moist cake flavored with roasted tea and chestnuts—smooth and sweet with a pleasant bitterness.
– Kushicha dango: Cute, green tea-flavored dumplings with a satisfying non-sticky texture.
– Matcha beer: Surprisingly enjoyable, blending the bitterness of matcha with a light beer flavor.
– Matcha gyoza: Offering a hint of matcha flavor amidst savory fillings, best enjoyed with matcha salt.

Unique Refreshments in Uji
The video features a refreshing take on matcha with matcha soda, which invigorates the traditional tea flavor with carbonation. The host also indulges in matcha soft serve, coated in pure matcha powder for an intense flavor experience.

Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure
Uji’s culinary scene heavily revolves around green tea, presenting a variety of unique food and drink options. The day spent exploring different matcha treats not only offered an array of flavors but also deepened the understanding of Uji’s tea heritage. For anyone visiting Kyoto, a trip to Uji promises a delicious adventure rich in culture and flavors, making it an unforgettable experience to savor the taste of matcha.