Preface
Continuing our Jusgo Series, I visited Fujiissa. I’ve seen it hyped so much when it first opened, but let’s see if it lives up to its praise.
WTF is Matcha?
Photo by Phuong Nguyen on Unsplash
Matcha is not a new trend, and it is more than what its current social media obsession might suggest. It can be traced back to ancient China during the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties, where tea leaves were steamed and pressed into bricks for storage. Later, it was ground into a powder (more similar to the matcha we’re familiar with currently). This sort of tea traditionally used to be whisked with hot water and was prized for its healing and spiritual attributes. However, this was forgotten over time as loose-leaf tea became popular.
However, matcha as we know it today and matcha culture originated in Japan. In the 12th century (Kamakura period), a Zen monk called Eisai introduced tea seeds and powdered tea to his monk buddies. Here, preparing powdered leaf was a staple in monastic life. Over time, the matcha became integrated into Japan’s culture, especially with chado (traditional tea ceremony). Chado “invites self-reflection and the pursuit of deep spirituality within simplicity, an essence of Japanese culture that endures to this day” (quote from Matcha Direct). To the Japanese, it was more than a drink; it was an important part of their spiritual culture. Now, it’s a widely loved drink around the world with origins from China thousands of years ago! It’s crazy how that happens.
I’m No Matcha Expert, Okay
I honestly wasn’t too fond of matcha when I first tasted it, probably five or so years ago. I thought it tasted like agriculture. Yuck. However, I’ve slowly been going around to different matcha places, trying different drinks. I’ve been liking it! However, I’m currently only able to stomach matcha lattes. I can’t take it with just hot water yet, I’m not a huge fan of grass, unfortunately.
That being said, I’m not a matcha expert! I know people are super into this shit, but I’m not. I just now what tastes good (to me). So, keep that in mind.
Food Review
I purchased two things here, but let’s start off with matcha soft serve ice cream. They also have an “extra-strong” version, but I’m still scared of that. Matcha, if you’ve never had it before, has a potent umami flavor that’s slightly bitter but somehow has undertones of sweetness. Also, it’s commonly called “grassy,” which it most definitely is. However, the matcha blended with the creamy soft serve is outstanding. It helps cut the bitterness, leaving you with the more pleasant, sweeter notes, but it still leaves enough matcha flavor to taste the earthiness of the tea. It is also not overly sweet. The cone comes in is thin, crispy, and subtly sweet. It was a great mouth-feel experience.
I also got the matcha brown sugar cheese foam latte. Cheese foam might sound gross to those who are unfamiliar. It is mostly sweet, slightly savory, and a bit salty. Don’t worry, it’s made with cream cheese… not parmesan. However, I will say this is probably one of my favorite drinks of all time. No exaggeration. It’s really, really good. It has a nice sweetness that isn’t overly sweet. It has a chewy, clear jelly at the bottom (maybe lychee?). It’s a creamy latte with rich, sweet brown sugar syrup at the bottom. The matcha is subtle and delicious, and it mixes well with the entirety of the drink.
However, I will say, I’ve been here when this place first opened, and I had the milk and strawberry soft serves, and I didn’t really care for them. I think it was overly icy rather than creamy.
Rating and Conclusion
Taste: 4.5
Value: 3.5
Memorability: 4
Total: 4
