Baristart's New Matcha Treats Prove Green Tea + Hokkaido Milk Are a Match Made in Heaven

(SPOT.ph) It wasn't too long ago when we first started raving about Baristart's line of Hokkaido milk-laden drinks and sweets. Nowadays, the Japanese coffee chain's BGC joint is a must-visit whenever we are in the area, but it seems they're shaking things up a bit more on their menu. Green-tea fiends, if you're looking for the next green tea thing to fill your belly, head over to Baristart in BGC, as they just dropped their latest limited-time-only menu offerings—and yes, it's all about matcha.

Also read:
10 Tita-Approved Brunch Spots In and Around Makati
It's Not Just Coffee and Cream Puffs at Japanese Café Baristart's First Philippine Location

Here's why you should head over to Baristart and try their new matcha treats:

Starting this October until the end of the year, you've got another spot to hit up when the Matcha cravings hit. Baristart BGC puts the spotlight on another famous Japanese ingredient through six new drinks, along with a matcha take on their signature Hokkaido milk cream puff.

The new menu items use premium matcha from the Aichi Prefecture. Here, tea gardens maintain an integrated production system from the tea plantation to the creation of matcha products to ensure that only the best quality creations reach customers worldwide. 

We got to try some of Baristart's newest menu items, and we must admit we're smitten. As you would expect, they don't play around with the quality of matcha they use. At a glance, you'd quickly see that the matcha gives the food items a dark shade of green, and as you know, when it comes to green tea, the darker the tinge, the higher the quality. 

But if looks aren't enough to sell you the idea of making the trip to BGC for these treats, let the taste pull you in. Whether you take it in as a drink or through a bite of their creampuffs, Baristart's Matcha is not your usual. Closer to ceremonial-grade matcha in terms of the complex, nutty, and creamy flavors it holds, Baristart's culinary-grade green tea is in a league of its own. There's no trace of the earthy, musky, almost grass-like flavors that turn away non-matcha fans. 

Here are our favorite eats from Baristart's Matcha menu:

If you have someone you want to bring to the matcha train, start them off with the Matcha Latte (P260). Have it either hot or iced. It doesn't matter. This nutty, milky concoction is a great starting point for anyone who wants to get in the trend. It's a simple, creamy, balanced drink that highlights the green tea flavor well. Bonus: much like everything else on Baristart's menu, this drink uses Hokkaido milk, which makes it extra smooth and velvety on the palate.

Alternatively, those more in tune with the flavors of matcha could start their day with a Dirty Matcha, a.k.a. the Matcha Espresso (P295), a shot of espresso infused with matcha. This strong pick-me-up is perfect for the early morning when you need something to kick-start your day but want a more nuanced balance of the earthy, nutty flavors of coffee and green tea. 

If you're feeling adventurous and feel like getting your usual matcha drink with some fizz, you'll want to have a glass of the Matcha Tonic (P230). Pair this with any of Baristart's rice bowls and fuller meals, much like you would soda. TBH, this caught us a bit off guard—but it grows on you. 

The sweet-toothed need not worry because there are also a line of sweet and fruity matcha drinks like the Matcha Blueberry (P295), which uses real blueberries to add a tinge of jam-like sweetness and texture to your usual matcha drinks.

If it's the perfect in-between dessert and drinks you're looking for, then Baristart's Matcha Affogato (P285) is the one for you. This cool treat takes their signature Hokkaido Milk soft-serve and adds an entire shot of Matcha sauce. Even matcha purists will have a hard time not liking this dessert, which brings out the creamy, velvety textures of the matcha used.

Alternatively, purists can sate their dessert pangs by downing an entire Matcha Creampuff (P280/piece or P800/3 pieces). Much like their original Hokkaido milk cream puffs, this pastry is sensibly flavored to have a balance of creamy, sweet, and, this time, nutty flavors thanks to the matcha. The puff pastry, which Baristart is known for, will leave you wanting more despite its generous filling of matcha cream. 

TBH, all this is making us drool. We're rushing right now to Baristart for another round of these green tea-laden treats. The Matcha desserts and drinks are available until December 31—so hop to it!

Baristart is at G/F Maridien Tower Two, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For more information, visit Baristart Coffee Philippines' Facebook page. 

Also read:
This Tita-Approved Brunch Spot in BGC Is Your Next Morning Hangout
LOOK: Japan's The Matcha Tokyo Brings Their Organic Green Tea Drinks to BGC

Hey, Spotters! Check us out on Viber to join our Community and subscribe to our Chatbot.