While some call it ‘grass water,’ others call it the reason why they wake up in the morning. But no matter what side of the debate you’re on, there is one thing for sure – Matcha is here to stay! But, it looks like we have a new contender in the ring. Everyone welcome, Hojicha. Hailing all the way from Japan, as well, this caffeinated drink has a similar brown colour to coffee but with a more caramelised earthy taste. And now the real fun begins, because today we’re battling it out between Matcha Vs Hojicha! Keep reading to find out who’s truly reigning over cafe culture in Dubai, right now.
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Matcha, Matcha, Matcha
Made from finely ground young green tea leaves, it’s whisked into water or milk for that iconic vibrant green latte. You’ve definitely seen it all over socials or in your morning cup. It’s naturally high in caffeine, smooth yet slightly grassy, and it’s loved by the people for its clean boost of energy (sans the jitters you get from coffee). In Dubai, you’ll find matcha literally everywhere, now. From your favourite artisanal coffee shops to big-name cafés. And you’ll find in absolute all forms, too. I’m talking iced lattes, frappes, even in desserts like tiramisu and soft-serves. It’s safe to say the obsession is very much real in Dubai and with good reason, if we’re being honest.
The New Bombshell In Town – Hojicha
If there was a fun way to describe it, it would be that Hojicha is like matcha’s more chill older cousin. It’s also made from green tea, but there’s a difference. The leaves are roasted, giving it a beautiful toasty, nutty flavour and a soft brown colour instead of bright green. It’s lower in caffeine and has a naturally sweet, almost caramel-like vibe. While hojicha hasn’t conquered all the menus in Dubai yet, it’s slowly popping up at speciality cafés and tea-forward spots. If you’ve never tried it, the best thing I can say is that it feels like a much cosier cup of matcha – especially if the grassy flavour isn’t your thing.
Earthy Vs. Toasty
The flavour difference is where the battle gets fun. Matcha is bold, earthy, and energising. Perfect if you love a strong flavour and need a serious caffeine kick. Hojicha, on the other hand, is mellow and warm with roasted notes. It’s lower caffeine levels make it much more enjoyable for people to calmly drink something a little energising in the evenings. Or, for those trying to cut down on their buzz without missing out on café rituals.
But both drinks are part of the bigger wellness wave sweeping through Dubai. People are looking for cleaner caffeine alternatives, antioxidant boosts, and drinks that are just as Instagrammable as they are functional. Matcha nailed that first, but hojicha’s unique look and flavour is starting to intrigue cafe hoppers who want to try the next big thing!
So, Who’s Wining Dubai’s Cafe Culture?
Right now, matcha is still the reigning champ in Dubai’s café scene. Walk into almost any trendy coffee shop and you’ll see some version of matcha on the menu. Ceremonial blends, strawberry matcha lattes, matcha affogatos… it’s everywhere and in everything. Hojicha, though? It’s still on the more rare side to find. You’ll spot it in more niche cafés or Japanese-inspired menus, but it’s definitely gaining the buzz it deserves in the city.
Will Hojicha Ever Catch Up?
It’s definitely got potential! As more cafes experiment with Japanese-inspired menus and people look for variety beyond coffee and matcha, hojicha might just be the next big trend. But for now? Matcha still reigns supreme in Dubai’s cafe culture. At least until more cafes start roasting up a storm.
The Final Verdict
If you’re team matcha, don’t worry, your favourite green latte isn’t going anywhere. But if you’re curious about hojicha, now’s the time to start hunting down those specialty spots before it becomes the next menu must-have. Honestly? The real win is that Dubai’s cafe scene is finally giving us options beyond just coffee. And I’m totally here for it. And knowing Dubai, it’ll be no time until we see ‘the World’s first hojicha rave’.
What team are you on? Team Matcha? Or, Team Hojicha?
