Matcha Ochaya

The culinary philosophy at Matcha Ochaya revolves around showcasing matcha's versatility while offering complementary savory options that reflect broader East Asian influences. The kitchen demonstrates respect for Japanese ingredients and techniques while adapting them to Parisian tastes and dining habits.

Matcha takes center stage across the beverage menu, prepared in various styles that range from traditional to contemporary. The bubble tea selection represents the café's signature offering, combining the Taiwanese innovation of tapioca pearls with Japanese matcha expertise. These drinks balance sweetness, texture, and the distinctive umami-rich flavor of quality matcha, creating refreshing beverages that appeal to both bubble tea enthusiasts and green tea purists.

The dessert program highlights matcha's affinity for delicate pastries and creamy preparations. The mille crêpes au matcha exemplifies this approach—paper-thin crêpes layered with matcha-infused cream create a dessert that's simultaneously light and indulgent, showcasing French pastry technique through a Japanese lens. The sakura ice cream adds another dimension, introducing the subtle floral notes of cherry blossom to complement matcha's earthy character. These desserts aren't overly sweet, respecting the Japanese preference for balanced flavors that allow the matcha to shine.

On the savory side, the menu incorporates Korean influences through dishes like bibimbaps—the colorful rice bowls topped with vegetables, protein, and gochujang sauce—and gua baos, the Taiwanese-style steamed buns that have become popular across East Asian cuisine. These dishes, priced accessibly between 6 and 15 euros, provide satisfying meal options that pair well with the tea-focused beverage menu. The kitchen's vegan-friendly approach ensures that plant-based diners can enjoy the full range of offerings without compromise.

The food at Matcha Ochaya succeeds by maintaining focus—it doesn't attempt to be a comprehensive Japanese restaurant but rather excels at its chosen specialties: matcha beverages, creative desserts, and a curated selection of East Asian comfort foods that complement the tea-drinking experience.