Enjoying matcha tea and other confectionery made from it is one of the great pleasures of living in Japan where access to the freshest supplies is plentiful. A few weeks ago a friend invited me on an early morning excursion to sample some of the richest matcha ice cream in the world, an opportunity I could not pass up!
Nanaya
壽々喜園 浅草本店
![_DSF8139](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/29500594754_e05f289ca8_k.jpg)
Nanaya, from Shizuoka Prefecture, opened their first store in Tokyo earlier this year in Asakusa and we arrived early morning to avoid the long queues.
![_DSF8126](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/29500592204_8e2c64996f_k.jpg)
They offer 7 different levels of matcha ice cream to choose from where level 1 is creamy and sweet, while 7 is bitter and rich. They also have a few other flavours like chocolate, strawberry and sesame.
![_DSF8131](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/29500592924_0d6b8a886d_k.jpg)
Of course, we went straight for the deep green level 7. I can only describe the flavour as intense with a notably coarse texture from the densely ground tea leaves. Delectable in the extreme!
![_DSF8135](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/29500593894_5e125b051f_k.jpg)
We also gave the sesame a try which gave a nice contrast both in taste and colour to the matcha. I’d highly recommend both if you’re the sort of person who likes 99% dark chocolate.
![_DSF8146](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/29500595494_b07b38612c_k.jpg)
Afterwards, we enjoyed a walk around nearby Kappabashi (合羽橋) or Kitchen Town where you can buy all manner of kitchenware, including some rather fabulous Japanese knives.
![_DSF8148](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/29500596374_b158261cc5_o.jpg)
![_DSF8149](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/30014450862_cd284c73ab_k.jpg)
![Pet pig](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/pig-walker.jpg)
On the way, we ran into a man who appeared to be taking his pet pig for a walk. The mind boggles at how one would keep such a large swine in a small Japanese apartment.
![_DSF8155](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/30014451352_f714e00b9f_k.jpg)
To top off the morning we had coffee at Bridge, a nicely designed cafe attached to an architectural firm.
Reply