A new Hong Kong matcha shop has opened with the city’s first and only in-store mill

If you’re someone who is willing to go to great lengths to get your hands on a well-made matcha latte – perhaps even the kind of person who would make travel plans to Uji just to experience the freshest green tea leaves – this one’s for you: a new premium tea shop has opened in Hong Kong and it’s dedicated to all things matcha! 

Founded by Joey Yu, Aokomi at Island Crest in Sai Ying Pun promotes authentic Japanese tea culture through a ‘tencha-to-matcha’ philosophy. Instead of using pre-milled matcha in powder form, Aokomi specialises in brewing matcha beverages directly from tencha (whole tea leaves) that’s been freshly ground. How this deep commitment to freshness is achieved is through the shop’s own stone mill, making Aokomi the first and only matcha brand in Hong Kong with an in-store matcha mill. 

Aokomi imports its tencha leaves from farms in Uji, Japan – long considered one of the leading global producers of premium, ceremonial-grade matcha – concentrating on farmers who follow the principles of shizen-shitate cultivation, a labour-intensive traditional growing method that gives free rein to tea bushes to grow without being trimmed. Eventually, the leaves are harvested completely by hand. 

Aokomi exclusively uses and grinds first-harvest tencha, so the aroma and flavour remain superior. Its temperature- and humidity-controlled milling room is imperative to preserving the tencha’s high quality, as is the slow speed of the stone mill as it grinds the tea leaves into fine particles, resulting in about 30 to 50 grams of matcha powder per hour. It’s a time-consuming process for sure, but this ensures ultimate freshness that matcha lovers will appreciate. 

From the menu, there are three grades of single-origin matcha you can try as thin usucha (from $68) – this is prepared by the Aokomi tea master through blending the freshly ground matcha with water and then whisking it. For something more indulgent, there is the velvety koicha ($120) with rich flavour and texture. Guests can also enjoy matcha lattes ($65 hot, $68 cold) brewed with the signature Komi matcha blend, the Americano-inspired Ao-Cano ($65), or a strawberry matcha cappuccino ($60 hot, $62 cold).

Aside from matcha beverages, Aokomi also serves drinks such as hojicha oat brew ($58), baked goods like the vegan tencha pistachio nut butter on sourdough ($105) and cruffin ($45) with matcha custard and raspberry cream topping, as well as desserts like the matcha affogato with shiratama ($85) and the three-layer milky matcha pudding ($42). If you’re just getting into the wonderful world of matcha, Aokomi also stocks teaware, tea products, and tools for making matcha drinks at home.

Visit Aokomi at G/F, Island Crest, 8 First Street, Sai Ying Pun. The store is still in its soft launch period, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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