Kalimantan Chocolate and Japan Kukicha

A beautiful single origin chocolate from Kalimantan (Indonesia) and a roasted Japan Kukicha both bought during my visit to a Simon Lèvelt shop are a very good combination. The Krakakoa 75% chocolate is full bodied and has a nice fruity flavour. The roasted aroma of the tea brings out the spicy and fruity flavours of the chocolate in a beautiful way! In order to balance the full body of the chocolate I used a lot of tea: 10 grams in my kyusu. Filled the teapot for 2/3 with 75 degrees Celsius water and steeped it for 30-20-25-30-35-40 seconds to bring out the sweetness of the tea but keep the astringency out. Astringency and a high cacao content chocolate aren’t a great combination.

Gerelateerde pairings

Soybeans and Hōjicha

Soybeans and Hōjicha. 8 grams of tea, 100 ml of 70 centigrade soft water, 1 minute steep. Interesting combination!

Ecuador chocolate and Lentedauw Mao Feng

Seed and Bean 80% Ecuador chocolate has a delicate earthy flavour. Paired with a Lentedauw Mao Feng (a Yellow Mountains, Anhui green tea bought at Simon Lèvelt)makes the chocolate way more exiting. More smooth and even a little fruity! 6 grams of tea in my new Honin I bought at Postcard tea, 70 degrees Celsius soft water (very important with this tea. Many of the Simon Lèvelt shops sell the Zero water filters. A great way of filtering your water) infusions after rinsing the tea: 30-35-40-45 seconds.

Pickled zucchini and Lu An Gua Pian

Pickled zucchini and a beautiful fresh Lu An Gua Pian green tea. 4 grams in a glass and just keep adding 80 centigrade water.

Yatsuhashi and Houjicha

Yatsuhashi and a very light brewed Houjicha. Typical 1+1=3!

Il cuore di Mandorla and Otsuka Fukamushi Sencha

In my Simon Lévelt shopping basket Il cuore di Mandorla. I tried many different combinations. Most black teas pair good but I was looking for a more exciting result. Their Otsuka Fukamushi Sencha gave me the result I was looking for. The umami of the tea did great things to the orange and almond flavours of the Mandorla. 5 grams in my hohin, 5 infusions of 1 second combined, water temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. A real tread!

Poffertjes and Zealong Tea New Zealand Green

Zealong Tea New Zealand Green and poffertjes (small pancakes). 8,5 grams of tea, 500ml of soft 70 centigrade water and a 1 minute steep. At least 3 infusions. What a beautiful tea!

Sheep’s cheese and Japan Sencha

A young Dutch sheep’s cheese and Japan Sencha. Brewed in my beautiful new Asahiyaki hohin I bought at @postcardteas Tea brings out the umami in the cheese in a special way!

Rice waffle, young cheese and a thick Kei matcha

Brings our the puffed rice flavour in the waffle and the umami in the tea! Like matcha & popcorn. Sounds like blasphemy but I guess it will be a great combination