Popcorn and Japan Genmaicha

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

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.

A good way to start the day. Chocolate croissant and a Japan Gyokuro. 7 grams in a Houhin, 60 centigrade water, 45 seconds.

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

Sweet pepper filled with a fresh cheese paired with a China Tai Ping Hou Kui. Enhances the sweetness in both tea and pepper! 5 grams of tea, 200ml 80 centigraden soft water and steeping time of 40, 30 and 50 seconds.

Green olives and a Japan Kabusecha. Wow really great combination! 9 grams on 500 ml, 60 centigrade soft water and a 1.5 minute brew.

To bring out the umami in both tea and salsa: Japan Gyokuro. 14 grams in a Kyusu, 60 centigrade, 45 seconds

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

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!