Japanese

The Best Coffee in the Bay Area: A Curated Guide to the Region’s Most Dynamic Brews

The Best Coffee in the Bay Area: A Curated Guide to the Region’s Most Dynamic Brews

Here’s what you need to know: The Bay Area’s coffee scene is a kaleidoscope of innovation, from Korean-inspired roasters to Japanese avant-garde cafes. This year’s standout shops are less about trends and more about redefining what coffee can be—think co-fermented brews, experimental roasting, and hyper-local sourcing. Whether you’re chasing the boldness of a matcha-laced latte or the subtlety of a single-origin pour over, the region’s cafes are pushing boundaries with every sip. At Olivia Coffee and Flower in Oakland, the focus is on beans roasted in Korea, with a standout example being a fruit-forward blend that tastes like a pina…
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Unraveling the Rich Umami Profile of Chinese Matcha: A Deep Dive into Wushiling (Isuzu) Pro Matcha

Unraveling the Rich Umami Profile of Chinese Matcha: A Deep Dive into Wushiling (Isuzu) Pro Matcha

You've probably heard that Japanese matcha takes center stage in the world of green tea, but have you ever given Chinese matcha a try? In this review, we delve into an intriguing find - Wushiling (Isuzu) Pro Matcha, a promising Chinese brand that offers a unique green tea experience. While on a recent trip to China, I stumbled upon this 50g tin of matcha on Taobao. With limited reliable recommendations for Chinese matcha, I was drawn to its packaging - a small quantity, pricier than usual, and presented in a traditional tin. The brand name, 五十铃 (Wushiling), translates to Isuzu,…
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