Palate Party 🎉 Asian Flavours Taking Over
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4 min
Have you noticed the buzz around Asian flavours lately? Let’s dive into three stand out ingredients that are not just delicious but also bring a whole lot of character to our plates: matcha, red bean and sesame.
Matcha Made in Heaven 🍵
Matcha originated in China but has become synonymous with Japanese tea culture. Before matcha gained the notoriety it has now, it was used years and years ago (1500’s even!) for Japanese ceremonial tea practices.
Matcha has taken over cafe menus in Auckland, with an array of drinks ranging from your run of the mill matcha to matcha-infused smoothies. Creativity has struck baristas into mixing fruity berry flavours with matcha, resulting in EPIC fusions like blueberry matcha! This combination is a refreshing twist that marries the best of both worlds - let’s go East meets West. Want a taste? Here are our must-try spots!
Kompass Coffee
Located in the heart of the CBD, Kompass Coffee is a personal favourite of mine. Their matcha’s vibrant green colour is hard to pass up on, especially when a nice outing is in the books with the art gallery nearby! Check their new berry variations on matcha too 👇🏻
Kompass Coffee
Atelier Shu
Located near the best shopping spots in Auckland, Atelier Shu is situated in Newmarket. They are famously known for their aesthetically pleasing layouts and equally tasty desserts - Matcha Petit Cake filled with yuzu curd and Matcha Canelés are just irresistible! Grab yourself a matcha latte and a matcha dessert for a match(a) made in heaven 💚
Atelier Shu
Dear Deer
With 4 locations to choose from, you can visit Dear Deer in Onehunga, Newmarket, Whangaparaoa or Pakuranga. They are a family run business with deep roots and passion in coffee, but they sure have perfected their matcha latte - creamy and full of flavour!
Dear Deer
Red Bean Dreams ☁️
Commonly known as kidney beans in the West, red beans have a rich history in East Asian cuisine, especially in Korea, Japan and China. Unlike the savoury use of red beans in western dishes, red beans are sweetened and used in desserts 🍨
Red beans are a cherished dessert in Asia, and they’re gaining momentum in Auckland. More people are discovering the unique flavour and texture of red bean in sweets, which isn’t too hard to find with the rise of Asian dessert spots! Don’t miss out on the red bean hype, try out these spots!
No.1 Pancake
Located in Albany and Takapuna, their website makes it super easy to order and pick up a delicious Korean style pancake. Famous for their fluffy pancakes, their classic smooth and sweet Red Bean Pancake is a must-try! They even have a Red Bean and Cheese Pancake if you’re feeling adventurous 🤔
No.1 Pancake
Meet Fresh
Satisfying your red bean cravings have never been easier with Meet Fresh’s 4 locations. They offer a wide variety of red bean sweets that highlight its unique flavour. If you’ve never tried red bean desserts, their Matcha Red Bean Waffle or Almond Pudding are great to ease you in. If you’re up to try traditional Chinese desserts, try their signature hot Red Bean Soup and Red Bean Tofu Pudding.
Meet Fresh
KŌRI Desserts
Located in Rosedale, KŌRI delivers on the trendy desserts that look just too good to eat. They’ve paired mouth-watering red bean and matcha into three variations - souffle pancakes, monaka ice cream and bingsu. For an unforgettable dessert experience, venture to the North Shore!
KŌRI Desserts
Sesame See-crets 🤫
Sesame seeds have origins in both East Africa and Asia, however, black sesame desserts first emerged in China, where sesame seeds are celebrated for their rich, nutty flavour 🥜 Sesame is also a great alternative for those with nut allergies, providing a similar flavour profile without the risk.
In recent years, sesame has gained popularity in Western Cuisine, showing up in desserts to savoury dishes like sesame crusted tuna and prawn toast. Sesame’s versatility allows it to shine in many creations. Here are some spots that highlight sesame's versatility!
Glory Patisserie
Located in Takapuna, their Black Sesame Croissant is an absolute treat. Its buttery layers compliment the nutty, toasty flavour of sesame so well. You won’t want to go back to regular croissants after sinking your teeth into this!
Glory Patisserie
Fukurou Patisserie
Located in Mt Eden, Fukurou Patisserie’s Sesame Mille Crepe is a showstopper, the layers of sesame are filled with creamy goodness for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Treat yourself to a delicious slice and or pair it with another one of their tasty flavours. It’s too irresistible!
Fukurou Patisserie
Maggie Bakery
Located in the CBD and Westgate, Maggie Bakery is an Asian-style bakery that offers a variety of treats, including their Sesame Milk Jelly Cake and Mille Crepe Cakes. The Sesame Milk Jelly Cake layers alternate with delicious fluffy cake and luxurious buttercream which brings our taste buds such joy. Don’t miss out on their other creative flavours like Salted Egg Yolk and Durian!
Maggie Bakery
These flavours aren’t just a trend, it’s a celebration of culture! Whether you’re sipping on an earthy matcha latte, indulging in a red bean dessert or devouring a sesame treat, there is something so special about Asian flavours paving a path in the Western world. Why not embark on your own flavour adventure?
Happy tasting everyone x
