Whether it’s part of desserts or drinks, matcha seems to be everywhere. If you’re looking to check out
this trendy ingredient, here are a few options:
Floating on ‘Cloud Nine’
This cozy café (1221 Kapiolani Blvd. Ste. 111) offers a variety of light, fluffy, Japanese-style soufflé pancakes. All pancakes are made to order and take about 20 minutes to complete.
Flavors at Cloud Nine Cafe range from the original with maple syrup ($12.75) to matcha cream with red bean ($13.75). The latter features three jiggly pancakes covered in matcha cream and matcha powder, and topped with red beans.
Call 808-739-9988 or visit cloud9cafehi.com.
Chasing sunsets
Sunset Provisions (2863 Kalakaua Ave.) is a hidden gem in Waikiki. This coffee shop/boutique is coming up on its second anniversary this month.
Popular drinks include the dirty vanilla matcha ($10) — double espresso, vanilla, matcha and milk — and ube matcha ($9). The latter features Big Island sweet potato syrup, matcha and milk.
Be sure to check out the variety of housemade pastries, which are baked fresh daily
Call 808-923-1555 or follow the biz on Instagram (@sunsetprovisions).
C’est la vie
Located in The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, La Vie’s (383 Kalaimoku St.) breakfast menu is available daily from 7 to 11:30 a.m. Choose from a delicious — and aesthetically pleasing — assortment of sweet and savory dishes, including avocado toast ($21), signature lemon buttermilk pancakes ($26), croque madame ($27) and corned beef “Oscar” ($40).
Breakfast beverages range from craft cocktails and fresh juices to lattes. G. Lion’s uji matcha latte ($10) is a popular choice, as it’s made with matcha that’s imported from Japan.
Call 808-729-9729 or visit laviewaikiki.com.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta’s column features a variety of tips and insider knowledge about Oahu’s dining scene. Follow Kelli on Instagram (@kellishiromabraiotta).