SNACKFOOD

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NIKO NEKO MATCHA

Matcha Appreciation Workshop

1st & 2nd April 2017

#Takeoversnackfood

On April 1st, 2017, together with Snackfood, under their signature experience centered program #takeoversnackfood, a matcha appreciation workshop was held that enabled participants to dwell further into the background and history of matcha, the harvesting and the processing, the insight of Japanese tea Ceremony, matcha delicacy pairing and improvised matcha beverages. The workshop was open to public for limited seats, and was held for two days: April 1st and 2nd, 2017 at Snackfood, Bangsar.

INTRO

At Niko Neko Matcha™, ‘bridging the Japanese tradition and modern lifestyle’ is what our goal is. The modus operandi is to reshape the tradition to fit into the modern lifestyle. From historical and cultural perspective, and from a practical point of view as well, the world of Matcha is truly vast. The Matcha appreciation workshop is an approach where public will get to know more about Matcha both the traditional aspects as well as how to incorporate Matcha in our daily life.

INTRO

At Niko Neko Matcha™, ‘ bridging the Japanese tradition and modern lifestyle ‘ is what our goal is. The modus operandi is to reshape the tradition to fit into the modern lifestyle. From historical and cultural perspective, and from a practical point of view as well, the world of Matcha is truly vast. The Matcha appreciation workshop is an approach where public will get to know more about Matcha both the traditional aspects as well as how to incorporate Matcha in our daily life.

THE TOPICS

1. History
2. Harvesting
3. Processing
4. Cupping Session
5. Insight of Tea Ceremony
6. Matcha and food pairing
7. Health benefits

The History

It goes way back to 900 years ago where matcha was originated in Uji, Kyoto. Matcha’s rich and long history began when Japanese Buddhist monks visited China in the 12th century. In this part, participants will get to learn the origin of matcha and the significant event behind the history of matcha. It is this long history of seeking perfection that makes authentic Japanese Matcha the most superb quality.

The History

It goes way back to 900 years ago where matcha was originated in Uji, Kyoto. Matcha’s rich and long history began when Japanese Buddhist monks visited China in the 12th century. In this part, participants will get to learn the origin of matcha and the significant event behind the history of matcha. It is this long history of seeking perfection that makes authentic Japanese Matcha the most superb quality.

The Process

The process of producing matcha has details that are not done in any other type of green tea. From growing to shading and from harvesting to grinding; this section is where participants get the opportunity to learn how matcha is produced in traditional and modern way, what makes artisanal matcha different as compared to commercial matcha, the geographical and demographical effect on matcha.

Insight of Japanese Tea Ceremony

Although the Japanese word for the tea ceremony ‘chanoyu’ literally means “hot water for tea”, the practice involves much more than its name implies. Aided by the traditional brewing tools, participants was able to get hands on experience in the act of preparing and drinking matcha, which is a choreographed art that requires life long of study to master.

Matcha Cupping and Sensory Session

The many grades of matcha exist due to many aspects which include, the processing, the harvesting and even geographical factor. This section is where participants were introduced to multiple ways of sensing matcha to allow them to distinguish different grades of matcha through color, aroma, texture and taste

Matcha Cupping and Sensory Session

The many grades of matcha exist due to many aspects which include, the processing, the harvesting and even geographical factor. This section is where participants were introduced to multiple ways of sensing matcha to allow them to distinguish different grades of matcha through color, aroma, texture and taste

Insight of Japanese Tea Ceremony

Although the Japanese word for the tea ceremony ‘chanoyu’ literally means “hot water for tea”, the practice involves much more than its name implies. Aided by the traditional brewing tools, participants experienced the act of preparing and drinking matcha, which is a choreographed art that requires life long of study to master.

Modern Approach

The modern approach in taking matcha involves more than just matcha tea. The modernized version includes taking matcha in improvised beverages and desserts/pastries. Participants were served with ice shaken matcha tea and matcha fruit mocktail, and was highlighted on matcha delicacy pairing where they were served with local fusion cakes and pastries to see the harmony in taste.

Modern Approach

The modern approach in taking matcha involves more than just matcha tea. The modernized version includes taking matcha in improvised beverages and desserts/pastries. Participants were served with ice shaken matcha tea and matcha fruit mocktail, and was highlighted on matcha delicacy pairing where they were served with local fusion cakes and pastries to see the harmony in taste.

CONCLUSION

To appreciate something, we need to get to know more about it. Through matcha appreciation workshop, we are opening the door to public to learn more about matcha and to appreciate this art of delicacy. As said by Myoan Eisai, the most influential Zen monks in 1200 AD, ‘Matcha is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete’.

CONCLUSION

To appreciate something, we need to get to know more about it. Through matcha appreciation workshop, we are opening the door to public to learn more about matcha and to appreciate this art of delicacy. As said by Myoan Eisai, the most influential Zen monks in 1200 AD, ‘Matcha is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete’.