The Imperial Hotel is set to launch its latest dessert, the Kyo Uji Matcha Pie, on December 17th, available exclusively through their online store, ANoTHER IMPERIAL HOTEL. This innovative creation features a delightful flaky pie crust enveloping a rich Uji matcha terrine, representing a collaboration with local Kyoto students from the MUUCHA project, aimed at promoting the beauty of Kyoto’s matcha culture.
The Kyo Uji Matcha Pie is a unique product born from the aspirations of students who want to showcase Kyoto’s tea heritage. Partnering with Chef Yu Sugimoto, the executive chef of the Imperial Hotel, this dessert demonstrates the intersection of tradition and creativity. The pie’s terrine draws heavily from the renowned matcha of Maruari Yoshida Meichaen, a historic tea garden in Uji, while maintaining a refined sweetness intended for adult palates. The end result is a one-bite treat that reveals the bold aromas and subtle bitterness of matcha as soon as it touches your tongue.
ANoTHER IMPERIAL HOTEL serves as a platform where ambassadors such as chefs, sommeliers, and bartenders curate exceptional products from across Japan, focusing on regional collaboration and the stories behind each dish. This venture with MUUCHA is a part of a broader initiative called HACK KYOTO, which aims to increase tourist visits to Kyoto by emphasizing its cultural gems like tea. The synergy between MUUCHA’s youthful perspective and Chef Sugimoto’s culinary expertise has led to this exquisite creation, which celebrates Kyoto's rich tea culture.
For Chef Sugimoto, participating in this project is a way to further spread the charm of Kyoto’s tea culture, which he believes has yet to be fully appreciated worldwide. In his words, “I hope that through this collaboration, we can highlight the unique cultural and culinary heritage of Kyoto, making it accessible to all.” And the sentiment is echoed by the MUUCHA students, who regard their collaboration with the renowned chef as a fantastic opportunity. They have been involved in every step, from conceptualizing the product to designing the packaging, ensuring it resonates with a sense of gift-giving and sharing the experience.
As highlighted by the Kyoto Prefectural Office, this product not only showcases the ingenuity of the students but reflects the community’s commitment to preserving and promoting its tea culture for the next generation. The Kyo Uji Matcha Pie is more than just a dessert; it is a representation of a collective effort to innovate while honoring tradition.
The Kyo Uji Matcha Pie, priced at 4,860 yen for a pack of four, pays homage to the beloved blueberry pie traditionally served at the hotel, merging classic pastry techniques with a distinctly Japanese ingredient. As you prepare to indulge, each pie presents itself as a visually inviting piece, meant to be shared with loved ones for a memorable experience.
For more information or to purchase this specialty pie, visit their official website:
ANoTHER IMPERIAL HOTEL.
Follow their journey on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes insights:
As December approaches, treat yourself to the rich flavors of Kyoto with the Kyo Uji Matcha Pie, a delightful fusion of tradition and modernity perfect for any occasion. Experience a taste of Kyoto’s culture with this tantalizing dessert, uniquely crafted to appeal to contemporary palates while preserving the essence of Japan’s celebrated tea tradition.