TOP QUALI TEA KYOTO

There always seem to be something interesting hidden in the hole-in-the-wall spaces within Oxley Tower; recently-opened in the second level of the building would be a Top Quali Tea that is located just around the escalator landing pretty near where some of the existing F&B establishments such as MATBHAI CHAI and Toff Loft Cafe at the same level. Top Quali Tea operates as a takeaway kiosk due to the small space that it occupies within the building, though the building does have its own high tables and chairs which acts as a communal dining area for patrons of the various F&B outlets to use if they so wish to dine-in seated down without having to bring their takeaway items to another location to consume. These folks describe themselves as a Uji-based tea wholesaler that is operating “under the supervision of a certified Japanese tea instructor” which serves up a curated selection of Japanese tea for retail and for its food and drinks menu — the food and drinks menu is being segmented into categories comprising of its Premium Jelly, Lattes, Sparkling Beverages, Straight Tea, Cold-brewed Tea, Affogato and Ice-Cream.

We went for the Premium Matcha Jelly as a post-lunch dessert treat and the Premium Matcha Jelly does come with other elements such as that of Dango (i.e. Japanese Sweet Dumplings) and Azuki Red Bean paste. Top Quality Tea describes their tea jellies to be prepared with 100% plant-based agar rather than gelatin and is Muslim-friendly due to the lack of pork, lard and alcohol in the making of the jelly. For those whom prefer Houjicha, Top Quali Tea also serves up a Premium Houjicha Jelly as well. Digging into the Premium Matcha Jelly, the jelly does come in a soft texture that breaks away almost instantly as one gets to it; there is no springy bite that comes with it and the entire jelly felt rather “pure” in the process of its making. Those whom enjoy their matcha “unadulterated” would be glad to know that the Premium Matcha Jelly comes unsweetened — comes only with the bitter undertones of the tea which was reasonably intense; a great accompaniment to the sparkling tea beverages which comes with the option of adding the Houjicha / Matcha jelly in. The Dango in the meanwhile provides a clean, neutral note whilst introducing a springy bite to the dessert; the addition of red bean paste giving a complimenting earthy note with minimal sweetness.

We also managed to give the Cold Brewed Houjicha a go during our visit to Top Quali Tea and was pretty surprised by how the Cold Brewed Houjicha turned out to be — this would be suitable for those whom enjoy less intense notes of the roasted Japanese green tea. Coming with a clear aesthetic, we enjoyed how the Cold Brewed Houjicha came with a clean finish; all that with just a slight roastiness that was easy on the palate. Considering the popularity of Matcha and Houjicha in recent times, Top Quali Tea is one of those establishments that is bound to catch the attention of the office folks around the Central Business District — this is coupled by the fact that the establishment has a prominent frontage where most taking the overhead bridge leading to Shenton Way MRT Station at the other end would end up passing through. With prices of its offerings priced below $10, the prices are still considered to be rather reasonable for some office workers to treat themselves to once during the week — especially for those whom love their matcha / houjicha offerings; all that whilst serving up quality Japanese tea offerings in the Central Business District.