Matcha Eight’s Sakura Menu Captures Spring’s Fleeting Beauty

By Danial Martinus  •  17 Apr 2025 in Food

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There’s something almost poetic about matcha. The earthy aroma, the slight bitterness softened by sweetness—it’s more than just a dessert ingredient. To many, it’s a reminder of tradition, craftsmanship, and slowing down to savour the moment. And the folks at Matcha Eight just get it.

Now, if you’re into matcha and Japanese culture, you’ll want to check out their latest seasonal drop—the Sakura Menu. It’s not just about pretty pink desserts; it’s a thoughtful tribute to Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season, where every bite feels like a stroll under sakura trees in full bloom.

An obsession with authenticity

The heart of the menu this year is something called the Hanami Platter, and it’s a work of art.

You get sakura ice cream, sakuramochi, sakura jelly, traditional warabimochi, and sakura tea—yes, all in one tray. It’s available at their flagship store in The Exchange TRX, and you can either share it (RM68++) or keep it all to yourself (RM48++)… No judgment here.

For context, this writer has previously eaten at their outlet in The Exchange TRX, and I can say with absolute certainty that every element feels intentional, like a little piece of Kyoto placed in front of you.

But what makes Matcha Eight stand out isn’t just their beautiful presentation—it’s their obsession with authenticity. They don’t mess around with artificial stuff. No preservatives. No fake flavours.

Everything is made with real ingredients, including sakura flowers flown in from Kochi Prefecture, Japan. You can taste the difference. It’s subtle, delicate, and refreshingly real.

This menu, like all things sakura, won’t be around forever

It’s their way of capturing the fleeting beauty of spring—just like Japan’s hanami tradition, where people gather under blooming trees to reflect, reconnect, and just enjoy the ‘now’.

The brain behind these flavours is Master Chef Takuji Takahashi, a Michelin-starred chef from Kyoto. You can feel his influence in how the textures, ingredients, and even the tea are balanced. It’s said to not be overly sweet or showy—it’s just right.

And if you’re looking for something lighter, they’ve also rolled out a Hanami Bites Set (RM22++), which pairs a drink with a dessert of your choice. It’s perfect if you want a quick sakura fix without going all out on the platter.

Bringing bold and complex flavours to Malaysia since 2021

Matcha Eight launched back in 2021, and since then, they’ve quietly built a name for themselves with their artisanal matcha, sencha, and hojicha ice creams.

Everything is made using single-origin tea powder from Wazuka town, Kyoto—one of Japan’s most respected tea-producing regions. The result? Bold, complex flavours that make each scoop a small ceremony.

So if you’ve ever wanted to experience hanami without hopping on a plane, this is probably the closest (and tastiest) way to do it.

Head over to their outlet at The Exchange TRX or LaLaport Bukit Bintang starting 18 April 2025. Don’t wait too long—sakura season, like all good things, won’t last forever.

To stay in the loop, follow Matcha Eight on Instagram.

For more makan stories, head to JUICE Malaysia.