Hojicha may not be as well known as matcha, but it has quietly become one of Dubai’s favourite tea-based drinks. Made from roasted Japanese green tea leaves, hojicha has a naturally smooth, nutty flavour with gentle smoky notes and much less bitterness than traditional green tea. Its lower caffeine content also makes it a popular choice for an afternoon pick-me-up or an evening drink.
Across Dubai, more cafés are giving hojicha a place on their menus, from classic lattes and creamy soft serves to creative drinks layered with fruit, coconut, and dessert-inspired toppings. Whether you’re already a fan or looking to try it for the first time, these cafés serve some of the city’s best hojicha drinks.
1. Maison Cha Cha
Tucked away in Downtown Dubai, Maison Cha Cha has built a loyal following for its beautifully designed interiors, wholesome menu, and carefully crafted Japanese-inspired drinks. While the café is widely recognised for its ceremonial-grade matcha, its hojicha latte deserves just as much attention.
Prepared using roasted Japanese hojicha and creamy oat milk with a touch of honey, the latte delivers warm notes of roasted nuts, toasted grains, and subtle caramel. The roasting process removes the grassy flavour often associated with green tea, creating a smoother, richer drink that feels equally comforting served hot or over ice.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it an excellent place to settle in with a book, catch up with friends, or enjoy a quiet coffee break while exploring Downtown Dubai. If you’re trying hojicha for the first time, this is one of the easiest places to appreciate its mellow, balanced flavour.
- Location: Burj Crown, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai.
- Timings: Daily, until 10 pm.
- Price: Hojicha Latte from AED 35.
2. AVANTCHA Tea Bar & Shop
For those who take their tea seriously, AVANTCHA Tea Bar & Shop in Al Quoz is one of Dubai’s most specialised destinations. The minimalist tea boutique combines modern design with traditional Japanese tea preparation, creating an experience that feels calm, thoughtful, and focused entirely on quality.
Hojicha is one of the café’s standout offerings. Alongside its classic hot and iced hojicha latte, AVANTCHA also serves creative variations including the refreshing hojicha cloud, made with coconut water, and a boba hojicha latte for those looking for something more playful. One of the highlights is the hojicha soft serve ice cream, which showcases the tea’s naturally roasted, nutty flavour in a smooth frozen dessert.
Because the café also operates as a retail space, visitors can purchase organic hojicha powder and loose-leaf tea to recreate their favourite drinks at home.
- Location: Warehouse 19, Al Quoz 1, Dubai.
- Timings: Daily, until 7 pm.
- Price: Hojicha drinks from AED 28, with speciality options from AED 35.
3. Gâto
Known for its stylish interiors, Korean-inspired desserts, and social media-worthy drinks, Gâto has transformed hojicha into a playful menu of creative beverages. Instead of offering a single latte, the café experiments with flavours and textures while still allowing the roasted tea to remain the star of each drink.
Its hojicha collection includes favourites such as the coconut cloud hojicha, marshmallow hojicha, strawberry hojicha, and the indulgent white chocolate hojicha sea salt latte. Each drink balances the tea’s toasted character with creamy, fruity, or lightly sweet ingredients, making them ideal for anyone who prefers dessert-style beverages without overpowering the natural flavour of hojicha.
Presentation is just as important as taste here. Layered drinks, fluffy cream toppings, and carefully finished details make every order as photogenic as it is enjoyable. Whether you’re stopping in for an afternoon treat or meeting friends over coffee, Gâto offers one of Dubai’s most creative takes on the growing hojicha trend.
- Location: Al Mina and Creek Beach, Dubai.
- Timings: Daily (hours vary by branch).
- Price: Hojicha drinks from AED 37–39.
4. OTAKU
Located in Dubai Design District (d3), OTAKU blends Japanese-inspired flavours with a contemporary café setting. While the venue is known for its specialty coffee, bakery items, and Japanese soufflé pancakes, its hojicha drinks have also earned plenty of attention.
The menu includes a classic hojicha latte as well as the richer hojicha crème, which is finished with a layer of smooth sweet cream for a more indulgent experience. Made with roasted Japanese hojicha, both drinks offer comforting notes of caramel, toasted nuts, and gentle smokiness without the bitterness often associated with green tea.
If you’re planning to visit, the café’s famous soufflé pancakes make an excellent pairing with the creamy hojicha drinks, creating a dessert-like afternoon treat.
- Location: Building 7A, Dubai Design District (d3).
- Timings: Daily, until 11:30 pm.
- Price: Hojicha drinks from AED 39.
5. The Matcha Tokyo
Although best known for its premium organic matcha, The Matcha Tokyo also serves an excellent hojicha selection that stays true to traditional Japanese tea preparation. The café sources its teas directly from Japan, creating drinks that let the roasted tea speak for itself without relying on excessive sweetness.
The classic hojicha latte is available hot or iced and delivers smooth flavours of toasted nuts, cocoa, and gentle smokiness. If you’re visiting during warmer weather, keep an eye out for the café’s hojicha soft serve, which offers the same roasted flavour in a refreshing frozen dessert.
With its clean aesthetic and focus on authentic Japanese tea culture, The Matcha Tokyo is a great choice for anyone looking to experience hojicha in a simple, traditional way.
- Location: The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai.
- Timings: Daily, until midnight.
- Price: Hojicha drinks from AED 28.
Why is hojicha becoming so popular?
Unlike matcha, hojicha is made by roasting green tea leaves at high temperatures. This process creates its distinctive nutty, smoky flavour while reducing much of the bitterness found in traditional green tea. The roasting process also naturally lowers its caffeine content, making it a popular option later in the day.
As Dubai’s speciality café culture continues to grow, more cafés are introducing hojicha alongside matcha, giving tea lovers even more choice. Whether you enjoy a simple latte or prefer creative dessert-inspired drinks, these cafés show just how versatile roasted Japanese tea can be.
FAQs
What is hojicha?
Hojicha is a Japanese green tea that is roasted after harvesting. The roasting process gives it a warm, nutty flavour with subtle smoky notes and a smoother taste than traditional green tea.
Does hojicha contain caffeine?
Yes, but it generally contains less caffeine than matcha or coffee, making it a popular choice for an afternoon or evening drink.
Where can I find the best hojicha in Dubai?
Some of the most popular places to try hojicha include Maison Cha Cha, AVANTCHA Tea Bar & Shop, Gâto, OTAKU, and The Matcha Tokyo.
Can I order hojicha iced?
Yes. Most cafés on this list offer both hot and iced hojicha lattes, making them suitable all year round.
Is hojicha a good alternative to coffee?
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting drink with a gentler caffeine boost, hojicha is an excellent alternative. It offers rich roasted flavours without the intensity of coffee and pairs well with both sweet and savoury food.
