🍵Matcha Reviews: HARERUYA | Top-notch flavours | A new challenger approaches
HARERUYA is a small ice cream bar/takeaway cafe in Carlton offering Japanese-flavoured desserts, food and drinks. We visited on a Friday night with only a few staff members working so we had to wait about twenty minutes in line before being served. The staff were very nice and happy to let us try some of the ice creams flavours, which was a pleasant surprise considering how busy they were.
We ended up ordering a two-piece Daifuku with genmaicha and strong matcha gelatos and a hot hojicha latte. It was a bit disappointing that HARERUYA didn't offer any seating in the cafe so we headed to some public seats in the park across the street to enjoy our dessert. During the day it would be fine but it might be a little tough if the weather isn't so good. The presentation was basic, but totally acceptable as it got the job done.
The flavour of the gelatos were delightful. They were both incredibly well-balanced - clear tea flavours that were present and not too sweet. Specifically, we tried the strong matcha flavour and the genmaicha flavour. The strong matcha has a classic bold matcha taste that any matcha lover would like. The genmaicha is an interesting flavour that is somewhere between hojicha and strong matcha with a slightly roasted quality. They both tasted unique and this ensured that we didn't feel like we were buying two of the same thing. It was very impressive that two distinct matcha flavours were on offer. The fact that HARERUYA got them both so right demonstrates their expertise and familiarity with these tea flavours. So far this is the only genmaicha dessert I have encountered in Melbourne.
They also offer other interesting gelato flavours like hojicha chocolate and edamame (steamed green bean).
The texture of the gelatos were smooth and pleasant to eat. The mochi wrapping was chewy and provided a fun texture that complimented the gelatos.
The hojicha latte was a little lukewarm but had a great roasted tea flavour that was well-balanced with sweetness.
The price point of those items were actually quite acceptable considering the unique flavours and desserts HARERUYA is offering. The opening hours are also very accommodating compared to other matcha cafe competitors in the city.
Final verdict: MUST TRY IF YOU ARE IN MELBOURNE, TOP-NOTCH FLAVOURS
Atmosphere and venue: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Presentation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#lillyreviewsmatcha #matchagelato #daifuku