What is Hojicha? Japanese Roasted Green Tea and Where to Find It in Singapore

Hojicha is a Japanese green tea that is roasted after steaming. The roasting turns the leaves reddish brown and gives the tea a toasty, nutty, caramel-like taste with little of the grassy bitterness found in other green teas. It is popular in Singapore as hot tea, hojicha lattes, ice cream, cakes and bubble tea.

How hojicha is made

Hojicha is usually made from sencha, bancha or kukicha (stems and twigs) that have been roasted at a high temperature. The tea is widely said to have been first made in Kyoto in the 1920s. The roasting reduces astringency and also lowers the caffeine content.

What it tastes like

Hojicha is smooth and mellow, with notes of roasted nuts, caramel and toasted grain. Because there is little bitterness, you can steep it hot with boiling water without it becoming harsh.

Caffeine

Hojicha is generally lower in caffeine than other green teas, since roasting drives off some caffeine, and the stems and older leaves used contain less. Caffeine still varies by tea and how it is brewed, so people who are sensitive to caffeine or pregnant should check with a healthcare professional.

Ways to enjoy it

• Hot or cold brewed tea: steep loose leaves or tea bags in hot water, or cold brew them in the fridge.
• Hojicha powder: used for lattes, baking and desserts. Look for powder made from roasted green tea, not flavoured mixes.
• Cafe drinks and desserts: hojicha lattes, soft serve, cakes and bubble tea are common on Singapore menus.

Where to buy hojicha in Singapore

You can find hojicha leaves, tea bags and powder at:

• Japanese supermarkets and grocers
• Specialty tea shops and online tea retailers
• General supermarkets, in the tea aisle
• Online marketplaces, where you should check seller ratings and the origin on the label

Specialist shops and cafes change stock and menus often, so check their websites or call ahead before making a trip for a specific product.

Buying tips

• Check whether the product is leaf, tea bag or powder, and whether it is pure roasted green tea or a blended mix with sugar or milk powder.
• Look for the production region (such as Kyoto or Shizuoka) if provenance matters to you.
• Store opened packs airtight, away from light and moisture.