Matcha gets all the glory these days, so I’m here to show love for hojicha, or roasted green tea. For this roundup, I opted for treats that go beyond simple hojicha—not that there’s anything wrong with it—to spotlight more variety. Shoutout to my favorite strawberry hojicha latte at Cooke Street Market and hojicha frappé and seasonal soft serve (served through September) at Matcha Café Maiko. Here are other hojicha treats worth checking out.
Chillest Shave Ice
Hojicha shave ice, $8 (condensed milk snow cap $1 more)
Chillest is the only place I know of that offers hojicha shave ice, and pairing it with the housemade strawberry milk is peak—a combo that keeps me from trying other flavors. The roasted flavor of the hojicha, strong but not bitter, melds perfectly with the natural sweetness and creaminess of the strawberry milk. The freshly shaved snow melts quickly, so scoop fast, then slurp up the leftover syrup soup with a straw.
Cash only, 3408 Waialae Ave., Kaimukī, @chillestshaveice
Cooke Street Market
Hojicha cheesecake, $14…