Traveling tastebuds: Kyoto matcha WOWBOX

Last month, WOWBOX featured cherry blossom-themed treats from all across Japan. This month, we’re going local! The May WOWBOX is designed to highlight local artisans in Kyoto and the snacks they produce. I was especially excited about this box, since I had the opportunity to visit Kyoto on my 2-week trip through Japan in 2019. More importantly, I was able to visit Uji, the matcha tea capital of the world! 

There, I visited the tea house that supplied matcha to the shogun during the Edo period. They walked it all the way from Kyoto to Tokyo, guarded by samurais! I also learned about the process that makes Uji matcha so special: the ooishita method. Green tea leaves are covered before being plucked, preserving the rich green color of the plant and increasing the umami flavor of the leaves. The time-consuming and tedious process ensures that only the best leaves are harvested, resulting in the most premium matcha in the world! 

Note: This is the second in a series of sponsored posts by WOWBOX, and this post may contain affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own and I will never recommend anything to you that’s not awesome!

Want to take your tastebuds to Kyoto? WOWBOX’s Kyoto box brings artisan treats from the region right to your front door! Keep on scrolling for a WOWBOX promo code just for The Sweet Wanderlust readers! 

Nama Yatsuhashi in Uji Matcha Flavor by Higashiyama

Somehow, I missed trying yatsuhashi on my trip to Japan. But I won’t make that mistake again! Although they look a little like ravioli or a wonton, the dough is made from glutinous rice flour– just like mochi– and flavored with matcha. Wrapped inside, Uji matcha bean paste is the perfect addition. 

Double Rich Uji Matcha Pudding by Kyo Migawa

I often think of matcha as being bitter, but this matcha pudding is smooth and sweet! I think it’s meant to be a dessert, but I thought it made a tasty breakfast. 

Maiko-San Chocolate Cookies by Maicoto

Maisendo is known for creating beautiful folding fans, but now they have another claim to fame; their cookie brand Maicoto, celebrates all things Kyoto. This one is shaped like Maiko, an apprentice geisha in Kyoto. When I unboxed this delivery, a follower responded to tell me that the white chocolate cookies from Maicoto are her family’s favorite. Lucky me– The Kyoto Box includes the kind she loves! The three-pack includes two white chocolate cookies and a matcha cookie to balance it out. I usually don’t love packaged baked goods, but this one is an exception! The cookie actually started melting in my hand as I took (too many) photos, so the white chocolate content is really high– just the way I like it!

‘Maiko Hii~ Hii~’ Spicy Curry Senbei by Maruya

I’ve got a sweet tooth the size of Texas, but this spicy, savory snack was my favorite. The combination of Japanese domestic habanero peppers and curry flavor brought me right back to my time in Gunma, where I ate Japanese curry at a roadside station. 

Uji Matcha Wafer by Nakashin

As a child, I loved the vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate wafers from the grocery store. The only problem? If you don’t eat them all at once, they get stale. These matcha wafers are individually wrapped so every wafer is as crispy as the first!

Simi Choco Matcha Milk

Think of these corn puff stars as a sweet, Japanese Cheeto! Immersed in white chocolate and dusted with matcha powder, it’s impossible to stop with just one puff! 

The WOWBOX Kyoto Tabi Box brought me right back to my time in the cultural capital of Japan. Eating these snacks reminded me of strolling through Nishiki Market and sampling unique foods, trying on kimonos, and grinding my own matcha. I’m not sure when I’ll make it back to Kyoto, but in the meantime, I’m loving the opportunity to try all the flavors of Japan at home. 

Whether you’re missing Japan or dreaming of your first visit, WOWBOX is a great way to take your tastebuds all the way across the world without ever leaving your house. Click here to subscribe to WOWBOX’s 1, 3, 6, or 12-month subscription plan and use WOWBOX promo code WANDERLUST10 until April 30, 2021, for 10% off your order! 

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