Matcha infused foods are in vogue world over !Match the finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has gained worldwide popularity for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. While matcha originated in Japan, it has found a place in various global cuisines, including Thai cuisine. The unique blend of matcha’s earthy, umami notes with traditional Thai ingredients creates a fusion that delights the palate. Here’s a look at ten matcha-infused foods that you may find in a Thai restaurant.
1. Matcha Thai Iced Tea
One of the most iconic beverages in Thailand is the Thai Iced Tea, known for its bright orange hue and sweet, creamy flavor. Infusing this traditional drink with matcha results in a vibrant green twist. The Matcha Thai Iced Tea combines the robust flavors of black tea and matcha, balanced by the sweetness of condensed milk and a hint of spices like star anise and tamarind. The result is a refreshing drink that is both energizing and soothing, with the added antioxidant benefits of matcha.
Watch this video on green Thai tea recipe by Cooking With Vina
2. Matcha Sticky Rice with Mango
Thai restaurants are known for their delightful desserts, and one of the most beloved is Sticky Rice with Mango. This classic dish gets a modern twist with the addition of matcha. The sticky rice is infused with matcha powder, giving it a subtle green tea flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy mango slices. The coconut milk drizzled over the rice adds a creamy texture, making this dish a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and earthy flavors.
3. Matcha Curry
Curry is a staple in Thai cuisine, known for its complex layers of flavor, from spicy to sweet to savory. Matcha curry is a creative fusion where the traditional Thai green curry is enriched with matcha powder. The matcha adds a deeper umami flavor to the curry, enhancing the taste of the coconut milk, lemongrass, and spices. This dish is typically served with jasmine rice or noodles and can be made with various proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
4. Matcha Pad Thai
Pad Thai is perhaps the most famous Thai dish worldwide, featuring stir-fried noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, peanuts, and a tamarind-based sauce. In a matcha-infused version of Pad Thai, matcha powder is added to the sauce, giving the dish a unique green hue and an earthy flavor that complements the sweetness and tanginess of the tamarind. The matcha not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds a new layer of complexity to its taste. Here is the recipe for match pad thai noodle.
5. Matcha Ice Cream with Thai Basil
Ice cream is a popular dessert choice, and when infused with matcha, it becomes a refreshing treat with a distinct flavor. Thai restaurants often serve matcha ice cream alongside fresh Thai basil, which adds a slight peppery note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, bittersweet taste of the matcha. This dessert is light yet satisfying, making it a perfect end to a meal filled with rich and spicy Thai dishes.
6. Matcha Fried Bananas
Fried bananas, or Kluay Tod, are a common street food snack in Thailand. This dessert involves dipping ripe bananas in a batter and deep-frying them until crispy. To elevate this treat, matcha powder is mixed into the batter, giving the bananas a slight green tint and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the bananas. The crispy texture combined with the soft, warm banana inside creates a delightful contrast, and the matcha adds an unexpected twist. This recipe for matcha fried banana is great !
7. Matcha Coconut Soup
Coconut soup, or Tom Kha, is a creamy, aromatic dish typically made with coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, and chicken. Adding matcha to this soup introduces a subtle earthiness that complements the rich coconut flavor. The matcha doesn’t overpower the soup but rather enhances its depth, making each spoonful more flavorful. The bright green color also adds an element of surprise, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Read super recipe for matcha coconut soup.
8. Matcha Mango Salad
Thai salads are known for their vibrant flavors and textures, often combining sweet, sour, spicy, and salty elements. A matcha mango salad is a refreshing take on this concept. Slices of ripe mango are tossed with greens, herbs like mint and cilantro, and a dressing made from matcha, lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of honey. The matcha adds a grassy note that pairs well with the sweetness of the mango and the acidity of the lime, making for a well-rounded dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. Recipe here
9. Matcha-infused Rice Paper Rolls
Rice paper rolls, also known as fresh spring rolls, are a popular appetizer in Thai cuisine. These rolls are typically filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes shrimp or tofu. In a matcha-infused version, matcha powder is blended into the rice paper, giving it a delicate green color and a subtle green tea flavor. The rolls are often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, lime, and a hint of matcha, creating a light yet flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for starting a meal.
10. Matcha Panna Cotta with Thai Tea Reduction
Panna cotta is a creamy, gelatin-based dessert that’s often infused with vanilla or other flavors. In a Thai restaurant, you might find a matcha panna cotta, which combines the creamy texture of the dessert with the earthy flavor of matcha. To give it a Thai twist, the panna cotta is topped with a Thai tea reduction, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the bitterness of the matcha. This dessert is a perfect example of how matcha can be used to add complexity and depth to traditional dishes.
Ten is Not The End !
Matcha’s versatility makes it an exciting ingredient in Thai cuisine, where it can be used to add depth, color, and a unique flavor profile to both traditional and modern dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a matcha-infused curry, sipping on a Matcha Thai Iced Tea, or indulging in a matcha panna cotta, these dishes showcase how matcha can elevate Thai flavors in creative and delicious ways. Next time you visit a Thai restaurant, keep an eye out for these matcha-infused delights—you might just discover a new favorite dish that perfectly balances the vibrant flavors of Thailand with the rich, earthy notes of matcha. We have also posted Five Culinary Idea for Matcha .