Lumine EST Shinjuku, a shopping mall directly connected to Shinjuku Station, houses numerous dining establishments.
Among them, “Ochobohan” is one that stands out with its abundant selection of sweets with a focus on matcha!
Signature dishes at Ochobohan are all about matcha
Matcha used at Ochobohan is sourced from “Fujii Chaen,” a tea plantation in the renowned matcha-producing region of Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. The tea plantation has been in operation dating back to Japan’s Muromachi period.
The matcha produced by Fujii Chaen, cultivated through traditional methods, is characterized by its low bitterness and rich umami.
The flagship dishes at Ochobohan include the “3 types Mini Dessert and Uji tea Latte Set,” a sweets set featuring Uji matcha. Another is a parfait called the “Uji Matcha Parfait and Fruit.”
The first of these signature dishes, the 3 types Mini Dessert and Uji tea Latte Set, is a set comprised of a cupcake, milk pudding, and Mont Blanc.
“ええもんめぐり,” 3 types Mini Dessert and Uji tea Latte Set 1,600 JPY (tax included)
One of the features of this sweet trio is that you can enjoy various matcha flavors in a single set.
Among the three varieties, the milk pudding topped with matcha is the sweetest dessert.
“抹茶ミルクプリン 白玉のせ,” Matcha Milk Pudding with Sweet Dumplings
On top of the sweet milk pudding, there is a generous layer of matcha sauce, providing a smooth texture.
The matcha sauce has a subtle sweetness, with almost no bitterness, making it a recommended choice even for those tasting matcha for the first time.
In contrast to the milk pudding, the cupcake highlights the bitterness of matcha, offering a sharper flavor. The cupcake base carries a pronounced matcha aroma.
“宇治抹茶のカップケーキ,” Uji Matcha Cupcake
The Mont Blanc is a luxurious treat with ample matcha cream. Among the three, it uses the most matcha, resulting in a balance of sweetness and a hint of bitterness.
“宇治抹茶のミニモンブラン,” Uji Matcha Mont Blanc
Beneath the matcha cream, there is sponge cake, whipped cream, and matcha-flavored custard cream.
The restrained sweetness of the matcha cream complements that of the whipped cream and custard cream, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Finally, enjoy a drink with your favorite custom combination. Choose between matcha and hōjicha (roasted green tea) as the base tea, and select from milk, soy milk, or hot water to mix it with.
If you prefer a sweet drink, go for milk; if you like a refreshing aftertaste, choose soy milk; and for those who want to really savor the tea’s flavor, hot water is recommended.
Matcha mixed with milk
The second signature dish on the menu is the Uji Matcha Parfait and Fruit, a parfait with plentily matcha-flavored ice cream as the main component.
Finish it off by pouring matcha sauce over it from the accompanying container.
“宇治抹茶と果実の恵みの至福パフェ－濃い抹茶ソース添え－,” Uji Matcha Parfait and Fruit 1,350 JPY (tax included)
The matcha sauce is a mixture of matcha and refined beet sugar dissolved in water, with a moderate sweetness. When poured over the matcha ice cream, it enhances the matcha flavor.
Moreover, the refreshing bitterness of the matcha sauce pairs excellently with the sweet whipped cream. The matcha sauce helps balance the sweetness, preventing the whipped cream from becoming too overpowering.
While the Uji Matcha Parfait and Fruit primarily features matcha, yuzu (Japanese citrus) also plays a significant role.
Yuzu puree is used as a topping, and yuzu-flavored jelly is layered at the bottom of the dish. The refreshing aroma of this citrus adds a delightful accent to the overall flavor.
The spicy karaage fried chicken has a satisfying crunch!
While Ochobohan is known for its rich selection of matcha sweets, there are also a wide variety of meal options.
“若鶏ムネ肉のスパイシー唐揚げ,” Spicy Deep-fried Chicken 1,410 JPY (tax included)
When we visited, we ordered the “Spicy Deep-fried Chicken,” which features karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken) as its main dish.
Using chicken breast provides a moist texture, and with less fat compared to thigh meat, it’s light and refreshing.
The spiciness comes from black pepper and chili oil. It provides a mild, tingling sensation on the palate rather than an overwhelming heat.
In addition to the fried chicken, the meal set includes nutrient-rich black genmai (brown rice), two side dishes, miso soup, and hojicha.
Black genmai, not particularly common overseas, has a flavor similar to white rice and no unpleasant aftertaste.
Moreso than white rice, it has a firm and chewy texture, offering a satisfying bite.
The side dishes vary from day to day, incorporating a variety of fish, meat, and vegetables. They not only add nutrition and satisfaction but also contribute to the visual appeal of the meal.
Two side dishes and pickles
Ochobohan is bustling with customers from around noon to late afternoon, offering a delightful experience whether you opt for a full lunch, enjoy just sweets and tea, or a combination of both. Whenever you visit, the restaurant promises a satisfying time.
Ochobohan’s exterior
Information
| Store name | Ochobohan |
|---|---|
| Address | Lumine EST Shinjuku 8F, 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Shinjuku Station（SJK） Short walk form the Central East Exit ticket gate
|
| Phone number | 03-5367-2237 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, official website, Tabelog |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:00-22:00 |
| Closed | No holidays excluding Lumine EST Shinjuku holidays |
| Seating | 52 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/ochobohan/shinjuku#/ |
| Other information |
|
※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of March 2024.
