Tsuen Main Branch — Restaurant in Uji

Pricy but worth it, 900 years of matca making experience translates into an elegant but delightful experience for the customer.

The initial tea that was served was already a welcome hit, with an authentic and flavourful tea. This tea was hojicha, and was much more than what was expected for a complimentary tea, which set the stage for the subsequent meals.

The ice cream had a light touch of matcha without it feeling too heavy, which is a key point of Japanese style soft cream. Matcha latte on the other hand, had a heavier presence of matcha flavour, which intensified the drinking experience. Furthermore, the use of local produce in the latte helped accentuate the presence of matcha in the drink, resulting in the most exquisite matcha tasting experience I've had.

The matcha zenzai that came had the most intense matcha flavour of the items that were ordered. This contrasted with the sweet but delicate azuki red beans that came with the white balls to mellow the whole flavour profile. The chemical reaction between all the different elements of this dish compounded into a great matcha zenzai.

As if the food wasn't already good enough, the impeccable hospitality of the staff elevated my entire experience. Overall, this was an unforgettable matcha experience that I will remember for...

The staff and operation here really needs to improve. We wrote our names on waiting list and waited for more than half an hour. Then I noticed that the restaurant was actually empty with at least 4 vacant tables. So I asked the staff how long I would have to wait and they just tell me pls come right in (!!) Only then, they checked the list and let other groups of customers in.

Not yet, after we ordered our meals, we got forgotten again!! We waited another 20 mins and I saw the other groups (who came in after us) got served first with the exact things we ordered. I knew they must have mistaken the sequence of orders. I could see the staffs ran back and forth to the kitchen and discussed about something. But after another 10 mins, there was still nothing came to our table. I had to call them again to check what’s wrong. Seriously they only for one thing on menu for lunch (zaru soba with simple sauce, no meat or cooking required) - how could it possibly take that long?

Finally the noodles came but no explanation nor a single apology was given. The soba was not even good. This is really unacceptable service and I never felt that disappointed before.

If you choose to come here, maybe icecream or sweets only. The soba option is...

The oldest teahouse that existed in Japan! It is said that even lord Tokugawa Ieyasu himself has taken a sip of tea in this place, although don't expect the teahouse still looks the same as back then. Menu has been modernized yet the vintage style is still held up in some part. You get a cup of Hojicha as a welcome drink, their Hot Soba is extremely delicious, the fish! Smells fishy, yet so sweet and salty, I felt like my brain about to blew up from eating the fish just to process the information! It is so delicious! They have various sweet desserts too and they are enjoyable. The staff is very kind, came 30 minutes before close and they still accept me and says I still have time, preparing the menu like the flash with less than 5 minutes after order. They are nice, kind, and English speaking! The stores beside the restaurant area offers various tea you can...