Does Starbucks in your country have 抹茶 (Japanese Green Tea) drinks on their menu?
I suspect that it’s another only-in-Japan thing.
Starbucks Japan‘s newest item on their menu is 「チョコレート・ブラウニー抹茶クリーム・フラペチーノ」 (“Chocolate Brownie / Green Tea Cream Frappuccino“).
Do you like Starbucks? Would you order this drink?
We have a green tea frapp at our Starbucks in Saskatoon and it is awesome! I don’t think we have any other variations though — I should look into that. Regular green tea is also an option for hot tea lovers. They even sell matcha powder for those who would like to make it at home.
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Do you drink Japanese green tea often?
Is it popular in Canada?
Does it taste the same as 抹茶 (green tea) in Japan?
I’ve heard that they sell “Japanese Green Tea” in America … but it tastes nothing like “real” Japanese Green Tea. It’s been sweetened to suit American taste.
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I don’t like green tea unless it’s in sweets. I’ve never been a fan of hot tea, so I tried it iced and I didn’t like that either.
I would say it is pretty popular here, mostly because it’s been mentioned on a lot of shows (probably starting with Oprah) because of all the health benefits. Nestle and Arizona seem to be the most popular brands for prepared, bottled/canned green tea — but whether it is Japanese or not is unclear.
As for the taste, well I’ve never been to Japan so I can’t say whether it tastes the same or not. You can buy the real deal in stores here (especially Asian markets) so I’m assuming that would be the same. The difference is probably in the preparation. Most cafe’s like Starbucks don’t add sweeteners, but leave that up to the customer.
That being said, America is such a big continent that it probably varies place to place. The best place in Canada for real Japanese product is probably Victoria and/or Vancouver, B.C.
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I think the Nestle and Arizona brands that I heard about that don’t taste like Japanese Green Tea but just sweet tea.
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I have had that minus the brownie bits, it’s quite good.
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You had a Green Tea Frappaccino at Starbucks?
In Japan, I assume.
I’m actually not a big fan of Starbucks. I like coffee … but their drinks are too sweet!
But I had a taste of the Green Tea Frappaccino when my daughter bought one and let me try it.
I agree … it’s not bad.
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Yes, they have it here in Yokosuka on base. I don’t do Starbucks often but now and then I meet a friend there for an afternoon chat. My usual drink is the Chai Tea Latte. Delicious!
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I’ve been to that base years ago on their “Friendship Day” when they allowed visitors into the base.
It was interesting. Like leaving Japan and suddenly being in America!
I didn’t see a Starbucks … but the food I ate there was quite “American” !
Is the Starbucks on the base the same as Japanese Starbucks or American?
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I haven’t been to one in town yet, I’ll go on a research mission to find out and report back. 🙂
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You don’t have to go for me. I was just curious … if you don’t know, it’s certainly no problem.
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Well it isn’t exactly a task I wouldn’t look forward to. lol
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Well, if you do go, please tell me how Starbucks (or anything else) is different in Japan compared to America.
I came to Japan before there were Starbucks … so I’ve never been to one in America.
(I’ve also never seen an American cellphone! How are those different from Japanese ones? (I’m sure American ones don’t have Japanese keypads!))
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I would order that! Yet another reason I need to return to Japan.
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It’s not available outside of Japan, is it?
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