Mad over Matcha

The matcha wave shows no sign of slowing, with hotel-based restaurants across the country crafting unique dishes around this verdant trend.

- By Bindu Gopal Rao

Matcha has seen a sharp rise in popularity recently, largely driven by the growing consumer focus on health, wellness, and mindful eating, and hotels are jumping on the bandwagon.

Health first

One of the key reasons behind the surging popularity of matcha is that guests are increasingly seeking out ingredients that not only taste good but also offer functional health benefits. Matcha, being rich in antioxidants like catechins, along with its calming-yet-alert energy boost, has found favour with health-conscious travellers. Additionally, social media has played a role, with matcha's striking green hue making it visually appealing and highly shareable. It also aligns well with the growing demand for plant-based, clean-label, and artisanal food experiences.

"We have seen a major shift in what guests are asking for these days—healthier options, mindful ingredients, and beverages that do more than just taste good. Matcha ticks a lot of those boxes. It's rich in antioxidants, gives a smooth caffeine boost without the jitters, and has a clean, earthy flavour that's grown on a lot of people. Social media has played its part too. Its versatility has also made it a favourite in the F&B industry—appearing in everything from artisanal lattes to gourmet desserts," says Ranjan Rajani, Corporate Chef, Sahara Star and Aamby Valley City.

Matcha musings