Matcha Dessert Paradise Lands in Downtown Berkeley

The first full U.S. location of matcha-obsessed Chinese franchise Amausaan Uji Matcha is now open in downtown Berkeley. It’s located at 1950 Shattuck Avenue, which was formerly a beauty shop called Body Time.

Amausaan Uji Matcha has a large menu of mostly matcha-flavored desserts, like soft serve, mochi, and a mille crêpes cake of 18 crepes sandwiched together, as reported by Berkeleyside. There are also drinks like lemonade, a matcha cube latte (milk served with matcha ice cubes), and of course, green tea made with a traditional bamboo matcha whisk. The matcha has been adjusted for American tastes to be less bitter.

The restaurant was first announced in December. It is themed with a white rabbit, and features many kitschy Japanese touches like faux cherry blossoms, red torii at the entrance, and paper lanterns.

Though Japanese-focused, Amausaan Uji Matcha is a Chinese company that started expanding abroad in 2017. It’s is looking to grow its presence throughout the Bay Area, including potential locations in San Jose, San Leandro, and Cupertino, with each location having a different theme (there’s also a takeout window on Clement Street in Inner Richmond).

Amausaan Uji Matcha is currently open Monday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight, though its hours may change.