The Five Best Matcha Green Tea Desserts in Miami

When it comes to green tea desserts, people tend to focus first on the dish’s aesthetic rather than its potential for fabulous flavor. But little do they know: The two are a matcha made in heaven.

The light emerald hue of matcha — finely grounded green tea powder — lends itself to a number of dessert recipes that boast its slightly nutty, rich aromatic earth taste. While there are a number of health benefits associated with matcha, Miami restaurants have remixed the full-bodied ingredient into sugary delights, some healthier than others.

Devotees of matcha green tea or those looking to expand their palates beyond scoops of standard vanilla ice cream or slices of chocolate cake are invited to take a bite of the following matcha-infused recipes that are steeping throughout the Magic City.
5. Matcha Green Tea Gelato at Latteria Italiana
Midtown’s quaint gelato shop located at 3301 NE First Ave., Latteria Italiana proffers a palatable selection of house-made artisanal gelato, ranging from dark-hued Ferrero Rocher to the pastel tropicalia. But a scoop of the chalky, velvety matcha tea flavor in a cup or cone makes for a perfect ending to a hearty Italian-imported pasta dish or melt-in-your-mouth piadina. Gelato prices start at $4.90 per serving.
4. Green Tea Crepe at Gyu-Kaku 
Everything you love about the feather-light, French-style pancakes grows tenfold at Gyu-Kaku, nestled in the Infinity at Brickell on 34 SW 13th St., Unit R1. When dining at this Japanese-style barbecue joint, don’t forget to save room for dessert. The fried banana cheesecake fritter or chocolate lava cake may seem like the best options; however, Lady M’s green tea mille crepes ($12) are the no-brainer here. Green tea powder is infused into every element of the delicate multilayered crepe, creating a smooth, luscious, and one-of-a-kind taste that pairs best with none other than green tea ice cream, served on the side.
3. Green Tea Tres Leches at Drunken Dragon
Drunken Dragon breathes fire into South Beach with its extensive mix of do-it-yourself Korean barbecue offerings, along with other savory Asian treats. In the dimly lit lair of this trendy Alton Road eatery, it’s the moist green tea tres leches that truly shines. The decadent three-milk-soaked cake is topped with a coconut-cashew crumble, praline brittle, and white choco sauce sure to satisfy any sweet tooth or fulfill any drunken food desires.
2. Green Tea Soufflé at Soho Bay
Brazilian import Soho Bay has been making waves in South Beach for more than a year. Located at 520 West Ave., the first U.S. outpost overlooks Biscayne Bay and serves a variety of well-executed Japanese delicacies, including sushi and sashimi thrillers. Dessert is a must, mainly the matcha green tea vanilla soufflé ($11) with lemongrass-ginger crème anglaise sauce. What better way to enjoy unparalleled views than with a beautiful dessert to match?
1. Green Tea and Banana Cake at Zuma   
Asian-inspired entrées are essential at Zuma, a stylish but pricey, larger-than-life lounge nestled in downtown’s Epic Hotel. And the desserts are as divine as they get. Forgo the other confectionery contenders — nothing beats the ultra-dense green tea and banana cake ($10). A block of banana cake sits atop a very thin layer of green tea cake, which brings out the right amount of bitterness to complement the sweetness of ripe bananas. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, creamy coconut ice cream and a generous drizzle of toffee sauce improve an already perfect dessert.

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