Review of MK Isuzu, YK Yomo no Kaori, YK Samidori and other SG matcha brands
Hello everyone! I recently tried some matcha from MK and YK and wanted to share some of my thoughts, along with a few accessible and affordable SG brands.
Disclaimer: I only drink unsweetened or very lightly sweetened matcha lattes. I am by no means a matcha expert so please take my opinion (especially the negative ones) with a grain of salt.
- MK Isuzu
Rating: 4/5
Edamame, Creamy, Sweet, Little Astringency (feeling of dryness)
This is a great daily drinking option. I understand why people consider it light for lattes but that’s why I enjoy it. It’s easy to drink on busy mornings.
Note: Lighter doesn’t mean lacking in matcha flavour. It’s just less rich and easier on the palette.
- YK Samidori
Rating: 3.5/5
Seaweed (I LOVE SEAWEED PROFILES), Creamy, Umami, Rich, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Astringent
It’s slightly more astringent and bitter than Isuzu. The bitterness was refreshing but astringency is not my cup of tea.
Wouldn’t recommend this to first time matcha drinkers but would recommend this to people who want to get into YK matcha. Would not repurchase (but I have a 100g bag after my 30g tin 😭😭)
- YK Yomo no Kaori: Current Favourite
Rating: 4.5/5
Very Seaweedy, Creamy, Very Umami, Slightly Bitter, Least astringency (of the 3)
This is the matcha I reach for when I have time to sit down and savour it! Would repurchase.
- All of Naoki’s Barista Blends, Naoki’s Superior, Fragrant Yame and Chiran Harvest Blends.
Rating: 1/5
Very Bitter, Very Astringent, Very Vegetal (not in a good way)
These were my first matcha’s and I enjoyed them in the beginning but after trying higher quality matchas, I would not recommend them or repurchase despite its affordability.
- Naoki’s Limited Edition Fine Matcha Powder
Rating: 1/5
Much more expensive but not better. Not worth the premium price in my opinion.
- Mori Matcha’s Premium Barista Matcha Powder: Affordable and Accessible
Rating: 3/5
Creamy, Nutty, Rich and affordable ($15.99 SGD for 30g), Bitter, Slightly Astringency
It was bitter and slightly astringent but not overpoweringly so (looking at you Naoki). Solid budget friendly option, would repurchase!
- Mori Matcha’s Spring Harvest Matcha Powder
Rating: 1.5/5
Vegetal, Bitter, Astringent and affordable ($14.99 SGD for 30g)
The cheapest offering from the matcha brand. This blend was more bitter and more astringent than Mori’s Premium barista blend. For the small price difference, I would choose the premium barista blend every time. Would not repurchase
Overall Conclusion:
If you don’t mind the heftier price tag and want a more premium experience, try YK and MK!
If you want something more affordable and accessible, try Mori Matcha (especially their higher offerings)
THANK YOU FOR READING! I would love to hear your thoughts if you’ve tried any of these matchas! 💗💗💗