Dubai Matcha: Pistachio Milk, Ceremonial Matcha & Kunafa Cream

Dubai Matcha: When Japan Meets Dubai in a Glass

Some drinks tell a story. The Dubai Matcha is one of them: a suspended bridge between the serenity of Japanese green tea and the sweet indulgence of Dubai pistachio chocolate that went viral on social media. A cup that has all the elements of an ancient ritual and all the pleasure of contemporary indulgence.

This recipe is inspired by The Brick Room's signature creation in Marseille, exclusively served in their Temperance space. A simple but meticulously crafted concept: layers, textures, a balance of flavors that you wouldn't expect. And good news: you can make it at home in under 10 minutes.

It all started with the Dubai chocolate bar — that blend of milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and crispy kunafa that flooded Instagram in 2023. Since then, pistachio and kunafa have become essential ingredients in global food culture. Creative cafes worldwide began incorporating them into their drinks — and matcha, with its vegetal nature and spectacular color, proved to be the perfect partner.

The result? A visually striking layered drink, where the deep green of ceremonial matcha contrasts with the creamy beige of pistachio milk and the golden hue of toasted kunafa. East meets Middle East, as The Brick Room aptly describes it.

The key to this recipe is the balance of contrasts:

Pistachio milk provides a natural, creamy, slightly sweet flavor without added sugar. Pistachio is a nut rich in unsaturated fats and proteins, with a deep, woody taste — far from the artificial pistachio of industrial colorings.

Ceremonial matcha, on the other hand, is the exact opposite of sweetness: vegetal, umami, slightly bitter on the finish. It's this tension that makes the drink interesting. An inferior quality matcha would be too bitter, too herbaceous — it would overpower everything. That's why we recommend TSUKI Original Matcha, a ceremonial grade matcha from the Yabukita cultivar in Shizuoka, Japan. Its sweet and umami notes integrate perfectly into this recipe without ever dominating.

The whipped pistachio cream on top is a direct nod to the Dubai bar. And the kunafa shards + grated chocolate provide that textural contrast, crispy against creamy — which transforms a simple drink into a true experience.

This is not a recipe where matcha is incidental. It forms the aromatic foundation of the entire drink — the intense green layer that visually and tastefully anchors the whole.

For this recipe, the quality of matcha is non-negotiable:

• Low-grade matcha will yield a dull khaki-yellow color and a harsh taste that will throw everything off balance.
• Ceremonial grade matcha like TSUKI Original Matcha brings a vibrant jade green color, a fine and silky foam, and umami notes that harmonize with the pistachio.

Our Matcha is grown in Japan, from leaves shaded for 3 weeks before harvest — which concentrates chlorophyll (color), L-theanine (sweetness), and catechins (benefits). This is exactly the profile this recipe needs.

Dubai Matcha Recipe (for 1 glass)

Ingredients:

• 2g of Matcha
• 50ml hot water (max 75°C — never boiling)
• 150ml pistachio milk (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp pistachio cream (Krem type or homemade)
• 40ml very cold heavy cream
• 10g shredded kunafa (or angel hair pastry)
• 5g grated dark chocolate
• Ice cubes

For homemade pistachio milk:

• 80g unsalted, unroasted pistachios
• 400ml filtered water
• 1 pinch of salt

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare homemade pistachio milk (optional) Soak pistachios in cold water for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Drain, rinse. Blend with 400ml of water for 2 minutes. Strain through a fine cloth or a nut milk bag. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This step is optional — a good store-bought pistachio milk also works.

2. Prepare the kunafa In a small dry skillet, toast the shredded kunafa (or angel hair pastry) over medium heat until golden and crispy. Set aside. This step takes 3 minutes and makes all the difference.

3. Whisk the matcha Sift 2g of Matcha into a bowl. Pour in 50ml of 75°C water. Whisk in a rapid W motion until a fine, homogeneous foam forms. Set aside.

4. Whip the pistachio cream Whip the very cold heavy cream with 1 tbsp of pistachio cream until it reaches a soft texture, neither liquid nor too firm. Store in the refrigerator.

5. Assemble the glass Place ice cubes in a tall cylindrical glass. Pour in the cold pistachio milk. Gently pour the matcha over the back of a spoon to create the green gradient.

6. Crown and finish Top with a thick layer of whipped pistachio cream. Sprinkle with toasted kunafa shards and grated dark chocolate.

💡 Texture tip: The wider the glass, the more visible and photogenic the layers. A cylindrical "tumbler" glass is ideal.

💡 No kunafa tip: Replace with kadaif pastry pieces, feuilletine, or even lightly toasted cornflakes for a crunchy effect.

The Dubai Matcha is not just an aesthetic drink — it concentrates ingredients with interesting nutritional profiles:

Ceremonial matcha is naturally rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes a state of calm and sustained concentration — without the cortisol spike associated with coffee. It also contains catechins (antioxidants), vitamin C, and magnesium.

Pistachio is one of the nuts richest in plant proteins and fiber. It contains lutein, beneficial for vision, as well as heart-protective unsaturated fats.

Together, they form a satisfying, stimulating, and gourmet drink — far from a simple sugary coffee.

Can Dubai Matcha be made lactose-free? Yes, absolutely. Pistachio milk is naturally plant-based. For the cream, use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream — the result is just as creamy.

What is the difference between Dubai Matcha and a classic matcha latte? A classic matcha latte is a simple preparation: matcha + milk + optionally a sweetener. Dubai Matcha is a multi-layered signature drink, with a sweet pistachio cream, crunchy kunafa, and grated chocolate. It's a complete taste experience, somewhere between a drink and a dessert.

Can it be prepared hot? The hot version exists and is delicious in winter — but it loses the visual layering effect. For a photogenic result, opt for the iced version.

Which matcha should definitely be used? A ceremonial grade matcha.

Make this recipe and tag us on Instagram @tsuki_matcha — we love seeing your creations and reposting the best versions. This drink deserves to be photographed before being drunk 🍵

Ready to get started? Order your matcha here.