The pizza Margherita is said to have been created in honor of Italy’s Queen Margherita of Savoy. Its three toppings—red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil—represent the colors of the Italian flag.
In Japan, however, when food enthusiasts think of the color green, matcha often comes to mind. Now, Kyoto green tea merchant Itohkyuemon, which has been in business since 1832—about 50 years before the first Margherita pizza was made—has created a matcha Margherita pizza.
This unique take on the classic recipe uses matcha to supplement the basil, not replace it. Itohkyuemon’s matcha Margherita pizza features mini tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella. It also includes a matcha mascarpone cheese sauce. After baking, the pizza is finished with a dusting of powdered green tea leaves. Itohkyuemon describes the flavor as a blend of sweetness from the tomatoes and basil, creaminess from the cheese, and a hint of bitterness from the matcha.
The matcha Margherita pizza is priced at 1,990 yen and is available exclusively at Itohkyuemon’s new café on Sannenzaka street in Kyoto, near Kiyomizudera Temple. The café opened in June.
Unlike some other unique culinary offerings in Japan, the matcha Margherita pizza will not be a limited-time item. It is expected to remain on the café’s menu. However, daily quantities are limited by ingredient availability, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early. This is also a great opportunity to try Itohkyuemon’s special autumn-only matcha parfait ice cream bar.
- Café Information
- Itohkyuemon Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Branch
- Address: 3-328 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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