This is the Machi Machi Jasmine Plum Jello ($8.00, less sugar, fixed ice). It consisted of a base of jelly set with a whole Chinese plum (or ume in Japan) within that is then topped with freshly brewed jasmine green tea that’s been blended with ice. To enjoy all the textures of the drink, the staff recommended first drinking the blended ice tea directly from the bottle before inserting the straw to try the jasmine tea in its liquid form and finally stirring the straw to break up the jelly and release the plum flavour.
Upon tasting, the blended ice gave an initial refreshing crunch before the floral notes of the jasmine came through fragrant with moderate astringency. The tea itself does not carry the plum flavour, which came through breaking up the whole fruit at the bottom of the bottle. The fruit is soft and yields easily to the straw while delivering a flavour packed dose of plum flavour with a very prominent sweetness from the honey used to preserve the fruit. The sweet plum notes amplify the dewy notes of the jasmine, although it lacked the signature acidity that typifies ume drinks and flavoured foods in Japan. The refreshing flavour and varying temperatures and textures in the drink make this one to which we return.
Machi Machi is located at Shop RB05A LG Level Central Park Mall, 1 Central Park Ave, Chippendale NSW 2008.