Matcha K, a sister store to Chanowa (the Hiroshima brand now with locations in Chippendale and Rhodes), opened in September 2025 in the premises formerly occupied by Nana’s Green Tea on Level 3 of Chatswood Interchange. To our delight, it offered a menu distinct from its Chanowa counterparts, including the Hōjicha Chestnut Cloud Latte ($9.00).
The beverage presented in layers: a dark brown chestnut sauce base, a taupe middle layer of hōjicha latte, and a crown of vanilla milk foam. Once stirred, the drink revealed a robust hōjicha flavour reminiscent of Chanowa’s original, with a deep roasted nuttiness that carried well through the dairy base. The chestnut emerged in the latter half of each sip, contributing an earthy, nutty richness that amplified the roasted notes of the hōjicha while adding both texture and sweetness. The vanilla cloud foam lent creaminess, but felt unnecessary and tipped the balance toward excess sweetness; the drink would likely have been more enjoyable without it. The fixed ice level was, surprisingly, well-judged and not excessive.
Overall, the harmony of chestnut paste and hōjicha made this one of the best chestnut-flavoured drinks we have encountered, including in Japan, and it would be an easy choice for repurchase—though ideally ordered without the vanilla foam.
This Hōjicha Chestnut Cloud Latte was purchased from Matcha K in Sydney, Australia in September 2025.