Matcha: The Versatility of Japanese Green Tea

At Ram & Roll at Kempinski The Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, matcha steps out of the dessert case and onto the main stage. Our modern Japanese dining destination treats this vivid green tea as a culinary instrument—one that adds color, umami depth, and aromatic lift across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As we prepare for our grand opening, our chefs are designing ways for matcha to harmonize with handcrafted ramen, fresh-to-order handrolls, robata-grilled specialties, and an elegant Japanese breakfast service—so you can experience Japanese cuisine through a new, emerald-tinted lens.

What Makes Matcha Unique in Japanese Cuisine?

Matcha is a finely milled, shade-grown green tea prized for its bright color, gentle sweetness, and abundant antioxidants. Unlike steeped green tea, you consume the entire leaf when you drink or cook with matcha, which concentrates its flavor and nutrients. The result is an ingredient that feels both delicate and powerful: grassy and creamy, with a soft, lingering finish. In the kitchen, that means matcha can season like a spice, color like a natural dye, and perfume a dish without overwhelming it.

From Ceremony to Culinary Canvas

Traditionally whisked with hot water for a serene tea ceremony, matcha has evolved into a versatile pantry hero. Shade-growing encourages sweeter, more umami-forward leaves; careful steaming and milling protect the leaf’s fragrance. That craftsmanship is why a small pinch carries so much character—think notes of nori, toasted seeds, and spring greens. This makes matcha a bridge between classic Japanese technique and modern flavor-building at Ram & Roll.

Beyond Desserts: Savory Applications You’ll Actually Crave

Yes, matcha enhances desserts. But its most delightful surprises arrive in savory contexts, where a whisper of green can balance richness, punctuate acidity, or amplify umami. Consider the following ways our team deploys matcha as an accent rather than a gimmick:

• Dressings & Vinaigrettes: A pinch of matcha whisked into a rice-vinegar dressing contributes a gentle sea-kissed depth that loves leafy greens, wakame, or chilled tofu. It’s an elegant partner for seafood-forward plates and light lunch sets.
• Seasoned Salts: Matcha salt (matcha blended with fine sea salt) becomes a finishing flourish—sprinkled over crisp tempura, charred seasonal vegetables, or even a soft-boiled ramen egg to accent the yolk’s creaminess.
• Marinade Accents: When used sparingly in a soy–mirin glaze, matcha adds a nuanced bitterness that balances sweetness and brings out grilled notes from the robata, without turning the marinade green or sweet.
• Broth Enhancements: In carefully tested proportions, a dash of culinary-grade matcha can add aromatic lift to light soy-based preparations without changing the soul of the broth. The key is restraint—think “perfume,” not “paint.”

These savory techniques reflect our broader philosophy: matcha should serve the dish, not steal the scene. That lens keeps flavors clean, grounded, and unmistakably Japanese.

How Matcha Complements Ram & Roll’s Menu

Our culinary team anchors the experience with handcrafted techniques and premium sourcing. Broths for our ramen are simmered for hours to create depth; handrolls and sushi rolls are prepared fresh-to-order with seasoned rice and premium seafood. Within this framework, matcha plays a supporting role that ties courses together with color and calm.

• Ramen Pairings: A light sprinkle of matcha salt on marinated egg or blanched greens can contrast the richness of tonkotsu or the warmth of spicy miso. Explore our noodle craft and see how small accents heighten the bowl’s balance. For a closer look at our noodle mastery, visit our page on ramen in Dubai.
• Handroll Rhythm: The oceanic whisper of matcha pairs beautifully with crisp nori and cool rice. We may accent accompaniments—like a vinaigrette for pickled vegetables—to echo the green note in a subtle way. Discover our fresh-to-order rolls on the handrolls in Dubai page.
• Robata Balance: Robata-grilled cuts gain smoky intensity; matcha-inflected condiments (used judiciously) re-center the palate between bites. Learn more about our approach to flame and finesse on the robata grill page.

Breakfast, Reimagined: A Japanese Morning with a Green Glow

One of Ram & Roll’s signatures is a refined Japanese-style breakfast service—rare in Dubai—crafted to feel restorative and indulgent at once. Here, matcha is both ritual and refreshment. A properly whisked bowl settles the morning; gentle sweetness and fresh-grass aromas awaken the senses without overwhelming them. We pair this with composed plates that emphasize clean flavors and balance.

Imagine warm miso soup, delicate tamagoyaki, crisp seasonal pickles, and a small serving of chilled tofu—each bite designed for texture and contrast. A matcha latte, whisked and finished with steamed milk if you wish, adds comfort; alternatively, a classic usucha served straight highlights clarity and craftsmanship. Explore our morning offerings on the Japanese breakfast in Dubai page.

Perfect Pairings at Dawn

Matcha’s delicate bitterness complements protein and umami beautifully at breakfast. It can cleanse the palate after a bite of salmon, frame the sweetness of tamagoyaki, or contrast the nuttiness of sesame-dressed greens. When guests prefer non-alcoholic pairings later in the day, our tea program steps in with equal care—discover more on Japanese drinks, including premium teas and thoughtfully crafted sips.

Desserts with Definition—Not Just Color

When dessert arrives, matcha returns to familiar ground. Its grassy-sweet tones stitch richness to freshness—think cheesecakes with crisp bases or creamy textures that end the meal cleanly rather than cloying. The best matcha desserts taste layered: first the cream, then the green. They look jewel-like but, more importantly, deliver balance. Because we see matcha as a seasoning, our pastry team uses it with intention, choosing textures—mousse, custard, or baked—that preserve fragrance and hue.

Craft, Quality, and Culinary Integrity

At Ram & Roll, technique is everything. Our kitchen relies on authentic Japanese methods, premium seafood, and long-simmered stocks to build flavor from the ground up. That same respect guides how we introduce matcha to a dish: measured, precise, and always in service of the whole. By keeping proportions modest and preparation meticulous, we protect matcha’s perfume and color while allowing the base ingredients—broth, rice, fish, seasonal vegetables—to sing.

We also believe in guiding our guests through choices and pairings. Whether you’re planning a leisurely dinner or a swift midday meal, our team curates a progression that feels calm, coherent, and satisfying. Browse our evolving selections and plan your visit via the menu, and when you’re ready to join us at Kempinski The Boulevard, secure your table through our reservation page.

Flavor Pairing Guide: Making Matcha Work for You

To understand matcha’s versatility, think like a painter working with contrast and complement:

• Citrus & Aroma: Yuzu, lemon, and orange brighten matcha’s verdant core—perfect in light dressings for seafood or greens.
• Chocolate & Cream: Cocoa’s roasted depth softens matcha’s grassy edges; dairy or tofu adds a cushion for flavor.
• Ginger & Warm Spice: Gentle heat from ginger or a whisper of cinnamon can round the palate in sauces and dessert creams.
• Toasted & Nutty: Sesame, roasted rice, and buckwheat love matcha’s freshness; together they create a satisfying push-pull of savory and sweet.

Above all, start light. A scant pinch goes far—especially in savory contexts—keeping taste elegant and textures pristine. That’s the approach we take across our lunch and dinner services in Dubai; if you’re exploring midday, our Japanese lunch offerings provide smart, balanced sets that showcase harmony without heaviness. For evenings, our Japanese dinner in Downtown Dubai brings ceremony to the table with curated courses and pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “matcha beyond desserts” really mean?

It means treating matcha like a versatile seasoning rather than a single-purpose sweetener. At Ram & Roll, we use it to add nuance to dressings, finishing salts, and select condiments, as well as to complement desserts and breakfast beverages.

Will every dish taste strongly of green tea?

No. Our philosophy is balance. Matcha is used to enhance, not dominate, so most applications are subtle—more like a refreshing echo than a lead vocalist.

How do you ensure authenticity?

We emphasize time-honored Japanese techniques, premium sourcing, and meticulous preparation. Broths simmer for hours, handrolls are made to order, and each use of matcha is measured to respect the dish’s core flavors.

Can I enjoy matcha if I’m new to Japanese tea?

Absolutely. Start with a classic whisked matcha or a gently sweetened matcha latte at breakfast, then explore how it appears in light savory accents at lunch or as a refined note in dessert.

Where can I see what’s currently available?

Our offerings will continue to evolve as we prepare to welcome you. For the latest selections, explore the menu, and when you’re ready, book a table via reservations at Kempinski The Boulevard in Downtown Dubai.

Plan Your Visit

Ram & Roll is a sanctuary for discerning diners where serenity meets indulgence. From a restorative Japanese breakfast to a crafted dinner anchored by ramen, handrolls, and robata grill specialties, our team welcomes you to experience matcha as more than a dessert flavor—an elegant thread that connects courses, moods, and moments. We look forward to hosting you in our sophisticated, welcoming space at Kempinski The Boulevard, Dubai.