Sweet Treats: Don’t Sleep on the Hojicha Frappé at Matcha Café Maiko
Beat the end of summer heat with the iciest, hojicha-est drink around.
Sweet Treats is a new Frolic series featuring our favorite pick-me-ups.
Matcha soft serve and hojicha frappé. Photo: Andrea Lee
I moved out of Waikīkī last year, and the number one thing I miss is Matcha Café Maiko. After it opened in 2016, it became my go-to for all occasions: afternoon snack, after-dinner dessert, even Christmas treats. Now every time I’m in Waikīkī, I head there for my hojicha frappé fix.
Me and my mom at Matcha Café Maiko on Christmas Day 2021 and 2022. Photos: Andrea Lee
Though I’m also a matcha girlie, hojicha or roasted green tea grabs my attention more because it’s less common. The other drinks and treats I’ve tried at Maiko have all been great, but the hojicha frappé is my grab-and-go treat not only because it’s wonderfully refreshing in the humid island weather, but also because it shines with toasty, rounded hojicha flavor.
For me, hojicha treats at other places are lacking in hojicha flavor. I guess I like my hojicha to punch me in the mouth like it does at Maiko, the blow softened just enough by the frappé’s ice and milk.
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Photo: Andrea Lee
Tips:
- If matcha is your speed, Maiko’s is just as good as the hojicha, and both flavors of soft serve ($6.80) are amazing. Ask for napkins—it’ll melt fast in the heat.
- For less mess, ask for your fresh waffle ice cream cone in a cup.
- If you prefer milk alternatives, oat milk is available.
- For the 8% kama‘āina discount, skip the self-serve kiosk. Order and pay at the cashier and show your ID.
- Sign up for the Cash App points system with your phone number to earn Leaves. When you collect 80, you can get a free item.
- There isn’t any designated parking, but Matcha Café Maiko is right across the street from Nordstrom Rack and International Market Place.
- Follow Matcha Café Maiko on Instagram to find out the soft serve flavor of the month. September’s flavor is ume! Don’t nibble, take a full bite to better taste its subtle saltiness.
Ume soft serve. Photo: Andrea Lee
What: Hojicha frappé
Where: Matcha Café Maiko, 2310 Kūhiō Ave. #143
When: Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $5.90 for a medium frappé, $6.60 for a large (show ID for 8% kama‘āina discount)
Payment: Card or phone payment, no cash
Contact: (808) 369-8031, matchacafe-maiko.com
Follow: @matchastand_maiko on Instagram
