Kuala Lumpur: The Matcha Haven will have you singing Hvala-la-la-la!
Get Your Matcha Fix at Hvala’s New Flagship Store
A Matcha Love Affair
The matcha craze in Malaysia shows no signs of slowing down, and with Hvala’s flagship store having opened in the country, it’s about to get even bigger. Pronounced "fala," which means "thank you" in Croatian, Hvala brings its artisanal Japanese-café experience straight from Singapore to Plaza Arkadia in Desa ParkCity here.
A Laid-Back Oasis in the City
Known for hand-whisked matcha and a selection of Japanese desserts, this dessert destination – which launched on Monday – offers a laid-back space for green-tea lovers. Its peaceful design sets the tone for relaxation, embracing the concept of "ichi-go ichi-e" – cherishing each moment.
Where Art Meets Whisked Matcha
The café, which spans two floors, blends traditional Japanese "horigotatsu" seating and an open bar, where you can watch your order being made right before your eyes. Hvala, which has four outlets in Singapore, works directly with tea farms in Kyoto to ensure top-notch matcha is used for their drinks and desserts.
Matcha Gelato: A Game-Changer
Available in three levels of intensity, the matcha gelato – paired here with a decadent dairy-free waffle – is one of Hvala’s bestsellers. The warabi mochi comes in two flavor profiles – yuzu and soybean flour. FMT Lifestyle intrepidly went for the M3 gelato, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. The deep green colour is a clear sign you’re in for something strong, and the bold, rich flavour lives up to its appearance.
Vegan and Non-Vegan Options Galore
For something even more unique, the white chrysanthemum sobacha gelato offers a floral warmth and a crunchy, toasted buckwheat texture that’s pretty unforgettable. Non-vegan options such as Hokkaido milk and yuzu yoghurt are also available, and for those really looking to indulge, pair your gelato with the crispy dairy-free waffles.
Pleasure in Every Bite
If you love Japanese desserts, the warabi mochi is hard to beat. Made in small batches with Japanese mochi flour, it’s served with kuromitsu (black sugar) and comes in two varieties – kinako (soybean flour) and yuzu (East Asian citrus). The kinako version may well end up being your favourite: paired with decadent black sugar syrup, it’s nothing short of a flavour bomb.
Beverages to Sip On
Of course, no visit would be complete without a matcha beverage. Kick things off with the Yuki matcha iced latte, made from premium-grade powdered green tea. What makes it premium-grade? The leaves are grown in the shade and, as a result, offer a balance of umami and mellow flavours. The best part is, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Sesame-Style Matcha Delights
The matcha goma latte is a balanced and refreshing beverage, offering a sesame-matcha twist. In fact, the menu here includes a selection of drinks and desserts with a sesame-matcha twist – a real game-changer!
Conclusion
From gelato to matcha to mochi, Hvala’s menu is a treasure trove of Japanese-inspired delights. Whether you’re a seasoned matcha lover or just discovering its wonders, this new addition to the KL food scene is sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the address of Hvala’s flagship store?
A: Block EG2, Plaza Arkadia 3, Jalan Intisari Perdana Desa ParkCity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.
Q: What are the business hours of Hvala?
A: 11am-9.30pm daily.
Q: How do I get more information about Hvala?
A: Visit Hvala’s website and follow Hvala Malaysia’s Instagram profile.