Matcha isn’t just trending — it’s taking centre stage. Earthy, antioxidant-rich, and effortlessly chic, this finely milled green tea has gone from meditative ritual to full-blown obsession, showing up in everything from strawberry lattes to banana pudding spins. But with a global matcha shortage on the rise, every sip, swirl, and spoonful of the real deal feels more precious than ever.
That’s where Drips Bakery Bistro and Tokyo’s kakigori maestros Sakanoue step in — teaming up for a limited-time showcase of dessert mastery at Drips’ flagship store on Tiong Poh Road. At the heart of it all? Matchaya’s revered Uji Matcha 18 Powder, a premium blend known for its signature vivid colour, grassy depth, and velvety bitterness.
Matcha Strawberry Field Kakigori. Photo © Kyler Teo
The Matcha Strawberry Field Kakigori (S$18.80) is a masterpiece in a bowl. This kakigori impresses right from the start with its generous, cloud-like mound of ultra-fine shaved ice. Each spoonful is light, smooth, and invigorating — the kind that melts cleanly on the tongue without any icy graininess. Beneath the ethereal layers, a symphony of textures and flavours awaits: vibrant strawberry coulis, silky milk sauce, and deep, earthy matcha powder and sauce, each layer building upon the last. Hidden within the core are chunks of juicy, sun-ripened strawberry that burst with freshness, offering a vibrant contrast to the bold matcha notes.
Making of the Matcha Strawberry Field Kakigori. Photo © Kyler Teo
The crowning touch? A velvety layer of matcha espuma, airy and rich, complemented by a buttery crumble that adds a satisfying crunch. It’s the perfect combination of refreshing, creamy, and indulgent, all tied together in a harmonious symphony of matcha and strawberry. Truly a delicate balance of flavours that captivates from the first bite to the last.
Matcha Strawberry Croissant. Photo © Kyler Teo
Then comes the Matcha Strawberry Croissant (S$6.80) — a golden, glossy pastry that flakes on impact. Made with French Lescure butter and baked fresh daily, its exterior crackles while the inside spills over with matcha frangipane and slow-simmered strawberry compote. A dusting of freeze-dried Japanese strawberry bits seals the deal with crunch, colour, and a hint of tartness. That said, my dining companion and I both felt it lacked the distinct matcha flavour we were hoping for. The frangipane had a slightly chunky texture and, oddly enough, reminded us of kaya. It was a bit unexpected, given how different kaya and frangipane are in terms of flavour and composition. While still a pleasant bite, it didn’t leave as strong an impression as the kakigori.
Matcha Strawberry Croissant. Photo © Drips Bakery Café
As for the drinks, we tried the Momo Sencha (S$5.50) and Sakura Spring Tea (S$5.50) . The Momo Sencha was delicately fragrant with a subtle, sweet peach essence that paired beautifully with the smooth, grassy notes of the sencha. It was refreshing yet soothing — the perfect complement to the rich, matcha-infused desserts. On the other hand, the Sakura Spring Tea was a floral delight, with a gentle cherry blossom aroma that was both light and up-lifting. Its delicate sweetness made it an ideal palate cleanser between bites, adding a touch of spring to the experience.
Strawberry Shortcake (5-inch). Photo © Drips Bakery Café
From now until 31 May 2025, with every purchase of the Matcha Strawberry Field Kakigori, customers can enjoy the Drips Mother’s Day Set at a special price of S$55 (U.P. S$58.60). The set includes two Matcha Strawberry Croissants and one 5-inch Strawberry Shortcake from Drips. Do note that the Strawberry Shortcake requires a two-day pre-order.
More than just desserts, these creations are expressions of craft — and a rare chance to enjoy matcha at its most refined. Matchaya’s Uji Matcha 18 Powder lends both the kakigori and croissant their signature depth and colour, capturing the soul of Japanese tea culture in modern, multi-textural form. Whether you’re here for a frozen fantasy or a laminated masterpiece, there’s one dessert here that truly steals the spotlight. It’s clear the Matcha Strawberry Field Kakigori is a matcha made in heaven — and it won’t be here forever.
Drips Bakery Bistro
82 Tiong Poh Road
#01-05
Singapore 160082
Opening hours: Opens daily; Weekdays – 10am to 10pm; Weekends – 9am to 10pm
