Matcha Pasta at Taikooli's Keifuku Is Not as Disgusting as It Sounds, but Is as Pricey
Yes, another food blog about matcha, the food that I now apparently eat in between pizza. My skin may just start turning green at any moment. Are you fed up with the matcha fad? Well, unfortunately for you, it seems like peoples' need for this moreish green tea powder has no intention to slow down.
Located on the third floor of Sanlitun Taikooli, Keifuku has the typical Japanese-style décor – the wood furniture is flecked with matcha-green accents, a dozen chairs are seated in front of the bar where the barista works his matcha magic, the rest of the tables, for parties of two or four, are distributed throughout the airy and high-ceilinged space.
Similar to the other popular matcha shops, Keifuku specialises in matcha-related products, including matcha ice cream (RMB 32), matcha drinks (RMB 32-38), matcha tiramisu (RMB 78), matcha cakes (RMB 58-68), and yes, even matcha pasta (RMB 88). You can also choose a box of three different kinds of matcha desserts and drinks for RMB 188 or 388 – not the cheapest in Beijing by a long shot, but they claim that all the ingredients are imported from Kyoto in Japan, so it seems fair.
Given our limited budget, we opted for the Keifuku pasta set, which includes a pasta dish and a matcha drink, currently priced at a discounted RMB 88. It took quite a while for the pasta to arrive, but we took this as proof that they had prepared the pasta upon request instead of cutting corners with a microwave. The serving was sizeable, with plenty of spaghetti and a healthy ladling of green sauce, as well as long beans, onion, and bell pepper. The distribution of bacon was generous and the whole thing was topped with Parmesan. Despite its odd hue, the sauce was quite creamy and rich, which reminded you of majiang (sesame sauce) and any initial hesitation quickly alleviated thanks to a dish that in the end actually makes culinary sense.
We couldn't afford the RMB 188 or 388 dessert combos and users on Dianping are also apparently having similar reservations, singing the new restaurant's praises, but also pointing out its greatest weakness – its high prices. So, in the interest of saving cash, we suggest tagging along with your wealthiest friend, maximizing the visit by taking plenty of selfies, and then heading downstairs to shop to your heart's content. Trust us, you won't be alone.
Keifuku
Daily 11am-10pm. S10-31, 3/F, Sanlitun Taikooli South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (Next to Wagas) (6461 1483)
景福和房抹茶专门店：朝阳区三里屯路19号太古里南区三层S10-31（Wagas旁边）
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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Tracy Wang
