The latest outpost of Tsujiri recently opened in the OpenRoad Toyota dealership at the Richmond Auto Mall. This is a Japanese matcha infused cafe restaurant that features tasty Japanese soba bowls, sushi sandwiches, matcha beverages and desserts.

Known for its centuries-old tradition of premium Japanese tea-making and matcha infused foods, the TSUJIRI franchise has gained popularity around the world with Japanese tea lovers. The TSUJIRI brand was founded in 1860 in Kyoto, Japan by Tsuji Riemon and over the years, the company has shared its passion for Japanese tea with the world by partnering with new franchise owners and expanding its menu options to include more premium green tea-infused drinks, treats and savoury indulgences.

I have tried a selection of their matcha based drinks, and some of the dishes and desserts.

Loved the Black Sesame Latte (served hot) sweet, nutty sesame aroma blend with matcha. Azuki Matcha Latte (hot) a classic matcha latte with natural sweet red bean flavour.

This location of Tsujiri features the Onigirazu, exclusive to this location, these cute and delicious hybrid Japanese rice ball sandwich is called Onigirazu, which is wrapped on the outside with seaweed and can be likened to Japanese-style sandwich fillings. My favourite was the Salmon Onigizaro, over the Fried Tofu Veggie Onigizaro, Musubi Spam & Egg Onigizaro.

I loved the fresh Salmon Poke, a bowl of cold cha soba covered with fresh vegetables, square-cut sashimi salmon slices with yuzu pepper soy sauce topped with unique dashi jelly and shredded nori seaweed. The Tonkatso Black is a Contemporary ramen-style cha soba in a hearty soy milk Tonkotsu base, with sliced pork, chives, leeks, bean sprouts, and Japanese Mayu (Black Garlic Oil).

Both of the cheesecakes were good including the Matcha Rare Cheesecake and Yuzu Rare Cheesecake.

Located at 13100 Smallwood Place in the Richmond Auto Mall, TSUJIRI OpenRoad Toyota Richmond is now open Monday to Saturdays from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm for dine in, take out, or delivery through UberEats and SkipTheDishes.

By: Richard Wolak