If you’re a matcha lover visiting Kyoto, Cha no Ka (茶の菓) by Malebranche is a must-try treat.
This premium matcha cookie captures the essence of Kyoto’s tea culture — elegant, rich in flavor, and beautifully packaged.
Made with Uji matcha, Japan’s most renowned green tea, each bite offers a delicate balance of sweetness.
Perfect as a Kyoto souvenir or a small luxury for yourself, Cha no Ka represents the refined spirit of Kyoto in every cookie.
What Is “Cha no Ka”? – Kyoto’s Iconic Matcha Cookie
Cha no Ka is a thin, crisp matcha langue-de-chat cookie sandwich with a smooth white-chocolate center, made with premium Uji matcha.
It’s one of Kyoto’s most beloved sweets — light, elegant, and deeply flavored.
The moment you open the package, you’re greeted by the vivid green color of matcha, a reflection of Kyoto’s deep connection with tea culture.
Since its release in 2007, Cha no Ka has become a must-buy souvenir for travelers who want to take home a “taste of Kyoto.”
Who Makes It – About Malebranche Kyoto
Cha no Ka is made by Malebranche, a Kyoto-based pâtisserie with a rich history.
The company began as a small 喫茶店 kissaten (coffee shop) after World War II, later opening its first store, Malebranche Kitayama, in 1982.
At a time when Kyoto was known mostly for traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets), Malebranche introduced refined Western-style desserts, setting new standards for quality and design.
The Story Behind “Cha no Ka” – Craftsmanship and Passion
In 2006, Malebranche’s team was given a challenge:
“Create a sweet that truly represents Kyoto.”
They decided to use matcha — but not just any matcha.
After many trials, they discovered that using 濃茶 koicha (thick tea), made from the highest-quality Uji tea leaves, created a richer flavor and vibrant green color unlike anything before.
This was groundbreaking at the time, as koicha had never been used in cookies.
To preserve that beautiful color, the team even reinvented how langue de chat cookies are baked — lowering the temperature to avoid browning and let the matcha shine through.
Even the packaging tells a story.
When you open the box, the neatly lined green cookies resemble a sunlit tea field.
Every element — from the soft texture of the box to its elegant shading — is designed to reflect the serenity and sophistication of Kyoto.
👉 Read the full story on Leaf Kyoto
Where to Buy “Cha no Ka” in Kyoto
Cha no Ka is available exclusively in Kyoto, making it a truly authentic souvenir for visitors.
You can find Cha no Ka in Kyoto — at Malebranche Stores, Kyoto Station, and major department stores.
The Kiyomizu-dera store offers special limited-edition packages inspired by the temple and Kyoto’s seasonal colors.
If you’re short on time before your flight, the Kyoto Station shop is ideal for a quick purchase.
| Store Name | Features | Near by Station | Accessibility | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malebranche Kiyomizuzaka Store（清水坂店） | Exclusive Kiyomizu design package. Perfect stop before or after visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple. | Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Line) | Sloped street; narrow path uphill to temple (limited wheelchair access) |  |
| Malebranche Arashiyama Store （嵐山店） | Exclusive Arashiyama package and food hopping items. Located close to the Bamboo Grove. | Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Randen Line) / JR Saga-Arashiyama Station | Accessible within Shoryuen shopping area (mostly flat) |  |
| Malebranche Kitayama Main Store（京都北山本店） | Flagship store with full cake lineup and café. Famous for the Luxurious Mont Blanc. | Kitayama Station (Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line) | Traditional building with a few steps; limited space inside for strollers or wheelchairs |  |
| Malebranche Kyoto Tower Sando Store（京都タワーサンド店） | Located inside Kyoto Tower Sando 1F. Easy to stop by before/after sightseeing or station use. | Kyoto Station (JR, Kintetsu, Subway) | Step-free entrance and open layout; appears easy to access |  |
| Malebranche ASTY Kyoto Store（アスティ京都店） | Inside JR Kyoto Station (Shinkansen concourse area). Ideal for last-minute souvenir shopping. | Kyoto Station (Shinkansen area) | Wheelchair-accessible via station elevators |  |
| JR Kyoto Isetan B1 Store（ジェイアール京都伊勢丹店 B1） | Inside department store, offers wide selection and seasonal assortments. | Kyoto Station (direct access from JR concourse) | Wheelchair-accessible via elevators |  |
“CHA no KA — Exclusivity in Kyoto”
Our cha no ka langues de chat are crafted with okoicha, or strong green tea, made with select tea leaves grown in Kyoto.
Special white chocolate is layered between two delicate okoicha langue de chat wafers, creating an original new taste experience.
— Malebranche Official Flyer
This official statement highlights that Cha no Ka is not just made in Kyoto — it’s born from Kyoto’s soil, tea, and craftsmanship.
While Malebranche considers it a Kyoto-exclusive sweet, you may occasionally find it at select places such as Kansai Airport, Narita and Haneda Airports (in the post-security area) or at special Kyoto-themed pop-up events in department stores.
Why It’s the Perfect Kyoto Souvenir
Compact, elegant, and beautifully wrapped — Cha no Ka embodies everything travelers love about Kyoto.
- Compact and elegant — refined Kyoto design with a touch of luxury
- Individually packed — easy to share with friends and family
- Sturdy box — safe and convenient to bring home in your luggage
- Flexible sizes — available from 3 to 24 pieces
- Made with Uji matcha — authentic Kyoto flavor and craftsmanship
- A beautifully packaged souvenir that captures “Kyoto in your hands.”