Matcha Time Opens, Offers Sushi and Teas off of Main Street

Matcha Time Cafe is now open and offering teas, pastries and sushi just behind La Palapa on Ellicott City's Main Street.

"It was crazy on Saturday," said the cafe's co-owner Hatsumi Watanabe-Smith, who was preparing sushi for a group of customers on Tuesday afternoon.

The menu features items like California, Spicy Tuna and Salmon Avocado sushi rolls ($6.99). There are mango and strawberry smoothies (medium - $3). A wide variety of teas priced at $3.50 for a single pot and $5 for a large pot.

And to top it off, the cafe serves real wasabi, rather than the horseradish derivative often served with sushi, according to Watanabe-Smith.

The water is filtered through a reverse osmosis water filter, a significant investment the owners said would help raise the quality of the tea.

The teas come presented on a wooden plate along with a strainer that can be pulled out of the cup or the pot.

The Japanese cafe also serves appetizers like edamame, ongiri, miso soup and seaweed salad as well as "Temaki Sushi" or as the menu notes, "make it yourself" hand roll.

"This miso soup is like owning my soul," said one female customer who was in the cafe on Tuesday afternoon.

Don't expect fast service at Matcha Time, the menu itself notes, "We prepare each item to order. Thank you for your patience while we prepare your order."

The space has white walls, a pink tile floor, three tables that seat about nine people, fresh flowers, a white ceiling and displays filled with Japanese tea items.

The small cafe aims to recreate a traditional Japanese style cafe on Main Street, according to Watanabe-Smith, who operates the cafe with her husband Derek Smith. Next door is a Japanese gift shop also owned by the Smiths.

The restaurant officially opened on June 15 after having a soft opening the week before. The expected hours are going to be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to Watanabe-Smith.

Have you tried Matcha Time Cafe? What did you think? Tell us in the comments.

Related article - Matcha Time Japanese Cafe to Open June 15