pink pearl – Jellybeans in the City

If you ever felt the need to flee from the hustle and bustle of the metro and escape to Japan so you can be surrounded by cheery cherry blossoms, well, here’s the next best thing: a tea sojourn at Sakura Hanami in the foodie haven area of Maginhawa.

Sakura refers to the cherry blossoms in Japan that come into full bloom in the spring. Considered as Japan’s national flower, the cherry blossom has come to symbolize a time of renewal and the fleeting nature of life.

Hanami, on the other hand, translates to “watching blossoms.” It is the tradition that grew out of the practice of holding parties amd get-togethers under cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Sakura Hanami seeks to recreate the experience of tea drinking under cherry blossoms. From the cherry blossoms that adorn its ceiling and walls, to its dainty tea sets and furniture, as well as its kawaii-themed merchandise and curios, Sakura Hanami aims to evoke a feeling of life in full bloom.

During a recent visit to this tea shop together with fellow bloggers, I discovered that even Sakura Hanami’s concoctions are unique and meticulously designed to give homage to the culture that inspired its name.

Check them out and see which one fits your mood today:

Blooming Ethereal Flower Tea (Php195). A hot tea infused with edible flowers which you can sweeten with honey according to your preference. It’s perfect for the times you want to pretend you’re a geisha performing an intricate tea ceremony.

Cherry Blossom Fizz Tea (Php115 regular | Php155 large | Php175 extra large). A clear, mikdly sweet and refreshing soda drink with some fizz and edible flowers.

Hanami Dream Tea (Php105 regular | Php175 large | Php195 extra large). A drink that bursting with color and flavor, especially with those yogurt pearls.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Milk Tea (Php115 regular | Php155 large | Php175 extra large). A drink that incorporates the richness and dessert quality of red velvet cheesecake into a drink.

Lava Pearl Latte (Php99 regular | Php140 large | Php180 extra large). A milky concoction that incorporates pearls cooked in rich brown sugar.

Matcha Creme Milk Tea (Php115 regular | Php175 large | Php195 extra large). For matcha lovers out there, this is the drink that will sate your craving.

Pink Rose Milk Tea (Php105 regular | Php155 large | Php175 extra large). Premium black tea infused young rose buds and a splash of rich creamy milk.

Sakura Signature Bubble Tea (Php99 regular | Php140 large | Php180 extra large). The store’s premium black tea accompanied by its signature black pearls.

White Sakura Milk Tea (Php105 regular | Php175 large | Php195 extra large). A light cherry blossom white tea which is heavenly when combined with delicate sakura pudding.

These drinks just go to show that the peace and joy that cherry blossoms bring can be experienced even by those stuck in the metro. All they have to do is find the time to drop by Sakura Hanami.

Many thanks to the crew of Sakura Hanami for the delish drinks and to Midz of GastronomidaPH for extending the invitation!

This Sakura Hanami branch is located at 168 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 12 midnight.

Another branch is located at 1021 P. Ocampo corner Arellano, Sampaloc, Manila.

No time to visit the stores? Have your drink delivered to you via GrabFood! Get a discount on your first GrabFood order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers, I attended a foodie meetup held in this restaurant. Food and drink items mentioned here were served to enable us to sample the fare to facilitate honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints: