Latest news with #Otaku


Cosmopolitan ME
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Move over matcha. Hojicha is the new drink in town
We all know and love matchas, but has it had its time? We've sipped, posted, and even made it ourselves, but is it time to make a little room on your caffeine roster? Hojicha is here. This drink is a roasted green tea with a toasted, nutty sweet vibe that feels like a calming hug and an energy boost all in one sip. It's the kind of drink that whispers happy nervous system. While matcha has that grassy and punchy taste, hojicha is smoother and mellower. It's also naturally lower in caffeine (so, no caffeine jitters), but still high in antioxidants, which makes it perfect for that 4 PM dip or your evening wind-down ritual. Ready to switch it up? Whether you're ordering it iced or with oat-milk, hojicha is officially the new cool drink in town. Hojicha is popping up in some of our fave cafes around town. And honestly, we're obsessed. If you want to give it a try, then these are your spots: Location: Otaku, Building 7A, Dubai Design District. Opening Hrs: Daily, 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM. Location: The Matcha Tokyo, The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence. Opening Hrs: Sunday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Friday & Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM. Location: Avantcha Tea Bar, Kunooz 6th street, Warehouse 19, Al Manara St, Al Quoz 1. Opening Hrs: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Location: Pekoe, Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 59 17th St, Al Quoz. Opening Hrs: Daily, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Location: Maison Cha Cha, Burj Crown, R02 Emaar Blvd, Downtown Dubai. Opening Hrs: Daily, 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Friday & Saturday, 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Location: Pekoe, Al Mina Rd, Port View Building 10, shop no 23, Al Mina St – Al Mina. Opening Hrs: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Trying to escape the heat? Check out these indoor restaurants.


Time Out Dubai
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Where to get a hojicha latte in Dubai
Have we just found a new green tea obsession? Say hello to hojicha: a roasted Japanese green tea that's nutty, subtly sweet and creates a beautiful brown latte. Aside from its difference in colour, hojicha is lower in caffeine than matcha but still high in antioxidants, making it the perfect evening wind-down drink. You might also like: 10 one-of-a-kind cafés to escape the summer heat So, where can you try this delicious matcha alternative in Dubai? Here are all the cafés where you can get a mean hojicha latte in Dubai. Where to order a hojicha latte in Dubai Maison Cha Cha This stylish matcha bar and all-day cafe in Downtown Dubai serves up its hojicha latte with oat milk by default (but you can switch it up), and the nutty notes really shine through. Dhs30. Open Sun-Thu 8am-10 pm, Fri-Sat 8am-11pm. Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, (055 478 5114). Otaku Go for the hot hojicha crème or the iced white chocolate hojicha here and both deliver on all fronts – it's velvety and delicious. Located in Dubai Design District, Otaku is the place for those looking to slow down. The vibe here is super minimalist in true Japanese fashion. From Dhs34. Open daily 7am-11.30pm. D3, Dubai Design District, @ (04 583 3020). The Matcha Tokyo Grab a hojicha latte from this well-known Japanese matcha bar in JBR and enjoy views of Ain Dubai. The baristas here whip up a velvety version that's served hot or iced, perfect for any kind of Dubai weather. Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. The Beach, JBR @ AVANTCHA Tea Bar + Shop The boba hojicha latte, made with organic hojicha and chewy boba pearls, is a summer favourite, but the hojicha cloud or a classic hot or iced latte are just as tempting. The tea boutique at Al Quoz also offers an organic hojicha powder that you can buy to prepare a latte at home. From Dhs28. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Kunooz 6th street, Warehouse 19 Al Manara St – Al Quoz 1, (04 338 9114). Pekoe Tea & Bread Bar This hip Alserkal Avenue spot is a modern Japanese bakery that's perfect for your morning coffee runs. Get yourself an iced or hot hojicha latte here made with high-grade hojicha. Expect a smooth, earthy finish that pairs perfectly with one of their homely baked goods, try it with a slice of the olive oil durum loaf. From Dhs30. Open daily from 7am-9pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, (04 359 3553). Terra Eatery Known for its earthy interiors and wholesome menu, Terra's hojicha late is rich and creamy and moreish. Sip it slowly on the shaded terrace or inside surrounded by lush greenery, either way, you'll forget you're in the bustling city. Dhs30. Open Sun-Thu 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat 8am-midnight. Al Thanya Street, (04 388 8582) Ohara This sleek (and pet-friendly) café has hojicha on the menu but it comes with twists that we're sure you'll love. Hojicha lattes comes with strawberry and lavender flavours. Traditionalists can go for the classic version. Dhs35. Open daily, 7am-10pm. Golden mile 10, Palm Jumeirah. (058 563 9899) Gato If you're looking for a sweet treat, Gato's got you covered with their iced white chocolate hojicha sea salt latte. Pick up your drink from either of its Al Mina and Dubai Creek Harbour drive-thru locations, and yes, it's absolutely worth it. Dhs32. Open daily 8am-11pm. Dubai Creek Harbour and Al Mina, @ Looking for things to do during summer? 107 Dubai brilliant breakfast spots to bookmark Here's where to kick off a morning in style 18 brilliant Dubai staycation deals to snap up this summer From free breakfasts to spa treatments 9 places you can still eat outside in Dubai this summer (sort of) And you definitely won't sweat

Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Cherry Blossom Food + Anime Festival Returns to Katy, TX This Memorial Day Weekend at No Label Brewing
Celebrate anime, Asian street food, cosplay, and live entertainment at No Label Brewing's two-day, family-friendly Cherry Blossom Festival in Katy, TX. KATY, TX, UNITED STATES, May 22, 2025 / / -- No Label Brewing Co. is excited to bring back one of Texas's most vibrant cultural festivals: the Cherry Blossom Food + Anime Festival, presented in partnership with Otaku. This two-day, family-friendly celebration of anime, Asian cuisine, cosplay, and live entertainment takes over the No Label taproom (5351 1st Street, Katy, TX) on Saturday, May 24 from 12 PM to 8 PM and Sunday, May 25 from 12 PM to 8 PM. Admission is free and open to all ages. Now in its second year at No Label, the Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the brewery into a pop-culture playground with over 100 vendors, voice actor appearances, cosplay contests, sumo wrestling, Asian street food, K-pop dance battles, live karaoke, and plenty of cold craft beer. 'Only in Katy can you find sumo wrestling, karaoke, bao buns, and boba all colliding at a craft brewery — and somehow it feels right,' said Tom Paynter, Marketing Director at No Label Brewing. 'This festival is loud, proud, and absolutely chaotic in the best way possible. It's a love letter to culture, flavor, and community — and we're just here making sure the beer stays cold and the vibes stay right.' Live Performers Include: • Dragon Kishi – high-energy performer bringing anime-style flair • Rachel Greene – 'The LilyPad Idol' with colorful pop charm • Sakura Pulse – cosplay-powered J-pop group • Lin the K-pop Enthusiast, Mikucita, and more Festival Highlights: • Over 100 food, anime, and retail vendors • Street food from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines & Latin America • Cosplay contests and voice actor appearances • K-pop dance circles, karaoke sessions, and claw machine challenges • A full-size Sumo wrestling tournament in the brewery yard • Plenty of cold beer, boba tea, and bao buns for the whole family Festival Schedule Saturday, May 24 (12 PM – 8 PM) • 12:00 PM – K-pop Random Dance • 1:00 PM – Rachel Greene • 1:30 PM – Lin the K-pop Enthusiast • 2:00 PM – Sakura Pulse • 2:30 PM – Mikucita • 3:00 PM – K-pop Random Dance • 4:00 PM – Cosplay Contest • 5:00 PM – Mikucita • 6:00 PM – Karaoke Time Sunday, May 25 (12 PM – 8 PM) • 12:00 PM – K-pop Random Dance • 12:30 PM – Lin the K-pop Enthusiast • 1:00 PM – Rachel Greene • 2:00 PM – Sakura Pulse • 2:30 PM – Mikucita • 3:00 PM – Dragon Kishi • 4:00 PM – Karaoke Time Cash is preferred by vendors Free parking available on-site Location: No Label Brewing Co. 5351 1st Street, Katy, TX 77493 Admission: Free and open to the public Follow for updates and content drops: Instagram/Facebook: @otakufoodfestival About No Label Brewing Co. No Label Brewing Co. is a family-owned, independent craft brewery located in historic Katy, Texas. Since opening in 2010, No Label has become a staple in the Texas craft beer scene — known for award-winning brews, a laid-back atmosphere, and creative community events. With roots deep in the heart of Katy, No Label remains committed to keeping beer fun and community strong. Tom Paynter No Label Brewing +1 281-693-7545 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.


News18
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Megan Thee Stallion's Anime Fantasy Comes to Life in Los Angeles
This summer, Megan Thee Stallion is inviting a select group of fans into her anime dreamworld—an electrifying, immersive experience that blends cosplay, gaming, food, and full-throttle fun. Designed to reflect her deep love for Japanese culture and anime, the Otaku Hottie Quest is set to take place on June 12 in Los Angeles, where twelve guests will step into a neon-lit playground of style, competition, and creativity—all curated by the rap superstar herself. Guests will dress in custom anime-inspired school uniforms, race through a team 'floor is lava" challenge, and go head-to-head in a Mortal Kombat 1 battle—all while collecting exclusive charms from Megan for their performance and flair. The day also includes a cooking session featuring Megan's personal ramen recipe, a taste of her signature tequila, and a final surprise loot box reveal that caps off the Otaku transformation. And yes, Megan will be there in person, hyping up her crew and handing out special rewards.


SoraNews24
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Life-sized sushi monster figures are coming to get us all hooked on cuteness
This new line of displayable toys looks like a raw deal for sushi enthusiasts, but in a good way. Sometimes, it's the little things in life that can maki your day brighter–and when life gives you adorable little sushi monster figures, you should just roll with it. Otaku shopping store AmiAmi recently announced that it's now taking pre-orders for Sentinel's 'Sushi Monster Sushi L.A. Real Sushi Size Figure Collection 2' following the success of the first series, which consisted of egg, shrimp, and tuna sushi offerings. This time, some new variations of popular sushi toppings join the mix in a six-pack of five standard toys plus one randomly selected secret toy out of three options. ▼ The new sushi monster lineup While we've never had an encounter with a sushi monster in real life, if we were to have one someday, we can only hope that the monster will look something like these guys with their sushi topping hairdos, beady little eyes, and cute rice limbs. Let's now take a look at each of the five new known figures. The runny egg sushi is decked out egg-cellently with its Zoro-like mask of nori. Meanwhile, the runny egg & wasabi overkill sushi seems to be having a hard time reining in its raw emotions with a spill of shockingly green wasabi. The sweet shrimp sushi has a veritable shrimp ponytail. If this were our sushi toy, we would be shellfish and wouldn't want to share it with anyone. Similarly to the runny egg & wasabi overkill version above, the sweet shrimp & wasabi overkill sushi looks like it's seen better days (certainly nothing to be green with envy about). Lastly, replacing the tuna sushi in the first series, the salmon sushi is a real catch, lending a bright visual impact to the mix. By the way, the sixth figure is a salmon & wasabi overkill sushi that comes in three currently unknown variations. Having a mystery monster is certainly one way to keep reeling us in–hook, line, and sinker. Each of the sushi monster figures measures between 70-75 millimeters (2.8-3 inches), which mirrors the actual size of nigirizushi ('hand-pressed sushi') in real life. Consequently, they also make great specimens to practice using chopsticks. You can display the sushi monsters in various ways, from the face-down approach that mimics an actual plate of sushi… ▼ Tails up! …to upright in what we suppose is their truest monster form. They still come across as nothing but adorable, though. AmiAmi's online store is now taking pre-orders for the six-pack of sushi monsters detailed above. It costs 5,280 yen (US$36.42) and is expected to ship in November. In the meantime, if that feels like an impossibly long time away, check out some of Japan's other niche sushi figures or cute snacks made from rice that will float everyone's boat. Let the good times keep rolling! Source, images: PR Times ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!