Late-Night Calm with Kyobancha and a Simple Treat
Hello everyone, I'm Keko, one of the online staff members.
Whether it's been a busy day, or a quiet one,
I always find myself wanting a tea moment before bed—
something gentle, something grounding.
As the night deepens, sounds in the house grow softer,
and even the rhythm of my breath slows down.
That’s when I reach for a cup of Kyobancha.
Kyobancha is a traditional roasted tea from Kyoto,
made from large, mature tea leaves that are gently pan-roasted.
Unlike other green teas, it has a low caffeine content,
making it perfect for late-night sipping.
The aroma is warm and nostalgic—
almost like the scent of wood smoke or a fire in the distance.
It fills the room slowly, carried by steam rising from the cup.
Even when brewed strong, Kyobancha has no bitterness.
Its flavor is mellow, and its texture gentle—
a tea that invites you to take deep, quiet breaths as you drink it one small sip at a time.
I like to pair it with a simple, lightly sweet treat.
Tonight, just half a plain rice cracker with a touch of salt.
On other nights, maybe a few slices of dried fruit, or a roasted chestnut.
Sweets that aren’t too sweet—
just enough to bring out the soft, smoky flavor of the tea.
With the lights dimmed,
I wrap my hands around the cup and feel its warmth spreading slowly through my fingers.
And when I take the final sip, my back naturally straightens a little, as if to say to myself,
"You did well today."
Maybe this nighttime tea isn’t just a way to end the day,
but a quiet promise that tomorrow will be just a little better.