Is “Tokyo Style” Chocolate the New Dubai Chocolate? Lindt Thinks So

Lindt is one of the biggest names in “luxury” chocolate, so I trust them to know about the next big thing. According to the Swiss chocolatier, we have a contender to Dubai Chocolate‘s throne: Tokyo Style. Yes, Lindt has created a “Tokyo Style Chocolate” bar. What’s in this new Lindt chocolate bar? Where is it being sold? Read on for everything we know about the next big thing.

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What is “Tokyo Style” Chocolate?

In this particular context, “Tokyo Style” means strawberry matcha. This new bar features Lindt’s high-quality white chocolate mixed with “ceremonial-grade” matcha. The bar is filled with an almond-matcha core containing pieces of real strawberry and roasted “genmai.”

That description contains a few terms worth defining. Matcha is finely-ground green tea leaves. Genmai is brown rice; genmaicha (also known as “popcorn tea”) is roasted genmai blended with green tea, which can then be blended with matcha powder for a stronger flavor. And as for the term “ceremonial-grade,” we’ve got some bad news for Lindt; it doesn’t mean what they think it means.

Doesn’t “ceremonial-grade” refer to the highest quality matcha?

While Lindt does use the term “ceremonial-grade” in the description of this strawberry matcha chocolate bar, that term isn’t used at all in Japan. Per Omakase, Japanese matcha is only classified by production method: Organic, Conventional, and Culinary Grade. Organic matcha must meet strict criteria to carry the label, while conventional matcha can be produced more consistently “through controlled nutrition and precise shading techniques.” Culinary Grade matcha is processed for maximum flavor as an ingredient, not for drinkability. Japanese tea ceremonies do not utilize a specific style of matcha, so “ceremonial-grade” could refer to either organic or conventional matcha.

How can I get my hands on the Lindt Tokyo Style Chocolate: Strawberry Matcha bar?

This is the awkward part, folks. At this time, Lindt’s Tokyo Style Chocolate bar is not available in the United States. Per my research, the bar has only gotten a wide release in Germany, with additional limited releases at Lindt flagship stores in Vienna and London. While we haven’t been blessed with this strawberry matcha treat just yet, I think it’s only a matter of time. Maybe we’ll find out more from Lindt’s booth the upcoming Sweets & Snacks Expo…