Hojicha and Yulmu: Two New Korean Latte Flavors to Discover
Share
Hojicha and Yulmu: Two New Korean Latte Flavors to Discover
Roasted green tea and pearl barley join our latte range, between toasted notes and comforting grains.
By Maison Boseong · Seoul, South Korea · September 2026 · 6 min read
Our Korean latte range is growing with two new powders, chosen to broaden our flavor palette without overlapping anything already in the Maison Boseong catalog. On one side, hojicha, a Korean green tea roasted to bring out toasted, woody notes, quite the opposite of matcha's vegetal profile. On the other, yulmu, Korean pearl barley, a traditional grain that is roasted then ground, with a flavor close to the toasted grain drinks served in neighborhood cafes in Seoul.
This article introduces both newcomers, their origin, and the simplest way to prepare them at home.
1. Two new flavors, two different worlds of taste
In Korea, the family of powdered lattes goes well beyond classic sweet flavors. It also draws on roasted teas and toasted grains, two culinary traditions deeply rooted in Seoul's neighborhood cafes. That is the diversity we wanted to reflect by adding hojicha and yulmu to our latte collection.
Hojicha naturally complements our range of green teas and matcha, with a distinctly toasted, woody profile. Yulmu, on the other hand, joins the grain family already represented by misugaru, for a toasted grain flavor that is recognizable from the very first cup.
2. Hojicha Latte Daehan Dayeop: roasted green tea in powder form
Hojicha is a Korean green tea roasted at low temperature, a process that develops toasted aromas and a natural sweetness, the opposite of the fresh, vegetal taste of classic matcha. Its golden brown color and round flavor make it an easy tea to enjoy, including for those who find matcha too vegetal.
Daehan Dayeop, a well known Korean tea house, offers this premium powder designed for homemade lattes. Just a splash of hot or cold milk brings back the warm atmosphere of Seoul's tea houses, in a round, woody and comforting cup.
🍵 Maison Boseong · Daehan Dayeop Hojicha Latte, 500g →3. Yulmu Latte Tako: pearl barley, a neighborhood cafe tradition
Yulmu, or Korean pearl barley, is a traditional grain that is roasted then finely ground, used for generations in Korea to prepare a comforting hot drink with a toasted grain flavor. Tako turns this ancestral recipe into a convenient powder for a quick homemade latte.
Just add warm milk to rediscover the sweet, toasted flavor of this traditional drink, an original alternative to the sweeter lattes in our range, between tradition and indulgence.
🌾 Maison Boseong · Tako Yulmu Latte, 870g →4. Hojicha or Yulmu: how to choose based on your taste
These two newcomers suit different moods. Hojicha will appeal to tea lovers looking for a mild, woody alternative to matcha, while staying clearly rooted in roasted green tea. Yulmu is better suited to those who enjoy toasted grain drinks, in the same spirit as our misugaru, for a warm break that feels different from a classic tea or coffee.
Of course, nothing stops you from trying both: the 500g and 870g formats make it easy to switch depending on the mood of the day or the season.
5. How to prepare a Korean latte at home
The method stays the same for both powders. Start by dissolving a spoonful of powder in a splash of hot water, stirring well until you get a smooth paste with no lumps. Then add hot milk for a comforting version, or cold milk and ice for a refreshing one.
For a creamier texture, froth the milk lightly before adding it to the powder paste, just like in Seoul's neighborhood cafes.
6. Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hojicha and matcha?
Matcha is a ground green tea that is not roasted, with a fresh, vegetal flavor. Hojicha is a green tea roasted at low temperature, which gives it a golden brown color and toasted, woody notes, very different from classic matcha.
Does yulmu latte taste like coffee?
Not exactly, but its toasted grain flavor and amber color are reminiscent of traditional Korean grain based drinks. It is a comforting alternative for those who want a change from classic sweet lattes.
Can these lattes be prepared with plant based milk?
Yes, both powders work well with dairy milk as well as plant based milk (oat, almond, soy), depending on personal preference.
Discover our new latte flavors
Find hojicha, yulmu and the rest of our Korean latte range.
Shop the Latte CollectionNico Lesage is the founder of Maison Boseong. An expert in Korean teas and passionate about local culture, he has lived in Seoul since 2011. Every year he travels through the peninsula's tea gardens to source exceptional harvests directly from producers.
About the author:Nico Lesage is the founder of Maison Boseong. An expert in Korean teas, he has lived in Seoul since 2011. Every year, he travels to the peninsula’s tea gardens to source exceptional harvests directly from local producers.