A Ukrainian woman for whom Dublin has become a second home is at the helm of a tranquil new Japanese Tea Experience encouraging Dubliners to pause, and find calm amidst the busy-ness of life.
“Through the art of Japanese tea culture, we invite people to reconnect with themselves, engaging all five senses in a tea ritual that fosters presence, relaxation, and self-discovery.”
That’s the invitation to busy Dubliners from Nastya Kharytonova, founder of the new OMMA Pop-Up Cafe currently running at Planet in Brown Thomas, who says that at its heart, this project is about building meaningful bridges between Irish, Ukrainian, and Japanese cultures, based on a specialty ceremonial-grade matcha from the mountains of Miyazaki.
The Ukrainian woman tells us that her passion for Japanese teas and culture first started during the pandemic, as she sought out a daily, sensual ritual to ease her anxiety in the midst of COVID. However, as is often the way, something that initially began as a personal escape rapidly grew into a deeply personal and meaningful community project, accentuated by the war in her homeland.
Nastya’s fascination with all things matcha initially led her to embark on a series of journeys to the tea regions of Japan, where she studied tea cultivation and preparation under a number of seasoned Master Tea practitioners. Inspired by what she learned there, she launched OMMA in Dublin in 2023, using matcha sourced from a small, family-run Japanese farm.
They pick the youngest, freshest leaves of the first flush season, resulting in flavours underpinned by a delicate pistachio aroma, a soft umami body, and a smooth, creamy cashew finish. She then set about introducing Dubliners to specialty ceremonial matcha experiences and workshops on history and traditions, through a series of collaborations with cafés including 3fe, Hatch, and Indigo & Cloth.
Even as OMMA showcases a unique line-up of matcha-based drinks alongside authentic Japanese flavours like hojicha latte and sobacha, its founder explains that the enterprise is also deeply personal.
“For me, OMMA Pop-Up is more than just a project — it’s a community project and a mission. A way to give voice and visibility to Ukrainian talent, strength, and resilience. When all my dearest Ukrainian people are scattered across Europe, OMMA for me is a way to bring them together – to show the world how talented, strong, and creative Ukrainians are as a nation.”
This belief is borne out by the work of the team of talented individuals from her homeland, including her boyfriend Pavlo (currently fighting on the frontlines) and best friend Kate who between them developed the creation of OMMA’s textiles and uniforms. Other friends involved include Andrii who manages operations, lead designer and illustrator Alina, and Marko, who designed the OMMA pop-up space. Nastya tells us that Dasha makes all the delicious handmade matcha desserts while Olena brings her ceramic artistry to life through OMMA’s signature chawans.
Ultimately, the passionate matcha advocate says that the aim is to encourage people to slow down and embrace tea as a ritual. There’s also an opportunity to complete the experience with a rich selection of treats including delicious fruit sando, mochi, yuzu croissant buns, and matcha genmai chocolates.
“OMMA gave me the space to pause, connect with my feelings and find calm energy amidst the busyness of daily life, and I want to create those moments for others by making matcha and tea a modern and sought-after experience.”
The OMMA pop-up experience runs until June at Planet Beauty in Brown Thomas, Clarendon St, Dublin 2.
Words: Martina Murray
