Isshiki Matcha brings Olympic Village muffins to NYC for Paralympics

The viral trend of Olympic Village muffins began on TikTok, thanks to Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, who showcased the chocolate muffins served during the Summer Games. Inspired by these posts, Kelin Carolyn Zhang, an independent designer from New York City, sought to bring the authentic muffins to the U.S. This led to a shipment of 300 muffins from Paris, which were sold at Isshiki Matcha in the East Village. The first pop-up event saw a massive turnout, with customers lining up as early as 6 a.m. to purchase the limited muffins, which sold out in just two hours. Angel Zheng, the owner of Isshiki Matcha, became involved after a friend connected her with Zhang. Together, they navigated the complexities of importing the muffins, including customs and transportation logistics. Zheng even invested in a new fridge to accommodate the muffins, highlighting the challenges they faced in bringing this unique product to New York. The success of the first event prompted a second pop-up during the Paralympics, where they ordered 1,000 muffins to meet demand. Zhang expressed her excitement about the project, emphasizing the joy it brought to the community. She noted that this experience was a first for her in collaborating with a restaurant, and she hoped it would inspire others to pursue their ideas. The pop-up events not only showcased the muffins but also fostered a sense of togetherness among customers, making the experience memorable. As the Paralympics continued, the partnership between Zhang and Zheng demonstrated the power of social media in shaping trends and connecting people. The initiative was not just about selling muffins; it was about creating a wholesome experience that resonated with the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics.