Matcha is having a moment. But some students may wonder just what it is. Matcha is a vibrant green tea leaf, camellia sinensis, that is finely ground to make tea. Unlike typical green tea, with matcha, drinkers consume the whole leaf providing lots of nutrients.
Matcha has a unique and complex flavor that has a bright vegetal and earthy taste. People often associate matcha with a seaweed or a fresh spinach flavor. Higher quality matchas are smooth, creamy and will have a sweetness instead of a bitterness. Matcha originates from Japan, specifically in Uji (Kyoto), Nishio, Shizuoka and Kagoshima.
Wondering where to get the best iced matcha latte in the area? Here are a few tips:
Starbucks: Taste 5/10, Experience 7/10, Price 6/10
At Starbucks a grande matcha latte costs $6.26; however, Starbucks is very convenient to the local community, and that is why it gets a 7/10 for experience. Although Starbucks is very convenient, it lacks the organic umami flavor. The matcha they use is a sweetened matcha powder blend that is said to be from Japan. The matcha is designed to be sweet, earthy and in some cases creamy.
Call Your Mother: Taste 8/10, Experience 8/10, Price 8/10
At Call Your Mother a medium matcha latte costs $5.40. They have not publicly said what matcha brand they use for their drinks. However, if you are looking for a classic cup of iced matcha I would recommend Call Your Mother because of their matcha’s fresh taste. The cafe also offers a lot of personality that is very inviting, which is why they get an 8/10 overall. This matcha won’t break the bank and will have you content with your matcha choice.
Java Loco: Taste 6/10, Experience 7/10, Price 4/10
At Java Loco a medium matcha latte costs $7.08. The matcha that they use is organic ceremonial grade matcha sourced from Uji, Japan. Their matcha has a deep, rich and umami flavor. It offers a clean fresh taste, but it doesn’t have the best price. If you want convenience and an easy fix, this is where you should go. Their matcha will leave you satisfied, but at a high cost, which is why they get a 4/10 for price.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe: Taste 5/10, Experience 7/10, Price 7/10
At Tatte Bakery & Cafe a medium matcha latte costs $5.50. The brand they use is Mem Tea Premium Grade matcha powder. Their matcha is an unsweetened green tea powder, whisked into a concentrated foam and paired with steamed milk or oat milk that creates a smooth, earthy latte. Their matcha has a very powerful umami taste that is quite bitter. They do have syrup available, but it still does not get rid of the matcha’s bitterness. However, if you enjoy the matcha plain with no sweetener, this will be the one for you.
Paris Baguette: Taste 7/10, Experience 7/10, Price 6/10
At Paris Baguette, a medium matcha costs $6.88. They use a sweetened ceremonial grade matcha powder. This matcha has a vibrant, sweet and creamy flavor. This cafe has a lot to offer with the pastries and cakes. The Paris Baguette has good vibes, but their matcha is more on the sweeter side and tends to be less refreshing than other cafes. If you don’t want the earthy taste, this is the place to go.
Maman: Taste 5/10, Experience 7/10, Price 6/10
At Maman, a medium matcha latte costs $6.00 or more. They use MatchaBar ceremonial grade matcha for their lattes. Their matcha has a very earthy taste, with not enough balance between milk and matcha, which is why they get a 5/10. Also, they do not sell syrup, they only have sugar packets or honey, which does not improve their matcha flavor. However, the atmosphere of the cafe is enjoyable. It has beautiful seating and a very aesthetic vibe to it.
Blank Street Coffee: Taste 7/10, Experience 6/10, Price 5/10
At Blank Street Coffee, a medium matcha latte costs $7.15. They use ceremonial grade matcha sourced from small multigenerational farms in Japan. They also sell their own matcha brand called Matcha Tin. Blank Street Coffee is famous for their matcha. Their matcha has a unique taste, which isn’t common in most cafes. It tastes fresh and well made. Even though they have good quality matcha, the price is far too high; but if you feel like treating yourself, this would be the place to go.
