Most of us are probably no strangers to matcha by now. It’s obvious by the sheer amount of drinks and desserts available now that are flavored with this bittersweet tea. Whether you’re a die-hard matcha enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys it now and then, here are a few places you should check out next time you crave this addictive flavor.
Tsujiri
Location: 3F, SM Aura Premier, C5 Corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City; 2F, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
It’s no surprise that this 155-year old Japanese traditional tea brand Tsujiri would be a matcha lover’s paradise. The founder, Riumen Tsuri, actually founded the tea box and can be credited for the availability of this much loved tea worldwide. From the rich matcha yuzu to the gooey, decadent matcha lava cake, their matcha desserts are made with high quality, premium green tea. Their matcha soft serve ice cream is also decadent treat perfect for hot summer days. The famous O-Matcha tea is made completely from scratch by trained matcha baristas without any artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Ikigai Kakigori Cafe
Location: POS Building, Scout Madriñan Street Corner Tomas Morato, South Triangle, Quezon City
Try Ikigai’s matcha cheesecake shake or matcha kakigori complete with homemade matcha ice cream. This cafe proves that there is no such thing as too much matcha. They specialize in vegan-friendly kakigori, or more commonly known as shaved ice, which is then topped with homemade syrup, homemade ice cream, and other traditional Japanese toppings like sogo Japanese mochi rice cakes. Almost everything on the menu is made from scratch.
Kissako Uji Matcha Cafe
Locations: Pioneer Center Supermart, United Corner Pioneer Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City; GF, Building A, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Kissako Uji Matcha Cafe boasts of the genuine matcha they use in their food—from the best selling Horiguchi Matcha Parfait and Matcha Shortcake, to their matcha soba meal set. You can even adjust the sweetness levels of your matcha drinks. Kissako claims to use only premium green tea and throw out any matcha older than 2 months. Try their new tiramisu and crepe cake which are especially addicting, with their not-too-sweet earthy matcha powder on top of their ridiculously soft and fresh cream!
Nomi Matcha
Location: GF, W City Center, 30th Street Corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City
The newly opened Nomi Matcha is simply unforgettable with its pun-filled interiors and beautifully made matcha goodies. They pride themselves in using authentic matcha. The Give Me Everything platter features some of their best selling desserts, such as a matcha drenched lady finger tiramisu and a rich matcha brownie, called a greenie. If this platter is too big for one, be sure to try other popular items, like the matcha cookie shot.
Kiss the Tiramisu
Location: Three Central Building, 109 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Its popular velvety matcha tiramisu ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients, such as rich mascarpone cheese sourced from Korea. Their best-selling matcha latte is made with authentic matcha—perfect for those who prefer an earthy taste.
St. Marc Cafe
Locations: SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City; Greenbelt 3, San Lorenzo, Makati City; UP Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City
Their French matcha azuki croissant is a package of fluffy and buttery homemade goodness will fit perfectly in one hand, as you sip coffee with the other. The Kyoto Delight is another popular item. It’s made with matcha ice cream, sponge cake, kuromitsu and topped with cornflakes, red bean paste, warabimochi, and shiratima completed with a sprinkle of kinako powder.