抹茶: what’s Matcha? and where to find it in LDN

Ciao Londoners and all other cool people!

I have to introduce you all to Matcha if you haven’t discovered how amazing it is yet.

In this post, I will tell you where to get the best Matcha in London. After visiting all these you will officially be a member of my matcha-loving committee!!!

WHAT iS MATCHA??

Matcha is a type of Japanese tea that originated during the Kamakura era (roughly 800 years ago) when the tea culture in China started to influence Japan as well. Matcha takes the form of powder tea, and Kyoto has been the main region for its production for a very long time.

In the modern days, it has become very common to use Matcha to make drinks such as Matcha lattes and Matcha milkshakes. It is also widely used in sweets and desserts like ice cream, tiramisu, pancakes, etc.

Sounds great, right?

And it’s also very healthy because it contains vitamins and polyphenols that have effects like improving the immune system, burning fat efficiently, and stablising the nerve system.

I have listed the best places to get your daily Matcha in London ↓

1. Katsute 100

This small chain cafe has three branches: Angel, Brick Lane, and Covent Garden, and they are all nice in their own ways. They have a large selection of Japanese and some Chinese teas(it is quite an extensive list that I approve of). From matcha and Hojicha (most people are familiar with these…) to things like Sanpinncha!

The interior design follows a Taisho Roman (大正浪漫: https://bellecon.fandom.com/wiki/Taisho_Roman）style and is cozy and classy. It is a perfect choice of style for a Japanese restaurant in the UK.

Their Matcha crepe cake is one of my favorite cakes in London. It is made up of soft layers that melt in your mouth and it isn’t too sweet.

2. Café Kitsuné at Pantechnicon

If you want a real treat for yourself, you should probably go to Cafe Kitsune. The bill will not be cheap compared to other cafes, but it is worth the money. They use very authentic quality matcha, which is always an important aspect. They also make their own pastries that are absolutely delicious!!! Get yourself a couple of biscuits as well and you will be happy enough to keep going for the whole day. it is a perfect seating space to work from as well. High sealing, spacious seating, and its clean atmosphere definitely help you to focus on your work.

3. JENKI

JENKI https://www.jenki.co.uk/

JENKI is a takeaway-style cafe dedicated to Matcha. I just happened to walk past it during my little visit to the Spitalfields market, and it was hard to resist going in! As I was too broke then, I came back to visit with my friend the week after my pay-day. Compared to the two cafes introduced already, this one is more easy-going and less of a sit-in work environment. It is perfect if you are grabbing a takeout Matcha. Why not go around the market with a Matcha latte in your hand ♡

4. Half Cup

https://www.halfcup.co.uk/

Half Cup is an ordinary brunchy cafe that does one of the nicest Matcha lattes in the city. The hint of caramel in the latte would make the drink perfect for you if you’re still not on the level to appreciate the bitterness of Matcha (me being a matcha snob here).

Half Cup is more well-known for its Kings Cross branch which is very lively and busy. Not many know that there’s actually another (nicer in my opinion) branch in Barts Square! This one is way calmer and more spacious. Better choice if you are looking somewhere to relax a little.

You can really trust me on this one because I worked here for 4 months 😉 I didn’t enjoy working there because Kings Cross especially is an absolute khaos with all sorts of cultural norms smashed into your face (as a waitress you get so many requests and complaints based on so many different cultures) with different expectations, but as a customer, I absolutely love that place!!!

5. Tsujiri

You can’t forget to visit Tsujiri if you are a Matcha person. This is a large Japanese chain that specialises in Matcha and other traditional Japanese flavours including black sesames and Hojicha. The Matcha parfait from Tsujiri reminds me of my high school days in Yokohama 😭

Whether you’re walking around Chinatown or Camden, it is a great place to grab a drink and a snack that’s a bit more interesting than Pret (Sorry Pret lovers lol)!

6. Dover Street Market – Rose Bakery

https://london.doverstreetmarket.com/rose-bakery

I’m surprised to list this one because I only found out about it very recently, and it is not at all a Japanese place. The rose matcha I had at DSML was surprisingly delicious! Never thought the taste of rose would go with Matcha, but they really do create a smooth, soft but bitter harmony in your mouth. It’s a little fantasy in a drink!

Can’t wait to hear the feedbacks from your visits

XOXO JESSiE