Matcha has become a hit with Capetonians in recent years. From drinking it as tea to consuming it in sweet treats and bakes. Three local spots are working hard to create the perfect matcha and bring you a brew-tiful experience.
Matcha is a Japanese tea powder; bright green in colour and sweet in flavour. It is made up of ground tea leaves and can be used as a flavourant or served and consumed as tea.
Whether a matcha is culinary or ceremonial grade affects its taste.
Culinary-grade matcha is often darker and less saturated in colour and is best used for culinary purposes such as baking.
Ceremonial-grade matcha, on the other hand, is bright green in colour, sweet in taste and meant to be enjoyed as a drink.
Here are three standout matcha hotspots in Cape Town that have serving this delightful tea down to a fine art. Each has its own take on creating the perfect cup of matcha and exploring the flavour to the fullest.
Mochi Mochi
Mochi Mochi, a Japanese cafe as quaint as their menu is sweet, offers a variety of ceremonial-grade matcha teas and flavoured sweet treats. Named after their mochi – Japanese rice cakes with sweet and flavourful centres – Mochi Mochi does matcha justice in exploring the heights of its flavour and diversity of complementary textures and tastes.
Here matcha is king and presented in every form: soft serves, mochi, breads and drinks. Their ability to match the flavour profile of matcha with that of others is extraordinary and the entire menu deserves a taste test. However, their matcha mochi ice cream deserves a try. Combining the delightful flavour of matcha with the soft texture of mochi, this is the perfect sunny-day sweet treat.
- Location: Heritage Square, 71 Buitengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm
- Contact: 066 019 4656 | hello@mochimochi.co.za
- Website: mochimochi.co.za
How’s Your Oni?
How’s Your Oni? is a Japanese Restaurant in Green Point, offering patrons a taste of classic Japanese foods and drinks while offering a peaceful dining environment. Their matcha range mirrors this as they endeavour to present the richness in the simplicity of the drink.
Making use of ceremonial-grade matcha, their tea lattes are sensational both in flavour and appearance. With must-tries like their iced blueberry matcha and the classic matcha latte, you will undoubtedly become a matcha lover on the spot.
- Location: 47 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 9pm | Sunday, 12pm to 4pm
- Book: dineplan.com
- Contact: 083 899 1386
- Website: howsyouroni.co.za
Nice to Matcha
Nice To Matcha is a fairly recent matcha establishment on the block and definitely worth the hype. From friendly staff, delicious flavour options, a unique pouring experience and a highly Instagrammable shopfront, this café will have everyone coming back for more.
Their ceremonial-grade matcha in combination with their fresh flavour combos makes wanting to try the entire menu three times over an easy wish to have. African ginger lemonade, strawberry, mango and vanilla bean & sea salt combined with the sweet freshness of matcha, make these iced lattes a Cape Town gem. Order your matcha and watch it be prepared and poured right before your very eyes.
- Location: 206 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 7:30am to 4pm
- Online: @nicetomatcha.sa
First published by Cape {town} etc
Compiled by Kate Wilson
Also see: In or out: Coffee vs matcha
