Since I started Farcastea, I've been continuously exploring and trying to understand tea culture and matcha in general. I've participated in a few tea ceremonies in Japan and visited many stores and shops to get inspired by their menus and taste their matcha lattes or just a simple sencha green tea. I've also developed a love for houjicha lattes and the roasting process. A shop owner once told me that if your green tea is losing its freshness, you can turn it into houjicha by roasting it in a pan at home. I never thought such a simple trick could work, but it not only saved time and money but also filled my house with a delicious aroma.
Today, I wanted to share with you some small statistics( promise no boring facts 😃 ) about matcha's popularity, as well as five cool cafes where you can try some great matcha.
Matcha Popularity
Matcha is now popular not only in Japan but also worldwide. Matcha lattes, matcha smoothies, and matcha-flavored cakes are just a few examples of matcha-based sweets being sold overseas. While domestic demand has been shrinking, putting local producers in a tough spot, many farmers are increasing their production to meet the growing international demand. I wrote a year ago about the decline of Green Tea in Japan, which you can find it here.
For example, in Wazuka, Kyoto, a well-known tea-producing region, the production of tencha (the raw material for matcha) increased from 445.774 tons in 2012 to 725.577 tons in 2016, a 62% increase over five years (according to the 2016 Kyoto Tea Industry Statistics).
On the other hand, there is an increasing amount of cheaper, foreign-produced matcha, which has intensified competition. Domestic tea farmers are striving to enhance quality and combat imitations by challenging trademarks registered abroad under domestic brands, continuing their efforts to stay competitive.
Now, let's get to the exciting part—where you can enjoy delicious matcha beyond just Starbucks.
5 Cool Spots to Savor Amazing Matcha
"Saten" is a matcha café opened in Nishi-Ogikubo in the spring of 2018. They use single-origin tea leaves from a single farm, ensuring top-quality matcha. Their matcha latte is available in both iced and hot versions, both of which are incredibly popular. One of the most popular item is the Matcha Pudding as shown below.
THE MATCHA TOKYO OMOTESANDO
THE MATCHA TOKYO is a sophisticated brand which specializes in matcha and blends seamlessly into the Omotesando neighborhood (where cool kids hang out).
Opened in November 2018, this shop offers a matcha latte made from a blend of tea leaves sourced from Kagoshima Prefecture, providing a rich matcha flavor that stands up to the milk.
カヤバ珈琲 (Kayaba Coffee)
Kayaba Coffee is a retro café in Tokyo that preserves the charm of the Showa era, known for its delicious matcha lattes. Located in the trendy Yanaka area, this renovated café has been featured in magazines for its nostalgic atmosphere.
One of their most famous items is the egg sandwich, which boasts fluffy bread and perfectly cooked eggs.
Their Uji matcha latte strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness, offering a comforting and relaxing experience. This café is a must-visit for both its food and its ambiance.
Café Kitsuné, created by the French designer collective "KITSUNE," offers a stylish blend of Japanese modernity and authentic taste. The café has recently become popular among foreign tourists for its chic ambiance and high-quality drinks.
Each matcha latte is carefully crafted, featuring vibrant green colors and adorable latte art. The foam is wonderfully smooth, and the rich matcha flavor is delightful. Despite its strong taste, the latte has a refreshing aftertaste. Takeout is also a great option here.
The fifth café to feature delicious matcha lattes in Tokyo is DIXANS in Suidobashi. This sophisticated café provides a calm and spacious atmosphere, with a high ceiling and a deceptively wide interior.
The matcha latte here is a genuine treat, made by whisking the matcha powder with a chasen (bamboo whisk) to create a fine froth. Sandwiches are also very tasty!
The café is also well-equipped for work, with power outlets and Wi-Fi, making it a place where you might find yourself staying longer than planned.
