Step into the world of matcha, a revered treasure crafted from the delicate young tea buds of the green tea plant. Its significance is deeply felt throughout Japan, where it is inextricably linked to centuries-old rites such as the famed tea ceremony. In Vietnam, too, its allure has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, cherished by many for its distinct flavor and cultural resonance.
On hot summer days like these days, matcha-infused drinks not only help cool you down but also offer various health benefits due to their antioxidants.
If you're feeling a bit tired of the classic matcha latte, here are 4 alternative suggestions to try:
Matcha Espresso At Over-extracted Nguyen Du
Over-extracted is situated on the vivid Nguyen Du Street. The shop features a minimalist Korean-style design, primarily in shades of gray and white. Ground floor area is ideal for individuals seeking a tranquil spot to concentrate on their work.
If you enjoy matcha but crave a quick caffeine boost, try a cup of matcha espresso for the best of both worlds. While it might not be listed on the restaurant's official menu, you can request the staff to prepare this unique blend for you, offering an explosion of flavors.
The result is a visually striking glass of water with 3 distinct layers of color: matcha at the bottom, milk in the middle, and coffee on top. The sweetness from the matcha and milk effectively offsets the bitterness of the espresso, allowing each ingredient's flavor to shine through while maintaining balance.
Basic Information
- Address: 87 Nguyen Du Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:00 - 20:00
- Price: 50,000 - 75,000 VND
- Parking: At 89 Nguyen Du
Coco Matcha Latte At Noveri.cafe
Situated in an alley off Dien Bien Phu Street, Noveri stands out with its sleek black-and-white aesthetic and contemporary design. The shop offers an indoor area for studying or working, as well as a spacious outdoor yard with a large canopy to provide shade, perfect for snapping photos or catching up with friends.
Noveri was quick to embrace the coconut matcha latte trend when it first emerged. Although the combination of coconut water and matcha seems unrelated, it offers a sophisticated and sweet flavor, perfect for refreshing on hot sunny days.
Coco Matcha Latte doesn't just please the palate; it's also visually appealing with its distinct dual layers. At the top, you'll find a whipped matcha layer in vibrant green, while the bottom layer consists of clear, refreshing coconut water.
Basic Information
- Address: 236/43/11 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 17, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:30 - 21:30
- Price: 30,000 - 60,000 VND
- Parking: 100 meters away from the café
Matcha Lavender At Matte Matcha & Teabar
Matte Matcha & Teabar is a new spot that emerged in April, aiming to enchant matcha enthusiasts. Situated on the prominent Dang Duc Thuat Street in District 7, Matte boasts a color scheme of brown, white, and green, reminiscent of a classic matcha latte.
The shop's signature offering is the Sora Latte, a twist on the traditional matcha latte infused with spirulina powder and homemade lavender syrup. Inspired by the serene imagery of nature, resembling lush green grass under a clear blue sky, this beverage delights the eyes with its blend of matcha's green hue and the lavender syrup's blue tint.
Matte offers ample seating options, both indoors and outdoors. You can opt for a table or choose to sit at the bar, where you can enjoy your tea while watching the barista at work. The outdoor area is adorned with lush greenery, with a standout feature being the mesh roof that casts a distinctive sunny ambiance.
Basic Information
- Address: 25-27 Dang Duc Thuan Street, My Kim 2, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 6:00 - 21:00
- Price: From 65,000 VND
- Parking: At the front
Matcha Nut Milk At Avocat Bake'n Brew
Avocat Bake'n Brew, located in an alley on Ban Co Street in District 3, is a popular destination for matcha enthusiasts.
The shop is adorned with Japanese-inspired decor, predominantly using wood, which contributes to a cozy and tranquil atmosphere. The serene indoor area is conducive to work or study, while the sunny front yard, adorned with numerous trees, offers a delightful space for guests to chat, relax, or snap some photos.
One unique aspect of visiting Avocat Bake'n Brew is the ability to customize your matcha experience. You have the option to choose your preferred type of matcha powder and base layer—whether it's milk, juice, or filtered water. The matcha powders are categorized into two groups, each with distinctive flavors: Roasty varieties offer robust nutty and vegetal notes (such as Uji plus, Himawari, Fukamidori), while Marine options provide floral and umami undertones (like Gokou, Asahi).
The beverages served here are crafted using high-quality matcha powder sourced from Japan. As a result, you can discern the distinct flavor profile of each type of matcha powder in every sip, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique characteristics of each variant.
An alternative that guarantees freshness while also being a safe choice is to pair matcha with nut milk. Simply swapping cow's milk for oat milk enriches both the color and flavor of the matcha beverage, creating a more vibrant and tantalizing experience for your taste buds.
Basic Information
- Address: 141/8 Ban Co Street, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 - 22:00
- Drink price: 55,000 - 185,000 VND
- Parking: 30 meters away from the café
Translated by Thúy An