Top-Rated
Matcha Latte Spots in Metro Manila
1. Niseko
Coffee:
Niseko Coffee
is frequently recognized as a top contender in the realm of high-quality
Japanese matcha. Many reviewers commend the vibrant green color of their
matcha, which provides a robust “matcha kick” without being overpowered by
milk. Their collaboration with the esteemed Japanese roastery, Kurasu Kyoto,
ensures an exceptional experience.
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Niseko Coffee
boasts a significant presence in the Philippines, with several branches
throughout Metro Manila, including locations in Greenhills (San Juan) and
Alabang Town Center. The brand is a well-known name in the local coffee scene,
celebrated for its Japanese-inspired aesthetic and premium beverages.
Aesthetic
and Ambiance
Their shops are
often described as cozy, embodying a minimalist and Japanese-style aesthetic
that features light wood and a clean, understated design.
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Details on Their Matcha Latte
Niseko Coffee's
matcha latte has received high praise from local matcha enthusiasts and is
regarded as one of the best options in Metro Manila. Here’s what makes it
exceptional:
High-Quality
Matcha: The café uses
Okumidori matcha from Kurasu Kyoto, recognized for its vibrant green hue and
robust flavor. This distinctive choice sets their latte apart from others.
Strong, Authentic Flavor: Reviews consistently highlight the intense bitterness and earthy, umami-rich flavor of the matcha. Unlike other lattes that may be masked by milk or sweeteners, Niseko's version allows the genuine taste of matcha to shine through. It’s often described as ideal for "purists" who seek a bold, unadulterated matcha experience.
Price: A standard iced matcha latte is priced
around PHP 195, which is considered reasonable and worthwhile given the quality
of the ingredients.
Other Matcha
Drinks: Beyond the
classic matcha latte, they also offer a range of matcha-based beverages,
including the Sakura Matcha Latte and Matcha Floats, expanding their menu for
matcha aficionados.
In conclusion,
Niseko Coffee in the Philippines stands out as a top destination for those in
search of an authentic, high-quality Japanese matcha latte.
2. Tsujiri:
This brand
boasts a rich heritage that traces back to 1860 in Japan, making it a popular
choice among Filipinos in search of genuine green tea. Their matcha lattes are
celebrated for their deep, umami flavor, and they are well-known for their
delectable matcha-infused desserts, such as sundaes and lava cakes.
Tsujiri
Philippines: A Legacy of Matcha
This brand has
a rich heritage that dates back to 1860 in Japan, making it a favored choice
among Filipinos seeking authentic green tea. Their matcha lattes are renowned
for their deep umami flavor, and they are particularly famous for their
delightful matcha-infused desserts, like sundaes and lava cakes.
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The Matcha
Latte at Tsujiri
Tsujiri’s
matcha latte is a standout item on their menu and is highly praised by
customers for several reasons:
High-Quality
Matcha: The matcha used
boasts a vibrant green color and a smooth, creamy texture.
Balanced
Flavor: The taste is
well-balanced, featuring a pleasant umami flavor with a hint of
bitterness—hallmarks of premium matcha.
Sweetness
Level: While some
reviews indicate that the drinks can be a bit sweet, others appreciate that the
earthy matcha flavor still shines through, with options to adjust the
sweetness.
Menu Variety: The matcha latte is just one of the
many matcha-infused drinks and desserts available. Other popular items include
matcha soft serve, matcha floats, and matcha sundaes.
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Tsujiri has
several branches across Metro Manila, including:
- The Podium
(Mandaluyong)
- S Maison at
Conrad Manila (Pasay)
- Greenbelt 5
(Makati)
- SM Aura
Premier (Taguig)
- Power Plant
Mall (Makati)
- Ayala Malls Vertis North (Quezon City)
3. Matcha Mama:
This café is
celebrated not only for its delightful ambiance but also for sourcing its
matcha directly from Uji, Japan. It has become a favorite among those who
appreciate a more subtle and creamy matcha flavor.
Matcha Mama
Philippines is a well-loved matcha-focused business that emerged during the
pandemic and has since expanded to include physical locations. Here are the key
details about the company and its matcha latte:
Origin: Founded by Julienne Atienza in 2020,
Matcha Mama started with bottled drinks and has evolved into a thriving
business.
Matcha
Source: They utilize
high-grade, authentic ceremonial matcha powder sourced directly from Uji,
Kyoto, Japan – a significant selling point, as Uji is renowned for its premium
matcha.
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Locations: Matcha Mama features a
"clubhouse" in White Plains, Quezon City, as well as additional
locations, including Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC, Taguig City. Their products are
also available online and for pickup.
Business
Expansion: In addition
to beverages, they have launched a line of premium gelato made with Japanese
ingredients and offer matcha powder and tea ceremony accessories on their
website.
Matcha
Mama's Matcha Latte
The classic
Matcha Latte at Matcha Mama is one of their most popular offerings and serves
as an excellent introduction for newcomers to the drink. Here are some of its
defining characteristics:
Flavor
Profile: This matcha
latte is characterized by its creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet taste. It
features a more subtle matcha flavor compared to some other brands, making it
perfect for first-time drinkers or those who prefer a milder taste.
Balance: Reviewers appreciate the drink's
harmonious balance between the creamy milk and earthy matcha notes, resulting
in a smooth, milky flavor with a delicate umami finish. It is not overwhelming
and has no bitter aftertaste.
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Customization: The classic Matcha Latte can be customized, allowing customers to select their preferred sweetness level (regular, less sweet, or no sweetness) and milk option (dairy or oat milk).
In addition to
the classic latte, Matcha Mama offers an extensive selection of specialty
matcha lattes with unique flavors, including:
- Ceremonial
Matcha Latte
- White
Chocolate Matcha Latte
- Spanish
Matcha Latte
- Matcha Chai
Latte
- Lavender
Matcha Latte
- Coconut
Matcha
- Matcha
Horchata Latte
4. Shizu Matcha
Bar:
Shizu Matcha
Bar is a well-loved café in the Philippines, specializing in matcha and
renowned for its authentic Japanese-inspired drinks and desserts. Here’s an
in-depth look at what sets them apart, particularly their matcha latte.
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Ambiance and
Location
Shizu Matcha
Bar boasts a Japanese-inspired aesthetic and a warm, inviting atmosphere,
making it a favored destination for café enthusiasts and matcha aficionados
alike. The name “Shizu” likely pays homage to Shizuoka, a renowned region in
Japan celebrated for its high-quality green tea. Their main location is
situated in Caloocan City.
According to reviews and social media buzz, Shizu Matcha Bar's matcha latte has earned high praise from local matcha lovers.
Core
Ingredients: The bar
uses what is described as authentic, premium matcha powder, often emphasizing
its Japanese origins. Each drink is crafted to highlight the true essence of
matcha.
Flavor
Profile: Their matcha
latte is frequently lauded for being creamy while still maintaining the earthy
matcha flavor. It strikes the right balance by not being overly sweet,
appealing to purists who appreciate the bitterness and umami of the matcha.
Preparation: The drinks are carefully prepared, and customers often enjoy the visual experience of watching the staff whisk the matcha.
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In addition to
the classic matcha latte, Shizu Matcha Bar features some innovative variations:
Malted Milk
Matcha: A fan favorite,
this option includes malted milk foam, adding a distinctive texture and flavor
that perfectly complements the matcha.
Banana
Pudding Matcha: Another
creative choice, this drink combines the traditional matcha flavor with the
rich sweetness of banana pudding.
Dirty
Matcha: A popular
concoction that merges matcha with coffee, offering a unique fusion of earthy
and bitter notes.
Overall, Shizu
Matcha Bar's matcha latte stands out in the Philippine market, celebrated for
its authentic flavor, high-quality ingredients, and inventive menu variations
that cater to diverse palates.
5. The Matcha
Tokyo:
Matcha Tokyo
Philippines is a café that specializes in premium, 100% organic matcha.
Originating from Tokyo, the brand has expanded to multiple countries, including
the Philippines, where you can find branches in notable locations such as
Mitsukoshi BGC, Gateway 2, and SM Mall of Asia.
Key Highlights
of Matcha Tokyo's Offerings
Known for its ceremonial-grade matcha, Matcha Tokyo sources its tea from farms that utilize natural spring water and avoid chemical fertilizers. The brand was established with the mission of supporting farmers by ensuring they receive fair compensation for their crops, which facilitates a consistent supply of high-quality organic matcha.
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Flavor
Profiles: They offer
various matcha types with unique flavor profiles:
Japan
Premium: A “best blend”
characterized by a strong umami flavor and low bitterness.
Kyoto Uji: Matcha from Kyoto Uji, delivering a
refreshing taste.
GOKO: A rare, hand-picked leaf with an
exceptionally strong umami profile.
Each drink is
crafted by hand-whisking the matcha with a chasen (bamboo whisk) upon ordering,
paying homage to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This preparation is
often visible to customers at the brewing stations.
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The matcha latte is a menu staple, available both hot and iced. The café sweetens its drinks with homegrown raw brown sugar, allowing customers to adjust the sweetness level.
To accommodate
various preferences, they offer alternative milk options, including oat, soy,
and almond milk for their lattes.
Matcha Tokyo is
also famous for its innovative matcha latte variations, some of which are
exclusive to the Philippines, such as:
Matcha Ube
Latte: A delightful
blend of matcha and ube cream foam, created as a “Filipino pairing that just
made sense.”
Matcha
Spanish Latte: Matcha
enhanced with a touch of condensed milk.
Matcha
Salted Cream Latte: A
rich matcha latte topped with salted cream.
Matcha
Frozen Latte: An
ice-blended rendition of their signature latte.
Pricing: Matcha lattes are generally regarded as premium-priced, with a standard matcha latte costing around ₱260-₱290, while specialty lattes, like the Matcha Ube Latte, are priced at approximately ₱305.
Additional
Noteworthy Mentions Receiving Positive Feedback:
Cooper's
Coffee Haus: Famous for
its creamy and subtly sweet matcha.
Matcha Folk: Frequently highlighted in recent
conversations as a spot offering an outstanding matcha latte.
Matcha Later: Highly praised by many for using
ceremonial-grade matcha, creating a superior beverage.
The perfect matcha latte is truly a matter of personal preference—whether you enjoy it bold and earthy, smooth and balanced, or with a hint of sweetness. Many of these cafés also provide customization options for your beverage, allowing you to ask for a particular sweetness level or a different type of milk.