Matcha isn’t just a drink in New York City—it’s a full-blown cultural moment. This vibrant green tea powder, rich in antioxidants and bold in flavor, has become the centerpiece of a growing culinary trend that blends wellness, aesthetics, and innovation. From creamy lattes and delicate pastries to noodles and soft serve, NYC has embraced matcha in nearly every edible form. Here’s where to indulge in the city’s matcha mania.
Cha Cha Matcha – The OG Instagrammable Matcha Spot
Few places have done more to popularize matcha in NYC than Cha Cha Matcha. With its bright pink interiors, palm tree motifs, and neon signs, this café is as much about the vibe as the drinks. The iced matcha latte with macadamia milk is a crowd favorite, and seasonal creations like matcha lemonade or CBD-infused matcha shots keep things interesting. If you’re looking for a colorful intro to NYC’s matcha world, this is the place.
Matchaful – Sustainably Sourced, Silky Smooth
Matchaful prides itself on transparency and wellness. Their matcha is sourced from small farms in Japan and ground to order for peak freshness. Locations in SoHo and Williamsburg serve creamy ceremonial-grade matcha drinks alongside innovative offerings like matcha draft lattes and vegan matcha waffles. Their minimal, serene design makes every visit feel like a reset—ideal for health-conscious city dwellers.
Kettl – For the Matcha Purist
If you want to go deep into traditional Japanese tea culture, Kettl is essential. This sleek tea house in Greenpoint offers hand-whisked matcha served with wagashi (Japanese confections) in a peaceful, minimalist space. Kettl is all about respecting the roots of matcha—no syrups, no gimmicks, just bold umami flavor and precise technique. They also sell top-tier matcha powder and tools if you’re ready to practice at home.
Mochii – Matcha Meets Mochi Ice Cream
In the East Village, Mochii takes matcha to dessert heaven. Their hand-crafted mochi ice cream features flavors like matcha green tea, matcha red bean, and matcha yuzu, all wrapped in soft rice flour dough. The balance of chewy, creamy, and subtly bitter makes it a refreshing alternative to heavier sweets. Grab a box to-go or savor one on a nearby stoop for peak NYC-snacking.
Hi-Collar – Tokyo Café Culture in the East Village
By day, Hi-Collar is a stylish Japanese kissaten (coffee shop); by night, it transforms into a sake bar. Their matcha hotcakes are a must-try—fluffy, thick pancakes topped with matcha cream and seasonal fruit. Also worth noting: their iced matcha with milk served in a siphon-brewed coffee style that merges Japanese tradition with NYC’s experimental energy.
Matcha’s rise in NYC reflects more than just a preference for something green—it’s about experiences, rituals, and a balance between indulgence and mindfulness. Whether you prefer it pure and ceremonial or sweet and photogenic, there’s a matcha moment for everyone in New York.
