Frankly, matcha latte is nothing new, but it has become all the rage these days! Matcha has become a staple name at every wellness cafe. Many are seeking it as an alternative to coffee, as matcha is known to release caffeine more slowly, offering a more sustainable energy boost without the jitters and caffeine crashes. Moreover, matcha is known to contain antioxidants, which promote healthy skin, as well as L-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming effect. Its vibrant, Instagrammable green colour certainly helps with the frenzy too. In this article, I’ve rounded up a list of places where you can find the best matcha latte in London. Is your favourite spot on this list? Or let me know if I’ve missed any good spots in the comments below!
What is Matcha Latte
Where a latte is a shot of espresso with steamed milk, a Matcha Latte is whisked matcha (i.e. Japanese green tea) with milk. The concept of matcha latte is actually a Westernised creation rooted in Japanese traditions.
As we all know, matcha originates in Japan, and is a type of powdered green tea made from finely ground, specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Matcha itself is part of ancient Japanese tradition and an integral part in tea ceremonies. Inspired by its cultural heritage and health benefits, it is believed that matcha latte is created by western cafes around the 2000s to introduce matcha to a wider audience globally. With its worldwide craze right now, it certainly succeeded.
Looking for more Japanese treats in London? Check these out too:
Best Cafes in London for a Matcha Latte
JENKI
JENKI is a wellness cafe that makes a fantastic cup of matcha latte. If you’re feeling a little extra, why not go for their Matcha Signatures, featuring matcha latte with lavender & CBD, rose & collagen, ginger & turmeric, or cacao & shrooms.
Location: Spitalfields / Covent Garden / Bond Street
Cha Fe
Cha Fe is an independent coffee and tea bar that specialises in premium Taiwanese and Japanese tea and pastries. They certainly take their matcha seriously, using premium matcha sourced directly from Uji, Kyoto. Other than excellent teas, they also regularly run events/ including Chinese calligraphy workshop, flower painting, and many more.
Location: Canada Water
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Ju Ju Home
Tucked inside Ju Ju Home, a local lifestyle and homeware store in Hackney, is a hidden matcha bar that makes one of the best matcha lattes in London. In particular, go for their Matcha Cloud with Brown Sugar Syrup, made using ceremonial grade Yunomi Matcha and Kousyo Kuromitsu (Okinawa brown sugar syrup).
Location: Hackney Wick
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Frothee
Frothee is an aesthetic, Muslim-owned coffee shop in King’s Cross and has absolutely won people’s hearts with their excellent coffees and matcha drinks. Their brown sugar matcha latte, topped with cold foam if you like, is the perfect pick-me-up at the charming neighbourhood cafe.
Location: King’s Cross
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Japan House
Japan House London is not just a gallery or shop, but it also has a cafe stand that whips up a great cup of matcha latte. At the stand, you can also find a seasonal menu of Japanese confectionery that pairs perfectly with your drink.
Location: High Street Kensington
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BLK CAB
Hailing from Dubai, BLK Cab is an incredibly popular spot in central London to grab a matcha latte. The OG Matcha Latte is what puts them on the map, and they also do a number of other flavours, such as Ube Matcha Latte, Strawberry Matcha Latte, etc. Though from an East Asian point of view, they’re a tad too sweet. Matcha aside, they also do excellent coffee.
Location: Bond Street
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Machiya
The cosy little Japanese restaurant Machiya, tucked behind Leicester Square, serves homely Japanese food, desserts, and a mean cup of matcha latte. Unfortunately, the food isn’t halal, but their dessert and matcha latte still make it a worthwhile visit.
Location: Picadilly Circus
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Matchado
As its name suggests, Matchado is a cafe that’s all about matcha and matcha only. Regular matcha lattes aside, they also have many fruity matcha combos such as Mango Matcha, Strawberry Matcha, Blueberry Matcha, Peach Matcha, etc.
Location: King’s Cross
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HeyTea
How much do you love matcha? Can you handle their Triple Supreme Matcha? The global bubble tea giant and one of London’s best boba spots can absolutely deliver a good matcha drink. Whether it’s the Matcha Cloud or Supreme Matcha, it always hits the spot.
Tsujiri
As a matcha specialist spot, Tsujiri is always a solid spot for a matcha latte fix. The Japanese tea house guarantees authentic, high-quality ingredients all around and offers an authentic matcha experience. When the heatwave hits, we recommend getting their Matcha Soft Serve or Matcha Frappe (and have it topped with the Sakura crown if in season!).
YumTea
YumTea specialises in Asian tea and patisserie, and makes a great cup of matcha latte. For a double matcha sensation, why not top it off with a scoop of matcha ice cream, turning it into a Matcha Latte Float!
Location: Holborn / Canary Wharf
Moko Made
The quirky Japanese cafe, Moko Made, has become quite a Hoxton local favourite with its top-quality matcha and delicious snacks. Go for their Matcha & Honey Latte, and perhaps a Tuna Onigiri on the side for the perfect little pick-me-up.
Location: Hoxton
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Toconoco
Toconoco is an absolute gem in Hackney that serves homely Japanese food, including a good cup of matcha latte (and hojicha latte). The food menu, unfortunately, isn’t halal but it’s certainly worthwhile to pop by for a little dessert and drink, and enjoy the chilled atmosphere by the canal. Moreover, their ceramics are handmade by Japanese artists, and it’s a true authentic Japanese gem in London.
Location: Haggerston
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