In the dynamic food scene of metro Atlanta, matcha has become a prominent trend. This ancient green tea powder is now inspiring a wave of creativity, appearing in everything from cocktails to desserts and a variety of colorful drinks at local cafes, bars, and restaurants. With its unique flavor profile, matcha attracts health enthusiasts, fans of earthy tastes, and those seeking a milder caffeine experience.
This guide highlights some of the best places in Atlanta where you can indulge in matcha drinks, baked goods, and even soft serve, offering a delightful experience for all matcha lovers.
Where to Find Matcha in Atlanta
Bearly Awake Cafe
Various locations
This charming coffee cart based in Kennesaw uses Wave 3’s Shoko matcha, a blend crafted from the Yabukita, Samidori, and Gokoh cultivars. Bearly Awake is known for its inventive syrups, which include caramelized pear, banana, and horchata. Additionally, they create unique cultural latte flavors, such as pan de muerto, horchata, and guava, alongside playful options like banana pudding and Fruity Pebbles. Visit them on Saturdays at the Druid Hills Farmers Market or follow their Instagram for details on pop-up events.
Common Coffee & Cocktails
5677 Buford Hwy, Doraville
Located in Doraville, this innovative coffee shop and bar sources matcha from Passenger Coffee, offering matcha tonics and a variety of flavored lattes. Popular options include jasmine, blueberry, and the viral “sheep matcha latte. They also offer delightful hojicha (roasted green tea) lattes.
Enid Coffee
655 Highland Ave., Old Fourth Ward
Inside Communidad Taqueria, Enid Coffee serves a variety of espresso-based drinks, including specialty beverages like a caramelized banana latte and a strawberries and cream latte. Enjoy the refreshing uchuva tonic, which can be customized with espresso or an iced salted honey matcha cloud.
Fujissa
3875 Venture Dr., Duluth
For the best matcha soft serve in metro Atlanta, head to this small counter located within the Jusgo supermarket’s food court in Duluth. Fujissa offers regular and stronger matcha soft serve for an extra earthy experience, along with matcha dango, milkshakes, crepe cakes, and a Swiss matcha roll. For drinks, choose from matcha soda with passionfruit, citron honey, trendy blue lattes, or iced matcha.
Momo Cafe
95 8th St., Midtown
Since its opening in 2018, Momo Cafe has introduced matcha to many Atlantans through its vibrant drinks, velvety soft serve, and matcha-infused pastries crafted by pastry chef ChingYao Wang. The menu features hot and iced matcha options, matcha lemonade, layered strawberry, blueberry, or banana bread iced lattes, and even a matcha soft serve float. A delightful topping for your latte is their coconut matcha cloud foam.
Notcha Matcha
Various locations
The pop-up Notcha Matcha, founded by Queenesha Gregory, alternates between Atlanta and Augusta, featuring locally inspired flavors like peach cobbler, banana pudding, and sweet potato. Sourced from Shizuoka, Japan, the matcha is complemented by Gregory’s Southern influence. The distinctive hot lemon pepper latte captures the essence of Atlanta. Stay updated on locations and flavors by following on Instagram.
Oohmami Matcha
Various locations
Chanel Allen established Oohmami Matcha to provide a less processed matcha option. The yabukita cultivar powder is made using first harvest leaves from a sixth-generation farm in Uji, Japan. While primarily catering to home use, Oohmami Matcha offers both powder and drinks at the Grant Park Farmers Market on Sundays and pops up at various wellness-centered venues around Atlanta.
The Postcard
3145 Peachtree Road, Buckhead
This shop, which previously featured Wave 3, now utilizes the brand’s matcha powder to create some of the finest beverages in Atlanta. Their standout item is the Wave Blue, a blueberry matcha latte. You can also enjoy a variety of other options such as classic, jasmine, and strawberry-rose lattes, and purchase Wave 3 tins and gifts, including matcha kits and ceramics.
Shogun Matcha
Various locations
For those seeking both high-quality matcha tins and creative beverage options, pop-up Shogun Matcha is the place to be. Partnering with a 10th-generation farm in Uji, Japan, Shogun offers unique drinks that distinguish themselves not just in Atlanta, but across the United States. They also provide a prestige series featuring rare cultivars. You can find Shogun Matcha at Poke House in Buckhead on Fridays, the Sandy Springs Farmers Market on Saturdays, and the Avondale Estates Farmers Market on Sundays. Stay updated on their pop-up locations by following them on social media.
Storyteller Goods
Inside Home Grown, 968 Memorial Dr., Reynoldstown
Inside Home Grown, Storyteller Goods sources Yama matcha from Mizuba Tea Company, also featured in selections at local establishments like Little Tart Bake Shop and Valor Coffee in Dunwoody. Hailing from the foggy, mountainous Honyama region, the Yama cultivar reflects its terroir with rich umami flavors and soft floral notes. This matcha pairs exceptionally well with strawberry syrup and crushed cherry blossom in the Secret Garden matcha drink offered at Storyteller Goods.
Key Takeaways
- Matcha is gaining popularity across metro Atlanta.
- Explore a variety of innovative matcha drinks and desserts at local cafes and shops.
- Unique flavors such as horchata and cultural inspirations enhance typical matcha offerings.
- Many establishments also offer matcha soft serve and baked goods.
- Follow local businesses for updates on seasonal flavors and pop-up events.
FAQ
What is matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves, known for its vibrant color and unique flavor.
Where can I find matcha in Atlanta?
Various coffee shops and cafes throughout Atlanta serve matcha drinks and desserts, such as Bearly Awake Cafe, Momo Cafe, and Fujissa.
Is matcha available in different flavors?
Yes, many places offer flavored matcha beverages, including options infused with jasmine, blueberry, and even Southern-inspired flavors like peach cobbler.
Atlanta’s love for matcha is evidently growing, offering endless opportunities to discover and enjoy this versatile ingredient. From inviting cafes to unique pop-ups, matcha lovers have plenty of delightful options to explore.
