Where to snag a cup of the Japanese powdered green tea
Its green hues light up Instagram feeds. It's the liquid superfood of dreams. It's upending cafe culture with its many forms: lattes, cold brews, ice creams and seasonally inspired drinks. And it tops our list of DC food trends. Yes, we're talking about matcha.
The craze for whisked tea adds to the list of popular cultural Japanese imports to DC, including cherry blossom trees, bonsai at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in the U.S. National Arboretum and numerous izakayas and sushi spots.
So as you're looking to sip and savor something high in antioxidants thanks to those catechins, you're in luck. Here's where to cash in on the craze in DC.
Love, Makoto's Love on the Run
Mount Vernon Triangle near Chinatown
Don't sleep on the fast-casual, food-hall-style side of the lauded Japanese restaurant in your search for a quality matcha latte. If you'd prefer a sweeter treat, try the matcha coconut soft serve.
The first level of the multi-floor operation slings not only viral matcha drinks but also choux shaped like turtles and chirashi (a sort of deconstructed sushi bowl). Be aware that items often sell out quickly.
Dupont Circle, plus Union Market and Georgetown outposts
Such a staple that the store sells its own branded, at-home matcha, vacuum-sealed for freshness.
The signature matcha offering at Grounded incorporates butterfly pea powder, vanilla and pistachio, the crowned jewel on a menu that leans into earthiness and natural ingredients.
Consume your matcha four ways: authentic Japanese tea ceremony style, a sweetened powder-based hot blended latte (iced also available) or an iced latte tossed with fresh fruit.
14th Street NW near Columbia Heights
At this small-but-mighty shop inside of Streets Market, matcha is both a science and a labor of love: "milled to order" by pals in Kyoto and hand-whisked for every customer.
Following the irresistible (and viral) nostalgia of its Strawberry Pop-Tart latte, Childhood Cafe trusts spunky, house-made syrups to make its seasonal matcha drinks shine.
Rose Ave Bakery
The beloved bakery offers a variety of carefully layered matcha drinks, including the crowd-favorite mango matcha.
This all-day Latin American eatery features fresh and creative drinks that include ceremonial-grade matcha.
NoMa & Union Market, Takoma Park
This small-batch coffee roaster is a local favorite, supplying top-notch spots all over the District, so it's no wonder they make a mean matcha latte.
Fun and funky flavors reign supreme at this Australian cafe, which features rotating infusions and cold foams, ranging from lavender to banana bread.
Cleveland Park (Upper NW) & Union Market
Matcha tea, matcha lattes and hojicha (roasted matcha) grace the menu of this Japanese-French bakery, and each pairs perfectly with a delicate pastry. If you're craving matcha flavor in a different format, you may be in luck.
Dupont Circle, Penn Quarter & Chinatown, National Mall, H Street NE
This Argentine coffee shop and gelateria whisks matcha in americano, cortado and latte formats, plus seasonal specials with a focus on quality and local ingredients. Look out for gelato flavors that incorporate matcha or go to the H Street shop where you may find full-on matcha soft serve.
Steep yourself in plenty more tea experiences in DC as well. Check out where to enjoy high tea around the District, from historic hotels to inspired eateries.
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