Green tea is a resident drink in many Asian countries. It is as ubiquitous as a can of Coca-Cola in America, with many opting for it instead of their morning cup of coffee. Pure brewed forms of green tea are seen to be far more beneficial to one’s health, but none top the nutritional value chart like matcha. For the best cups of matcha lattes and green tea desserts, here are the best matcha cafes in Singapore to visit today.
A cup of matcha is said to have the same health advantages as 10 cups of regular green tea. Matcha green tea is a powdered version of the tea leaf, and is unique to Japan. Formerly associated with ceremonial practices, matcha green tea embodies a quintessentially Japanese approach to life, given the cultural significance of preparing a bowl of tea. Today, matcha has grown in popularity across the world, exploding as a dessert staple and caffeine replacement in many a cafe. Luxury fragrance house Le Labo even created a fragrance inspired by the herbaceous plant.
A number of dedicated matcha cafes have popped up around Singapore over the past few years, offering quality grade tea imported from some of the best producers in Japan, many of them in Uji. While many cafes across the country offer the Instagrammable matcha latte, we’ve narrowed down our list to include only the ones that use premium or ceremonial grade matcha powder for their beverages and desserts, so you get the best experience possible.
If you consider yourself a fan of the antioxidant-rich Japanese superfood, here are some of the best cafes in Singapore to go to for your matcha green tea fix.
(Hero and featured image credit: Hvala and @yumsinpaotums/Instagram)
11 best matcha cafes in Singapore for lattes and desserts
1 /11
This clean, minimalist wood shop oozes Japanese charm, and so does its menu. It isn’t purely dedicated to the green tea, despite the suggestion in the shop’s name, but Matchaya boasts an array of Japanese teas and desserts made from houjicha, royal milk tea and kuromitsu. Its matcha, sourced from Kyoto, comes as hot or cold lattes, or prepared with ceremonial-grade tea in “espresso” form — the way it is traditionally enjoyed. Dessert lovers will appreciate the variety of cakes and soft serves available. For the ultimate green tea experience, order the latter as a parfait with other green tea-flavoured toppings.
Outlets: Takashimaya, CapitaSpring, Suntec City
What to order: Signature Koicha Milk, Signature Matcha Yuzu Cake, Uji Matcha Parfait
Image credit: @matchayasg/Instagram
2 /11
Matcha purists, this trendy nook is for you. Conveniently located within the CBD at Robinson Road and Asia Square, Kyo Kohee utilises a carefully curated menu centred around three varieties of matcha: Ujimidori, Asanoka, and the highly popular Okumidori, which has won awards at prestigious tea awards globally. Expect a balanced flavour profile of natural sweetness and mild bitterness with this variety.
Outlets: 112 Robinson Road, Asia Square Tower 1
What to order: Matcha Okumidori Latte, Iced Strawberry Matcha
Image credit: @itsandresnaps/Instagram
3 /11
Tsujiri is one of the oldest Japanese tea houses in the world, having been around since 1860. It was one of the pioneering matcha cafés in Singapore, specialising in drinks and desserts. It’s less of a place to explore the intricacies of different matcha grades than to enjoy the versatility of matcha as an ingredient. The establishment’s matcha comes from Uji in Kyoto, and finds itself made into anything from a cappuccino to a frappuccino, or even mixed latte-style with yuzu syrup. Tsujiru also has genmaicha, houjicha, and kuromitsu on the menu.
Outlets: One Holland Village, Great World City, Clementi Peaks, Clarke Quay Central, Tanjong Pagar, Seng Kang Grand Mall
What to order: Tsujiri Tiramisu, Matcha Warabimochi, Uji-Matcha Roll Cake
Image credit: @tsujiri_sg/Instagram
4 /11
Kurasu is an artisanal Japanese coffee spot that serves up a darn good matcha latte. Its offerings are slim, catering to the order-and-go business crowd, so don’t expect a variety of Japanese teas. Instead, it offers hot or cold matcha lattes made with tea powder from Morihan, one of the longest-standing green tea makers in Kyoto. It’s perfect for a morning or post-lunch pick-me-up if you work in the area. Coffee enthusiasts can also visit Kurasu to purchase bags of beans curated and roasted by artisanal Japan coffeemakers.
Outlets: 261 Waterloo Street, Orchard Building
What to order: Matcha latte, Matcha Calpis Soda
Image credit: @kurasusg/Instagram
5 /11
Any tea lover can attest to the fact that Hvala serves up some of the finest teas in Singapore, and its matcha offering is no exception. A wide selection is available here, ranging from premium to ceremonial grade matcha. While pricier than the others, we recommend you try the Hikari variety. Sourced from the prestigious Wazuka region in Kyoto, the ceremonial grade matcha powder promises a rich umami that’s balanced with a gentle sweetness and subtle bitter notes. Have it straight to savour its full flavour profile, or as a latte for a delicious mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Outlets: Takashimaya, Odeon 333, Raffles Specialist Centre,
What to order: Hikari matcha latte, Matcha gelato, Chaffogato
Image credit: @hvala_sg/Instagram
6 /11
This cafe might have ‘coffee’ in its name, but people really flock here for its Instagram-viral matcha on tap. The futuristic establishment is located along Beach Road and is helmed by the same folks behind Kurasu Singapore. Those who prefer their green tea to be less overpowering will love the Iced Matcha Latte on tap, which is made with premium matcha powder from Kyoto, and is perfectly balanced by the milk and sugar.
What to order: Iced Matcha Latte
Image credit: @2050.coffeesg/Instagram
7 /11
One of the best matcha specialty cafes in Singapore is Nana’s Green Tea, which offers an extensive menu of the superfood in all forms. Those who want a refreshing drink will love the unique Matcha Soda here, while dessert lovers will appreciate the intricate parfaits and Swiss rolls. If you’re peckish, the cafe also serves up a variety of Japanese dishes that pair perfectly with the beverages. Expect a menu that includes don bowls, chazuke, curry rice, and udon.
Outlets: Plaza Singapura, Guoco Tower, Duo Galleria
What to order: Matcha soda float, Matcha Shiratama Parfait, Matcha espresso shot
Image credit: Nana’s Green Tea
8 /11
Matcha latte girlies, this one’s for you. Touted as Singapore’s first self-serve matcha on tap concept, Sugar Belly is a bubblegum pink dream that hand whisks its matcha latte in small batches for optimal freshness, before dispensing the drink fresh upon ordering. For a sweet treat, get the Strawberry matcha latte, which comes with house-made strawberry jam.
What to order: Strawberry matcha latte
9 /11
Another cafe that’s rising the ranks when it comes to serving up the best matcha in Singapore is Haus Coffee, which has garnered plenty of attention for its viral Banana Pudding Matcha Latte. Located in a quiet corner of Golden Mile Tower, the barista here hand whisks the matcha the traditional way, before adding a dollop of pudding comprising whipped cream, custard, banana slices, and sponge cake.
What to order: Banana Pudding Matcha, Iced Strawberry Matcha
Image credit: @hauscoffeesg/Instagram
10 /11
It’s no secret that green tea and strawberries are a match made in heaven, and Echo does well in marrying the two perfectly. The Strawberry Matcha drink here has become Instagram viral for not only its aesthetics, but also its taste. Expect sips of rich, piquant matcha that’s complemented by sweet and tart strawberry jam here.
What to order: Strawberry Matcha
Image credit: @yumsinpaotums/Instagram
11 /11
Old Hen’s is a cafe that’s best known for its housemade cold brew beverages. Its Cold Matcha drink is one of the most popular, with a rich and creamy profile that tapers off into the signature green bitterness one associates with the green tea. Come here and enjoy a bottle or two of the beverage while tucking into its all-day breakfast fare. This is definitely the place to be for a relaxed Sunday brunch.
What to order: Cold matcha drink
Image credit: @oldhencoffee/Instagram
