Sierra Rozen / Courier Texas
Matcha has been trendy ever since the green tea-based drink started growing in mainstream popularity in the 2010s. While matcha can be enjoyed in many different forms, including in pastries and ice cream, one of the easiest and most classic ways to enjoy the vibrant green beverage is through an iced or hot latte.
Food influencer Keith Lee recently made headlines when he set out to find the best matcha in Dallas. While Houston can’t claim the Lee stamp of approval, we can still round up some of our favorite spots to grab a matcha and hear from the experts on what makes a good one.
But first, what exactly is matcha and how can you tell if it’s a good one?
Per Business Insider, ceremonial-grade matcha has its origins in Japanese tea ceremonies, and can take an entire year to grow the plant where the matcha leaves are plucked from, making high-quality matcha more expensive. In its tea form, matcha tends to be bitter, with the greener the matcha, the more complex its flavor.
According to Nicolas Tanaka from local matcha shop Kohiko, good matcha is all about the ingredients and the technique used to prepare it.
“A good matcha latte always starts with the ingredients and the hands used to make them,” he said. “You have to care and obsess over the smallest things for you to create the best matcha latte; the tools you use, the water quality, milk, sugar, and of course, the kind of matcha you use. At Kohiko we precisely measure the grams of matcha powder, water, syrup, and milk. We are driven to continuously improve to ensure the best matcha for our guests. That’s the Japanese way.”
Though ensō matcha does not currently have a permanent location, the pop-up shop has already made a name for itself among latte lovers. Ensō matcha focuses solely on matcha, offering everything from a traditional matcha latte to experimental flavors such as their orange creamsicle and fruity pebble options.
Courtesy Kathy Huynh
The business posts its pop-up dates and locations on their Instagram and website. If you love their matchas, but don’t want to keep up with event dates, you’ll be happy to know that they sell their matcha powder for convenient, at-home sipping.
“We believe what makes the best kind of matcha latte is all about precision and consistency,” said the owners. “From weighing out your matcha with a scale, finding the perfect water temperature from 160-180F and whisking it in a zig zag formation to achieve the maximum level of froth.”
Courtesy Kathy Huynh
1809 Eldridge Parkway, Ste. 104, Houston
Founded by Brenda Vilchis, Matcha Mia was born with the intention of bringing the art of matcha to Houston.
Courtesy Matcha Mia
“At Matcha Mia, we believe the best kind of matcha latte starts with high-quality, ceremonial grade matcha,” Vilchis said. “Ceremonial grade means it’s made from the youngest, most tender leaves of the tea plant — it’s vibrant in color, smooth in taste, and packed with antioxidants. We hand-whisk every drink to preserve its flavor and signature froth, and we pair it with clean, simple ingredients to let the matcha shine.”
Courtesy Matcha Mia
Along with matcha on the rocks and hot matcha lattes, coffee, refreshers, and smoothies also have a place on the menu. If you also want a bite to eat, Matcha Mia offers sandwiches, waffles, crepes, and smoothie bowls. Stop by to experience it yourself, and be on the lookout for a new location in The Heights opening this summer.
4617 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land
Kohiko offers Japanese hospitality to Houstonians. Those new to, or familiar with, matcha will find a warm, open atmosphere for everyone to experience the drink.
Courtesy Nicolas Tanaka
While traditional coffee drinks are on the menu, matcha is the main course here. Along with traditionally flavored matcha, customers can tempt their taste buds with a specialty latte such as the Moshi Moshi, which features banana, brown sugar, matcha, espresso, and milk.
Sierra Rozen / Courier Texas
I tried it: As someone who grew up in Sugar Land and whose family still lives there, I knew I had to kill two birds with one stone while I was hanging out with them this past weekend. I brought along my equally matcha obsessed younger sister to Kohiko, where we experienced a clean, friendly environment. She ordered a traditional iced matcha latte with regular milk and vanilla syrup, while I opted for the Moshi Moshi with oat milk. Both were delicious and were prepared quickly.
I tried out the Moshi Moshi at Kohiko and it did not disappoint! (Sierra Rozen / Courier Texas)
3516 S. Shepherd Drive, Houston
Honey Art Cafe isn’t just a destination for great matcha, but a place for folks who want a creative activity. While only offering a traditional matcha latte, customers can also indulge in coffee drinks, macarons, and cake jars that pair perfectly with coloring, making air dry clay creations, or painting a watercolor masterpiece.
23015 Colonial Parkway, Ste. A-104, Katy
Nervous about whether you’ll like matcha the first time you try it, or concerned that it might taste like liquid grass? With an extensive selection of matcha, at Junbi-Katy, first-time customers can rest assured that there’s something for everyone. Try a hot or cold traditional matcha latte, or go daring with a guava matcha latte or a taro vanilla matcha cold brew.
Courtesy Junbi-Katy
“At Junbi-Katy, matcha isn’t just a drink; it’s a daily ritual rooted in intention and joy,” the business owners. “We prioritize high-quality ceremonial grade matcha sourced directly from Japan, fresh for every drink served.”
Courtesy Junbi-Katy
888 Westheimer Road, Ste. 106, Houston
600 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston
3502 S. Shepherd Drive, Houston
Probably the most well-known on the list, La La Land Kind Cafe has made quite the splash in the world of coffee and tea. With locations in Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles, the business revolves around the idea of “kindness and service” with how they give back to the community through their La La Land Foundation.
“Through volunteering, mentoring, and advocating for critical causes, we aim to uplift and support those in need,” the website states. “By promoting empathy and compassion, we believe in creating a ripple effect of positivity, enriching lives and building a brighter future for all.”
Try out a La La Latte, Strawberry Fields, Lavender Bloom, or a French Toast Latte to pair with one of their Signature Toasts, and check out their merchandise available at all locations.
