Trying to spice it up in a campus Starbucks is a canon event. You try ordering something other than your caramel ribbon, double shot, extra whipped cream Frappuccino and your eyes land on matcha. After you taste your first sip, though, realization hits you. Their matcha sucks.
Overly sugary, mainstream matcha from chain coffee shops made me hate the drink for a long time. When I started getting matcha from authentic tea shops, I then grew a love for the drink.
So, if you are like me and want to reattempt your relationship with matcha or are just in need of a cozy place to study with a great cup of earthy, green tea — here are the top 5 places around ASU to grab a cup of matcha.
5. Wren and Wolf
Located on Central Avenue, about a 12-minute walk from the downtown campus, Wren and Wolf is a full-service restaurant known for its speakeasy-like atmosphere and steaks. In the morning, the restaurant turns into a hub for businessmen grabbing a cup of joe before work and also boasts signature French pastries.
Besides their extensive coffee menu, Wren and Wolf can craft a great cup of matcha — specifically their lucky charm flavor.
Their food and drinks are great, but you can also come for the experience. Enjoy a vintage bar atmosphere while you sit and study by candlelight. If you have a foodie in your life or are just in need of a new study hub, this is the place for you.
4. Press Coffee Roasters
With locations all over the Valley, Sun Devils are never more than a few minutes from Press Coffee Roasters. The convenience of Press Coffee Roasters makes for a satisfying treat before class.
Their menu is simple, but that's what is amazing about this cafe: You're never going to be overwhelmed with choices. Their matcha is the perfect blend of earthiness and sweetness. You can also make fun combinations with their syrups, making your cup of matcha personalized to your style.
3. Songbird Coffee and Tea House
Tea is literally in the name of this cafe, so it's no surprise that Songbird will be one of the best cups of matcha in the Valley. This is the cafe to stop by if you want to try a new and unexpected drink combination.
Their seasonal ube and matcha lemonade is one of their many amazing drinks that will have you ordering a second cup before you finish your notes.
On the subject of notes, this is a great study spot if you enjoy a more homey atmosphere. Besides the coffee and tea house being located in an actual house, each room is filled with a plethora of antique chairs and couches, perfect for a long 'yap sesh' with some friends or a comfortable and quiet place to catch up on your reading.
Plus, there's a cafe cat that runs around the shop. What's better than that?
2. Infusion Coffee and Tea Crafters
Located inside the Queen Creek Olive Mill, this cafe is for ASU Polytechnic students looking for unique drinks close to home.
Infusion takes the art of being a barista seriously with their chemist-inspired beverages. Their matcha, much like Songbird, blends unexpected flavors with an even crazier twist. A unique recommendation would be their virgin matcha daiquiri — which is matcha, lemon juice, and strawberry purée, topped off with soda water.
1. Premium Matcha Cafe Maiko
Located on University Drive in Tempe, Maiko is a matcha lover's dream, serving up nothing but high-quality matcha. Maiko is an authentic Japanese tea house that knows how to make a simple cup of green tea or a massive matcha float.
Maiko is a great place to take your tea-loving friends and grab a sweet treat. Whether you order the strawberry matcha latte or the lemon matcha float with lychee ice cream, you are bound to find a matcha drink that suits your fancy.
Edited by Andrew Dirst, Sophia Ramirez and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at thutche1@asu.edu.
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