The Many Faces of Matcha in Los Angeles
Table of Contents
- 1. The Many Faces of Matcha in Los Angeles
- 2. Matcha: A guide for the Beginner
- 3. Deciphering the Label
- 4. Experience the flavor
- 5. Dive into the Matcha World
- 6. Matcha: A Guide for the Beginner
- 7. Deciphering the Label
- 8. Experience the Flavor
- 9. Dive into the Matcha World
- 10. Stereoscope Coffee (various locations)
- 11. Los angeles’ Matcha Scene: Exploring the Art and Craft
- 12. Mandarin Coffee stand: Where Kyoto Meets Pasadena
- 13. A Matcha Oasis in Pasadena: Mandarin Coffee Stand
- 14. Maru Coffee (Arts District, Los Feliz)
- 15. Los Angeles’ Best Matcha Lattes: An Exclusive Interview with Local Coffee Experts
- 16. Kendall lee, Coffee Snob
- 17. A Matcha Lover’s Guide: Exploring Seattle’s Best Matcha Lattes
- 18. How do coffee Cultivation’s matcha lattes differ from those at other cafes, according to Kendall Lee?
- 19. Los Angeles’ Best Matcha Lattes: An Exclusive Interview with Local coffee Experts
- 20. kendall Lee, Coffee Snob
- 21. Aaron Chiu, Tea Lover Blog
- 22. Isabella rodriguez, Food Critic
Los Angeles’ vibrant cafe scene is overflowing with matcha, showing up in delightful ways beyond the classic latte. This beloved green tea has become a beloved ingredient, gracing the menus of cafes across the city.
matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea leaves, offers a unique flavor profile and a wealth of potential for culinary creativity. But for those new to matcha, navigating its world can seem daunting.
Matcha: A guide for the Beginner
Matcha’s signature earthy and vegetal notes, frequently enough accompanied by a hint of sweetness, make it a versatile ingredient. It’s enjoyed both hot and cold, in both traditional Japanese ceremonies and modern,innovative drinks.
Deciphering the Label
When looking for matcha, pay attention to the grade. Lower grades, like culinary matcha, are suitable for lattes and baking, while ceremonial grade is finer and prized for its delicate flavor, typically enjoyed in traditional whisked tea.
Experience the flavor
The world of matcha extends far beyond the latte. Explore the refreshing taste of a matcha tonic, a vibrant matcha smoothie, or even a decadent matcha eclair.
Dive into the Matcha World
Los Angeles boasts a thriving matcha scene, with numerous cafes serving up creative and appetizing matcha creations.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the city’s best matcha destinations:
Stereoscope Coffee (various locations): Known for their meticulous sourcing and brewing techniques, Stereoscope Coffee offers a range of matcha drinks, including their signature “Matcha Latte,” crafted with organic ceremonial grade matcha.
tea Master of Little Tokyo: A Haven for Traditionalists: Embrace the art of traditional matcha at tea Master of Little Tokyo. This authentic tea house serves matcha in its purest form, prepared with utmost precision according to Japanese customs.
Telegrama (Melrose Hill): A Modern Matcha Retreat: Telegrama (Melrose Hill) seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with traditional matcha craftsmanship.Their “Hojicha Latte,” a unique blend of roasted green tea and steamed milk, is a must-try.
Unlocking the Flavor of Hojicha: A los Angeles Tea haven: For a unique twist on matcha, discover Hojicha, a roasted green tea with a caramelized, nutty flavor. This hidden gem offers a range of Hojicha creations, from lattes to refreshing iced teas.
Mandarin Coffee Stand: Where Kyoto Meets Pasadena: This charming coffee stand nestled in Pasadena blends the elegance of Kyoto with the vibrancy of Los angeles. Their Matcha Soft Serve, a creamy and flavorful treat, is a testament to the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation.
Maru Coffee (Arts District, Los Feliz): This coffee shop, with locations in both the Arts District and Los Feliz, offers a curated selection of matcha drinks, including their signature “Matcha Tiramisu” – a delightful fusion of coffee and matcha flavors.
Matcha: A Guide for the Beginner
Matcha, the vibrant green powder adored for its health benefits and unique taste, has taken the world by storm. But navigating the world of matcha can seem daunting, with a dizzying array of brands, grades, and planning methods. Fear not, matcha enthusiast! We’re here to demystify this complex beverage and equip you to confidently navigate its multifaceted landscape.
Like coffee and wine, matcha offers a spectrum of flavors and qualities. Rocky Xu,founder of the traveling tea house Rocky’s Matcha,explains,”With coffee,you have the explosion of single origins and tasting menus. With wines, they are aged, cheap, expensive, and everything in between. With matcha, there are so many different levels.”
So where should your matcha journey begin? Understanding the source is key. Uji,a region in Japan renowned for its subtropical climate and fertile soil,is traditionally the heartland of matcha production. However, tea cultivation has spread throughout Japan and even to countries like Korea, introducing exciting new flavor profiles.
Many cafes streamline this exploration by partnering with reputable matcha brands. You’ll likely encounter names like Rocky’s Matcha, Marukyu Koyamaen, kanbayashi Shunsho, Ippodo, and Mizuba Tea Co.,each offering distinct characteristics.
Deciphering the Label
Don’t be intimidated by the matcha label. Here’s a cheat sheet to help you understand the details:
“First harvest” signifies ceremonial grade matcha. Harvested at the beginning of the year, known as “first flush,” this matcha boasts the most intense and fresh flavor.
Stone milling versus machine milling is another differentiator. While machine milling is efficient, it can generate heat, leading to astringency. Stone milling, though more labor-intensive, produces a smoother, more nuanced matcha.
Experience the Flavor
The color of your matcha offers a glimpse into its quality. A vibrant, emerald green hue indicates freshness and suggests a ceremonial grade. A yellowish or dull green suggests older leaves, perhaps with less flavor and nutrients.
A truly extraordinary matcha possesses a natural sweetness and savory umami, without bitterness. If a cafe pre-sweetens their matcha, it’s likely using a lower-grade, culinary matcha to mask its flavor.
Dive into the Matcha World
Now that you understand the essentials, here are seven exceptional places to embark on your matcha adventure:
Stereoscope Coffee (various locations)
This coffee haven offers three exclusive selections from Mizuba Tea co., known for its commitment to high-quality, sustainable matcha.
Los angeles’ Matcha Scene: Exploring the Art and Craft
Los Angeles is experiencing a matcha renaissance, with cafes across the city offering this vibrant green powder in countless variations. From traditional Japanese tea houses to modern coffee shops, there’s a matcha haven for every taste. Among these,Stereoscope Coffee stands out with its dedicated matcha program,partnering with Portland-based Mizuba Tea Company,renowned for its direct sourcing practices and commitment to quality.
Stereoscope takes the partnership a step further by offering three exclusive matcha varieties: Nakama, Kurohitsuji, and Uchigawa. Eunice Noh,a talented barista at Stereoscope,explains the nuances of each blend:
“nakama is perfect for everyday enjoyment.It’s a full-bodied matcha with bold, comforting notes,” Eunice describes. Kurohitsuji, on the other hand, offers a “clean and crisp” profile, lighter and more delicate.For the ultimate matcha experience, Eunice recommends Uchigawa, stating, “It’s the highest grade we carry, the most complex, naturally sweet, and slightly floral.”
Tasting these matcha varieties reveals a trend: deeper umami flavors and reduced astringency as you ascend the quality ladder,accompanied by increasing price points. While matcha aficionados will appreciate these subtle distinctions, everyday drinkers might find more enjoyment focusing on the unique taste profiles offered by each blend.
whether you’re a seasoned matcha connoisseur or simply curious about exploring this vibrant beverage, Los Angeles’ diverse matcha scene offers something for everyone. From traditional Japanese tea houses to trendy coffee shops, the city’s passion for matcha continues to flourish, inviting everyone to discover the art and craft behind this beloved green elixir.
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Los Angeles is a city pulsating with culinary experiences, and within its diverse landscape lies a haven for tea aficionados.
In the heart of Highland Park, Modu emerges as a captivating tea destination, a place where the ancient art of tea ceremony meets modern flair. Their carefully curated menu, featuring both DADO TEA and Kettl, offers a engaging exploration of Japanese tea culture.
Among their diverse offerings, the hojicha latte stands out as a star attraction. A unique and earthy green tea roasted to perfection, hojicha offers a subtly sweet and toasted flavor profile. At Modu, they elevate this traditional brew with a touch of artistry, creating a balanced and unforgettable experience.
“It’s everything you’d expect from a good hojicha,” says a dedicated customer, “but with that extra touch of artistry from [modu’s] talented baristas.”
Modu is more than just a tea shop; it’s a sanctuary where tea enthusiasts can deepen their thankfulness for this ancient beverage.
For those seeking a modern matcha experience,Telegrama in Melrose Hill is a stylish retreat. Committed to quality coffee, they also serve exceptional matcha lattes sourced from Rocky’s Matcha, a renowned brand celebrated for its superior quality and consistency.
“Of the many Rocky’s carriers in Los Angeles, my snaps go to Cafe Telegrama for keeping their latte simple and consistent: hot or iced, with a choice of milk (oat, almond, soy),” shares a local matcha aficionado. “I’ll stick to my Nakama with oat milk for the consistent richness I look for in my tea.”
Whether you prefer your matcha traditional or with a modern twist, Los Angeles offers a matcha experience to satisfy every palate.In Little Tokyo, Tea Master of Little Tokyo stands as a haven for purists. Step into this family-owned establishment, and you’ll find shelves stocked with traditional teaware, calligraphy scrolls, and a tranquil wood-paneled ambiance.
This intimate tea ceremony experience reflects the shop’s dedication to authenticity. Tea Master prioritizes sourcing their matcha from the renowned Yame and Shizuoka regions in Japan, known for producing milder, vegetal matcha.
“I appreciate Tea Master’s stripped-back approach and frequently enough end up there when I’m buying tea-making equipment for home. I trust its selection,” shares a local tea enthusiast.
Beyond its impeccable matcha, Tea Master offers a curated selection of traditional Japanese sweets and snacks, making it the perfect destination for a contemplative afternoon tea experience.
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In the heart of Los Angeles,Modu Cafe offers a haven for tea enthusiasts,serving up expertly crafted brews with a focus on quality and authenticity. The name “Modu,” meaning “all” in Korean, speaks to their commitment to encompass the entire tea journey, from source to cup.”Quality is one of our most vital values, so we always keep that at the forefront in any partnership we decide on,” says Chef-owner Jiyoon jang, reflecting the cafe’s dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients.
For their matcha, Modu partners with Dado Tea, a reputable Korean tea company deeply rooted in the tea-producing province of Jeolla. While Jang acknowledges the appeal of supporting a fellow Korean brand, the majority of their matcha comes from Japan’s renowned Uji region, known for producing some of the world’s highest quality matcha.
Modu’s hojicha, a roasted green tea prized for its rich, chocolatey notes, is sourced from Kettl’s Shirakawa, allowing them to offer a truly unique flavor profile. This decision proves especially delightful when paired with koatji milk in a latte, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and depth.
Modu Cafe is a must-visit for tea lovers intrigued by unique flavor combinations and a commitment to quality.
Location: 5805 York Blvd., Los Angeles, 90042
Mandarin Coffee stand: Where Kyoto Meets Pasadena
Pasadena is home to a hidden gem for lovers of Japanese coffee culture: Mandarin Coffee Stand. More than just a cozy cafe, it’s a portal to the world of Kurasu Kyoto, a renowned Japanese specialty coffee roastery and retailer. This Pasadena outpost carries the kurasu legacy, sharing their dedication to exceptional beans and meticulous brewing techniques.
“Kurasu’s philosophy is rooted in traceability and clarity,” explains the Mandarin Coffee Stand team. “Each ingredient, from the coffee beans to the matcha, has a story behind it. We strive to connect our customers with the origins and craftsmanship behind every cup.”
A Matcha Oasis in Pasadena: Mandarin Coffee Stand
Green matcha from Mandarin Coffee Stand
Courtesy Mandarin Coffee Stand
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Mandarin Coffee Stand,tucked into Pasadena’s charming Burlington Arcade,is a haven for coffee aficionados and matcha lovers alike. This European-style architectural gem,adorned with elegant archways and curved windows,provides a picturesque setting for enjoying a cup of expertly crafted beverage. if variety is your passion,Mandarin Coffee Stand delivers. Their menu showcases ethically sourced single-origin coffees alongside a premium selection of AYR Matcha Black.
“The matcha, known for its vibrant color and distinct umami notes, is a testament to Kurasu’s commitment to showcasing the finest Japanese ingredients,” reads their menu.
Stepping into mandarin Coffee Stand is like entering a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of bustling Pasadena. The minimalist aesthetic, accented by natural wood and verdant green tones, fosters a sense of serenity and focus, perfect for savoring a moment of calm with a meticulously prepared cup.
However, for me, one drink stands above the rest: their black tea matcha, sourced from the volcanic slopes of Korea’s Jeju Island. This powder tea possesses a delicate bouquet, blending floral and chocolatey undertones in a way that is truly unique and tough to find elsewhere. The caffeine content is perfectly balanced, providing a satisfying pick-me-up without being overwhelming.
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Location: 380 S. Lake Ave.#111, Pasadena, 91101
Hours: Daily 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
