Matcha: Coffee’s earthy, no-drama sibling — different in personality, but both in the caffeine family. In fact, according to matcha.com, one cup of this green tea beverage can boost your energy with an average of 40 to 180 mg of caffeine, depending on your preferred blend.
What is matcha?
In short, it’s finely-ground Japanese green tea leaves turned into a powder. It’s traditionally used in ritualistic tea ceremonies, but has become popular around the world for everyday cooking recipes, ice cream, boba tea, and hot or iced lattes.
Jace Camarillo, owner of mobile drink cart The Exit Plan, moved to Japan in 2017 to study the immersive art of coffee. | Photo by The Exit Plan
Six local matcha spots
Whether you’re new to the matcha craze or a green team superfan, we’re getting this guide started with six local cafes boasting noteworthy matcha drinks.
Note: We’ll be popping in with some pro tips; Plus, we reached out to local content creator Destiny Chew to share a couple of firsthand reviews as she explores Richmond’s matcha scene via Instagram.
Abi’s Books and Brews, 1212 1/2 W. Cary St. | RICtoday reader Justin K. says, “My friend raves about the way Abi’s makes [matcha], including the option to add coconut milk.”
- Milk alternatives: Coconut, pistachio + soy
- Seasonal Pick: Raspberry Cream Matcha.
- Pro tip: Pick out your next read while you’re there — you might as well.
Chew brought our attention to Afterglow’s unique matcha latte with this online review, which prompted her to try Pandan matcha for the first time. | Photo by Destiny Chew
Afterglow Coffee Cooperative, 1719 Summit Ave. | This Scott’s Addition shop serves Pandan matcha lattes, made with a Southeast Asian grass offering notes of vanilla.
- Milk alternatives: Oat
- Pro tip: After hearing Chew’s considerate review, you can probably guess that this unique drink might not be for everybody, but it could be the perfect fit for you.
If you see this cutie cart around town, we suggest you make a pit stop. | Photo by The Exit Plan
The Exit Plan, locations vary | Follow this trendy mobile drink cart to keep up with popups here, there, and everywhere around Richmond — local parks, bookstores, ice cream shops, etc.
- Milk alternatives: Oat
- Pro tip: Purchases support owner Jace Camarillo’s “exit plann,” a mission to emigrate and one day open a Mexican cafe in Tokyo, Japan.
Along with her Afterglow experience, Chew gave Ironclad’s Cool as Minty Matcha a go, and we love her in-depth review. | Photo by Destiny Chew
Ironclad Coffee Roasters, 1805 E. Grace St. + 2100 John Rolfe Pkw. | Choose between two locations, and consider grabbing a sweet pastry to pair.
- Milk alternatives: Macadamia + oat
- Seasonal pick: Cool as Minty Matcha (seen above)
- Try this: While conducting a little research, we asked the barista for a personal recommendation, and they said a lavender + vanilla matcha latte is a year-round customer favorite.
Sefton Coffee Company, 24 N. 8th St. | Head downtown for a classic matcha latte or embellish the earthy flavor with 10+ flavors.
- Milk alternatives: Oat
- Try this: Coconut Rose, Blueberry Chamomile, or Tumeric Honey were the first flavors to catch our eye.
Riverbend Roastery, 2623 E. Broad St. | This Church Hill spot is an everyday stop for lots of locals, so browse the menu for flavor add-ins or put your trust in the seasonal matcha special.
- Milk alternatives: Oat + soy
- Seasonal pick: Watermelon Matcha Latte
- Pro tip: Bring your pup along for a sidewalk sit + sip, just outside the shop.
