Photo source: Arielle Chin
Check out these local spots for a delicious matcha latte!
By Arielle Chin, Staff Writer
What’s better than springing into the new season with a refreshing matcha latte in hand? Nearly every cafe in Toronto sells them, but with so many places available, here are just a few of my recent favorites that you can try!
1. Matcha Matcha
Photo source: Arielle Chin
Rating: 10/10
Location visited: 407 Church Street
Order: Chai Matcha Latte
Matcha Matcha is by far the best spot for matcha in Toronto!
Located near TMU’s campus, it’s a 25-minute walk or bus ride from U of T. When I went with my friend, we were amazed by the whole experience from the ambience to the drinks. As soon as you step inside, you’re immediately drawn towards the modern decor and sophisticated counter where baristas make their drinks. You can browse their extensive and creative menu on tablets located right at the front of the cafe. Once you’ve made your decision, you can place your order and pay conveniently without waiting in a long line.
I ordered the iced chai matcha latte, while my friend ordered the regular iced matcha latte. We loved the presentation of the matcha, down to the service and cups. I love chai lattes, so ordering a combination of two of my favorite drinks was the best decision I could’ve made. The chai’s warmth and fall flavors mixed uniquely with the matcha’s herbal and spring notes was the perfect pairing. As someone who doesn’t like their drinks to be overly sweet, my chai matcha latte hit the spot!
2. Icha Tea
Photo source: Arielle Chin
Rating: 9/10
Location visited: 235 Spadina Ave, Unit 4
Order: Strawberry Matcha Latte
Next up we have Icha Tea. Located in Chinatown, Icha Tea is around a 25-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride from campus on Spadina. Hidden behind the line outside the Stüssy store, it’s a small and cozy cafe that has unique modern Asian decor inside.
I had originally found this place via TikTok, and the video recommended that I should try their strawberry matcha latte. I was a bit apprehensive at first because, although I love anything strawberry, I was worried that it would be overly sweet.
Once I took my first sip, I was hit with the taste of strawberry puree (undoubtedly because I forgot to mix it first). After I stirred the puree and matcha together, my next taste wasn’t as sweet. However, I will say that this latte is still on the sweeter side, likely because I ordered the strawberry matcha latte as opposed to a plain matcha latte.
Overall, Icha Tea is still second on my list because their menu includes other unique flavors that I’d like to try next time.
3. Bloom Cafe
Photo source: Arielle Chin
Rating: 8.5/10
Location visited: 596 Yonge Street
Order: Hot Matcha Latte
Bloom Cafe is a classic—everyone I’ve met from Toronto has visited here at least once. They have two locations near campus, one on Yonge Street and the other on Beverley Street, with the latter just a few steps away. I went with my mom, and we both ordered a hot matcha latte to combat the cold that day.
What I love about Bloom Cafe is that you can always find students studying inside with a quick bite and drink in hand.
Despite not normally having my matcha lattes hot, this one was quite delicious and soothing for the chill. The herbal taste, paired with a hint of sweetness, cuts through the decadent flavor of the strawberry and pistachio cake we ordered as well. It also wasn’t overly sweet, which both my mom and I thoroughly enjoyed! I would recommend this cafe, especially if you want to try an authentic and convenient matcha latte before you head to class!
4. Paris Baguette
Photo source: Arielle Chin
Rating: 6.5/10
Location visited: 110 Bloor Street West
Order: Iced Matcha Latte
Paris Baguette recently opened a location close to Trinity, right on Bloor Street West. When I went, it was only a 10-minute walk. I’ve passed the cafe so many times on my way down the street that I knew I had to check out their matcha latte.
I ordered the smallest size just to sample their version, and I am glad I did because Paris Baguette does not stand out at all. However, I still put this spot second to last on my list because the drink was not overly sweet and was refreshing to drink.
I gave my friend some to try as well (shoutout to him for modeling the drink for my picture!), and he liked it, offering a second, alternate opinion. Like Bloom Cafe, Paris Baguette’s proximity to campus makes it worth checking out if you are looking for a quick study drink and snack. I’ll be back for their pastries and maybe another (different) drink.
Final Results
A drink that can be served both hot or cold, the matcha latte is truly the best drink to transition us from winter to spring. Whether you’re a seasoned matcha connoisseur or someone who wants to try a first sip, I hope my reviews of these locations gave you a sense of the local match scene. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll see you around the next time I’m at one of these locations with a matcha in hand!
