If you think matcha tastes like grass, you are sorely mistaken — or your only experience is that sad, watered-down matcha latte from Starbucks. Over the summer, I have made it my mission to taste and try as many matcha drinks across the Bay Area as possible in the search for the best options. Trust me, when it’s done right, matcha tastes nothing like lawn clippings. Whether you are a matcha connoisseur like myself, a fellow student looking for a place to study while sipping on a sweet drink or a performative male on the hunt, here are my top five matcha cafes in the Bay. 

5. Ceré Tea

With two locations in Saratoga and Milpitas, Ceré Tea has simple yet delicious matcha drinks. I ordered my usual iced matcha latte with whole milk and their specialty, the matcha einspänner. The matcha latte with regular ice and 50% sweetness was the perfect balance of not being too overly sweet or bitter. With strong earthy flavors, it was a solid, classic matcha, but didn’t offer anything particularly special. 

For the einspänner, a matcha latte with a thick dollop of whipped cream on top, the cream flavor was too overpowering. It tasted more like a vanilla ice cream with a whisper of matcha, even after I thoroughly mixed it. Although the first few sips were quite smooth and creamy, it became too heavy and sweet towards the end. Overall, I would recommend any of the matcha lattes but to avoid the einspänners. 

4. Academic Coffee

Located close to campus by Westfield Valley Fair, Academic Coffee is known for their special matcha latte flavors, which they craft with their homemade purees and creams. Out of all the places I’ve tried, they do banana matcha lattes the best; the banana cream on top has a delightful banana flavor which perfectly complements the matcha. There is also a big outdoor area with tables, making it a nice hangout or study spot. 

They are always adding new seasonal spins; right now, they are featuring the guava matcha latte with guava cream. With a hefty price of $9, compared to $8.50 for the banana matcha, this is the most expensive drink on my ranking. I was expecting the taste to make up for its price, but unfortunately, the guava latte did not deliver and was mediocre compared to the banana matcha. Although the drink was aesthetically pleasing, with a vibrant green matcha and coral-colored cream top, the combination of matcha and guava was not quite a hit nor a miss. The tropical guava flavor was strong, but it didn’t fully complement the earthy matcha flavor like the banana did, leaving the drink not especially memorable. Nevertheless, I would recommend Academic Coffee to anyone looking for matcha with unique twists.

3. Izumi Matcha

No matter what time of day or week I go to Izumi Matcha in Cupertino, there is always a long line that trails out the door. My favorite order is the crème brûlée matcha swirl, one of the most popular drinks on their menu. The thick custard pairs perfectly with the matcha latte, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The cream adds an indulgent vanilla flavor without being too overpowering, and the matcha inside has a frozen, slushie-like consistency. The swirl pattern created by the custard on the cup adds aesthetic value to the drink as well. 

However, their iced honey matcha lattes, another popular item, are sometimes a miss, which is why Izumi Matcha is in third place. Izumi occasionally doesn’t put enough matcha powder, making the flavor faint and watery. Moreover, because there is only one order kiosk, the wait time is on the longer side at around 15 to 20 minutes. 

2. HEYTEA

HEYTEA, a beverage chain founded in China, has over 4,000 locations worldwide — and for good reason. They offer a wide variety of matcha drinks, but my absolute favorite is the Triple Supreme Matcha Latte. I love how there’s several different layers of matcha; matcha jelly and matcha mochi are layered at the bottom, followed by a rich and smooth matcha latte and topped with a fluffy matcha cloud foam. The different textures add a fun touch to the drink. It is neither too bitter nor too sweet, and the mix of the chewy, creamy and frothy components make it indulgent without being overwhelming. 

A plus about HEYTEA is that they do 1+1 events every few weeks, where you get two of the same drink for the price of one. Given that HEYTEA is on the pricier end, this event is a good steal. However, given their popularity, the wait time is slightly long: I usually wait 15 to 20 minutes whenever I go. Ordering online beforehand is definitely a necessity. I would recommend any of their matcha drinks to anyone looking to give HEYTEA a try.  

1. Maruwu Seicha 

If there is one complaint I have about Maruwu Seicha, it’s that I wish there was more of this liquid gold in my drink. Their matcha is hands down the best matcha in the Bay Area and some of the best matcha I’ve ever had — and I’ve tasted a lot from New York to Japan. From the very first sip, the earthy richness of the matcha hits all the right spots, balanced by a subtle sweetness that isn’t too overpowering, and a silky smooth texture. Maruwu Seicha elevates their drinks to the next level by using Hokkaido milk, a special kind of milk from Japan that is richer and creamier than normal milk. 

My go-to orders are the iced matcha latte and the strawberry matcha latte with 50% sweetness. Other than matcha lattes, they also have soft serve, gelato and cheese tarts, all of which are delicious. Their location in Palo Alto has ample seating space inside, making it a popular study spot. All in all, Maruwu Seicha and I truly are the perfect match-a.