The frenzy for matcha—the Japanese green tea that is roasted, whisked by hand, and served hot or cold—has reached a fever pitch.
Originating in China, matcha, which is known for its health benefits and distinctive earthy and slightly grassy flavor, was brought to Japan during the 12th century, where it became a part of traditional cultural ceremonies and Buddhist rituals. Today, its popularity in lattes, boba drinks, and even cheesecakes and ice cream has Japanese tea farmers struggling to maintain their traditional quality standards while keeping up with demand, leading to worldwide shortages and increasing prices.
But several Bay Area tea shops have managed to rise above the fray, creating beverages and treats using the highest quality product—often ceremonial-grade tea sourced directly from Japan. Here’s where to find the best matcha in Silicon Valley.
Izumi Matcha is one of the most popular spots in the South Bay.(Courtesy of @izumi.matcha)
Izumi Matcha
Izumi Matcha’s Cupertino location is arguably the most popular spot on this list. Lines can be impossibly long on weekends due to their single ordering station. Do yourself a favor (and everyone else behind you in line) and choose your drink selections before you get to the register. Their beverages contain no artificial flavors, colors, or syrups. A third location will be coming soon to San Mateo. // 19740 Steven’s Creek Blvd. (Cupertino) and 3005 Silver Creek Rd., Suite 142 (East San Jose), izumimatcha.com
Ryokucha Cafe
Ryokucha Cafe in Palo Alto sources its matcha directly from Shizuoka, Japan, and their menu includes both matcha and hojicha, a roasted green tea with a nutty, almost malted flavor. They also offer soft serve and specialty coffees like the Matcha Oreo Freeze, a smoothie with milk and Oreo cookie crumble, and lavender lattes with brown sugar boba. // 4131 El Camino Real, (Palo Alto), ryokucha.cafe
Maruwu Seicha
Maruwu Seicha sources and manufactures its own teas in Uji, Kyoto, Japan. Their matcha tends to be on the bolder, stronger side, and their certified Halal teas have won numerous awards. When ordering an iced beverage, keep in mind that ice levels cannot be adjusted and may affect the flavor. The Palo Alto location is incredibly popular on weekends, so bring your patience. // 250 University Ave., Unit 101 (Palo Alto), maruwuseicha.us
Matsu Matcha in Santa Clara has matcha gelato at five different flavor strengths.(Courtesy of @matsumatcha.sc)
Matsu Matcha
Matsu Matcha uses high quality ceremonial-grade tea from Japan. Along with their menu of drinks, they also serve matcha gelato at five different flavor strengths, ranging from a mild roasted hojicha all the way to a bold, ultra-rich version. For even more fun, order one of their parfaits layered with chiffon cake, mochi, red bean paste, matcha gelato, and matcha cream, then topped with matcha powder. // 3030 El Camino Real (Santa Clara), instagram.com/matsumatcha.sc
Cere Tea
Cere Tea serves ceremonial-grade matcha and hojicha combined with other tea varieties like osmanthus and Earl Grey, offering a different spin on the typical matcha latte. Their extensive menu also includes a variety of einspänner drinks, which combine the earthiness of matcha with a thick layer of sweetened cream on top. // 18568 Prospect Rd. (Saratoga); 686 Barber Ln. (Milpitas); 1115 Burlingame Ave. (Burlingame), ceretea.com
Matcha Cafe Maik
Matcha Cafe Maiko in Santa Clara’s Westfield Valley Fair shopping center is right outside the Pop Mart store, so you can expect plenty of foot traffic and long lines during peak times. They source their tea directly from Harima Garden in the Uji region of Kyoto, known for growing the highest-quality matcha in the world. // 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 9254 (Santa Clara), matchacafe-maiko.com
Bloomsgiving
Bloomsgiving was born from the owner’s visits to similar hybrid cafes in Japan that are part coffee and tea shop, part flower and plant store. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t focused on the beverages, personally selecting all her matcha directly out of Uji, Japan. Bloomsgiving’s hojicha drinks, in particular, are standouts. The mild, smooth, toasty flavor comes through without any of the bitterness of regular matcha. // 310 Castro St., (Mountain View) and 893 Winslow St., (Redwood City), bloomsgiving.com 
Bloomsgiving is a hybrid tea shop and flower and plant store.(Courtesy of @bloomsgiving)
