Maggie Misener Mordecai
The earthy green hue of matcha tea stands out from the usual cups of coffee at cafes. Aesthetically pleasing and rich in health benefits, matcha is a popular drink among tea lovers, and San Francisco is home to some of the highest reviewed locations.
If you’re taking a peaceful stroll along Ocean Beach and crave a drink, Black Bird Bookstore and Cafe on Irving and 46th has a range of creative seasonal drinks and a wide selection of books. “Black Bird Cafe’s matcha lemonade has been my latest obsession,” said Anaya Watkins, a junior advertising student. “I can grab my matcha, a book, and walk down the block and sit by the ocean, which is one of my favorite things about the place. The outdoor back patio is a cute spot for reading and catching up too.”
Matcha Cafe Maiko creates a variety of matcha flavored desserts and drinks. The cafe embedded inside the Japan Center Mall is never short of a line. Jamie Lash, a sophomore international business major who enjoys a cup of matcha a day, raved about the cafe. “[Matcha Cafe Maiko] is fun to go to and convenient if you’re in Japantown. I really like the ice cream and then they have a strawberry [and] matcha soft serve too, which I like just for the flavor and a sweet treat.”
For matcha near USF’s campus, students frequent Kiss of Matcha on Clement St. Chloe Lenguyen, a senior marketing major, highlighted the cafe as one of her favorites. “I love Kiss of Matcha,” she said. “The oat milk matcha latte is a personal favorite of mine.”
Jane Kang, a senior marketing and psychology major, shared a similar sentiment. “Their matcha has some of the best flavors, and they go heavy on the matcha which I like. I like their coconut matcha. It’s just matcha over coconut water which makes for a super refreshing drink.”
The taste of matcha sets it apart from other drinks. “I love the earthy flavor paired with vanilla,” said Watkins. “And the color is so iconic.” Kang agreed, “I thoroughly enjoy a matcha with a distinct flavor with my favorite being nutty, umami and [a] little floral.”
The tea’s health benefits are another magnet for matcha lovers. “It’s a better source of caffeine for me,” said Liana Mendoza, a sophomore data science major, “It doesn’t make me go through energy crashes or [become] too anxious.” A cup of black coffee typically contains 100 or more milligrams of caffeine, compared to the 70 milligrams found in matcha.
Lash shared a similar opinion.“I prefer matcha over coffee. Matcha can be a healthy alternative to coffee. It’s less of a jittery drink and is also good for skin health, reduces the risk of breast cancer, and more.”
In an article by Breakaway Matcha, researchers found that the amino acid L-theanine in matcha slows down the absorption of caffeine. This is one of the benefits Lenguyen enjoys, “[Coffee’s] caffeine dose would always spike way too fast […] With matcha I feel a more gradual and calmer energy boost, minimizing the jitters and shakiness.”
San Francisco offers a wide variety of locations for amazing matcha drinks and sweets.. Lenguyen said, “Having a matcha latte is such a refreshing start to my mornings. It really helps me set the tone for a good day.”
Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Premmer, Chief Copy Editor: Sophia McCrackin, Managing Editor: Jordan DelFiugo, Opinion Editor: Dakota Duran, Scene Editor: Elina Graham
