Like a little watermelon in your matcha? Don't miss this weekend pop-up

Youka Nagase
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Youka Nagase
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Coffee is so last year. Health-conscious folks all over the world are making matcha their new go-to beverage, with New York's green tea fans leading the charge: residents of the Big Apple have been going wild for the emerald liquid ever since brothers Max and Graham Fortgang opened their MatchaBar in September 2014. Less than two years after their original Brooklyn outpost started business, the duo have already set up another location in Manhattan and are planning an LA invasion later this year.

Matcha is obviously native to Japan, but finding a café serving the real thing in Tokyo can be trickier than you'd think – and no, the matcha lattes at Starbucks don't count. Already in the country every year for the May harvest season, the Fortgangs brought their show to the source last year, re-introducing Tokyoites to matcha with a three-day pop-up. The result was multi-hour queues, as Harajuku's hordes waited patiently for a taste of the New York version of matcha.

Encouraged by the experience, the MatchaBar boys are now back in the Eastern Capital for another limited-time run, and they've brought a revamped summer menu with them. Make your way to Organic Table by Lapaz this weekend for Peaches N’ Cream Matcha, Iced Matcha Watermelon, Iced Jasmine Matcha, Iced Matcha Chai Lattes and the signature Iced Matcha Lattes – some of those combos might sound bizarre, but trust us: they're the real deal. And if you need a little something to bite into, try Organic Table's original gluten- (and guilt-) free matcha doughnuts. All drinks and eats can be had for a reasonable ¥500.

When visiting, you'll probably find Max hard at work, grinding matcha powder and pouring drink after drink, while Graham greets customers one by one, making sure to establish a personal connection with each guest – something you still don't see enough of in Tokyo. And if you like their T-shirts and caps, pick up some for yourself while you're at it. Caffeine addicts, it's time to ditch that cup of joe and opt for a greener alternative – compared to coffee, matcha is even supposed to provide mellower, longer-lasting energy that won't see you crashing and burning at the end of the day.

Check out the details for the MatchaBar pop-up here.

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