Keen to switch your morning coffee for matcha? This cool and modern tea room in Ningyocho treats the ubiquitous powdered green tea like a shot of espresso – a versatile ingredient that can create a host of delicious, energising drinks.
First, a bit of background: Atelier Matcha is run by Yamamasa Koyamaen, a reputable tea purveyor that has been around for 160 years. The tea leaves are handpicked from the company’s own tea plantation in Uji, Kyoto, the premier green tea-producing region of Japan. Whether or not you’ve heard of Yamamasa Koyamaen, chances are you’ve consumed its tea – the company is a wholesale supplier to major tea shops, department stores, hotels and restaurants across the country.
Atelier Matcha first opened in Nihonbashi in 2021 but recently moved to Higashi-Ginza, a short walk from Tsukiji Market and the ritzy department stores of Ginza. The owners opened the café to make matcha more accessible and casual, taking it beyond the traditional and formal tea ceremony. Order a simple matcha shot (from ¥480) for a quick morning buzz, or a cup of straight Ousu matcha (from ¥580), which can be ordered hot or iced. You get to choose from three kinds of matcha, ranging from a sweet and creamy to a rich and luxurious type. If straight matcha isn’t your thing, the matcha latte (from ¥720) is always a good alternative.
Looking for something a little sweeter? The menu offers innovative drinkable desserts such as a matcha apple pie shake (¥890), matcha caramel mont blanc (¥890) and matcha gorgonzola (¥890). If you’d rather eat your dessert, go for the decadent matcha gateau (¥850), matcha mochi daifuku (¥550) or caramel pumpkin pie (¥790), all of which pair well with a side of warm or cold matcha.
You can also purchase matcha powder to take home as a blend or in single-origin packets, just like coffee beans, as well as handy tools like tea whisks and mugs.