Best Places to Get Matcha in Houston- Updated June 2024
HI, I’m Kate and I’m a Matchaholic.
This post has been updated in June 2024. Unfortunately, many of the previously listed businesses are no longer in operation, but there are also some new fun spots that joined the party. I couldn’t bring myself to delete the original content, so you'll find the dearly departed businesses chilling in the Matcha Cafe Graveyard at the bottom of the post. RIP.
Chances are, if you’re reading this post, you're a fellow Matcha enthusiast, or perhaps you’ve dabbled in it. If, by chance, you are not familiar with it, I discussed some of its benefits and have a great beginner recipe for Matcha Protein Bites here.
I live in Houston, and whenever I travel I almost always Google “Places to Get Matcha in [insert destination city]”. Sometimes, I have been pleased with the results; sometimes, I have just stumbled upon greatness. When I did the same here in Houston, some solid options popped up, but some of my favorites weren’t even mentioned. I live here, and I love Matcha, so I can’t let that slide. For those of you who live here or are traveling to Space City and need a Matcha fix, I got you. Click on the name of any of the below restaurants to be taken directly to their website.
It might be easier to find a place that serves Matcha anything, but that isn't my goal. My goal is to bring to your attention places with a Matcha experience, whether it is the location in which you enjoy your beverage or an interesting take on Matcha, from Macarons to doughnuts, etc. Each of these locations offers a little something special. Here, they are in no particular order.
Matcha Mia
1809 Eldridge Pkwy #104, Houston, TX 77077; 10AM-9PM Daily
This spot is a whole vibe. This space is a cheerful Barbiecore beacon in an otherwise drab strip center. Inside the shop is just fun, with plenty of IG-worthy furnishing and decor, including gorgeous banquettes (although not the most comfortable), faux palm trees, and a neon sign. They serve all kinds of froyo and toppings, plus hot paninis and all the Matcha your heart desires. I tend not to like iced Matcha drinks as much, but to be truthful, I wasn’t a fan of their hot Matcha latte. I honestly can’t put my finger on why. Where they shine (in my opinion) are the iced options. I recommend the Mango Matcha, Taro Matcha, Guava Matcha, and Strawberry Matcha Horchata. Definitely a place to come back to try them all.
La La Land Kind Cafe
600 N Shepherd Dr Suite 140, Houston, TX 77007; 6:30 AM - 7 PM Daily
888 Westheimer Rd Suite 106, Houston, TX 77006 6:30 AM - 7 PM Daily
If you could use a pick-me-up, this place will provide a big serotonin boost. Just entering the bright contemporary space splashed a cheery yellow will instantly uplift your spirits. There are so many great things about this place. Let’s start with the Matcha. I love it here, iced or hot, but my favorites are hot Purple Rain matcha, which is spiked with lavender syrup and CBD. I also enjoy it iced, or sometimes have swapped out for an iced Strawberry Fields which features strawberries and beetroot.
The surprise hit here are the TOASTS. I have four words for you: Truffle. Burratta. Avocado. Toast. Need I say more? The slice of bread is VERY generous as is the quantity of avocado used. A gorgeous drizzle of oil and chili flakes and this thing is chef’s kiss. They also have some sweet options featuring things like almond butter, honey with fruit, or a chocolate hazelnut spread.
What’s more, going to either of the two locations brings you to a really fun place to shop. The Montrose location is in the Montrose Collective. I highly recommend checking out Marcel Market right around the corner. It’s a small quaint French market boasting a variety of Francophile finds. The most exciting of which for me were pantry staples like oils and spreads and even Camembert-flavored chips! Also check out The Plant Project but only if you’re willing to adopt a brand new plant baby. The store is so cute and also features other easily giftable items.
The Heights location is situated in the M-K-T Heights shopping center and showcases a large, gorgeous sofa in front of a fireplace, which is only eclipsed by the pickup truck outside in La La Land’s signature happy yellow. While here, I highly recommend stopping by the Pop-Up Co-Op. They feature products from female-owned businesses, and I felt like I kept bumping into things I never knew I always needed. I left with a really soft band T-shirt, a luxury candle, oblong hoop-style yellow gold earrings, and a decorative “chill pill” pillow. (Pro Tip: I'd suggest going here before La La because a friendly salesperson will ask to valet your drink on a table while you shop if you have one in tow.) You’re welcome, and also, I’m sorry for what I’ve done to you by telling you about it.
Beans Up Coffee
3306 S Texas 6 Suite 300, Houston, TX 77082; Mon-Fri 6:30 AM-6PM, Sat & Sun 8AM-6PM
I stumbled upon Beans Up randomly one day and it turned out to be brand-spanking new at the time. My first experience there was overall a positive one, but I noticed the storage for the matcha was lacking (it was stored in clear containers and I could see it was getting sunbleached. (One of the things that makes Matcha special is that it’s grown differently than traditional green tea leaves. with the plants being shaded to produce more chlorophyll. This not only boosts the flavor but also the health benefits. And the more carefully shaded the matcha is, the more you usually pay for it. Plus, the drink will look less vibrant, which could lead people to believe you’re skimping on the matcha in the recipe. So, it's kind of a waste to store it this way. ) I decided to shoot the owner a private email suggesting they rethink their matcha storage. At the time, the business was new, and I didn't want to publicly criticize them while they were just getting established. I'm sharing all of this NOW, because the owner's response was seriously impressive. He was so friendly and open to feedback. I was thanked for my suggestion and informed that they were considering switching to a different matcha vendor and possibly tweaking the recipe. They invited me to stop by to help them determine which option to move forward with. I ended up spending a few hours with them, trying a few different kinds of matcha and various recipes. Long story short, my favorite way to order it there is hot with an extra scoop or two of the matcha powder (depending on the size) and swapping out the vanilla syrup for lavender instead. I also like it iced with an extra scoop or two of matcha and adding lavendar sweet cream. If you’re not feeling like matcha, they have a variety of coffee drinks, chai, and a delicious (but very sweet) rose or lavender lemonade.
What more could you ask for from a customer service perspective? Above and beyond. It’s already really important to me to support small and local businesses, but I’ve never experienced an owner or manager so receptive to feedback of this magnitude.
It’s worth noting that this location is a “Sip N Run” concept with no space for seating. You can order at the counter inside with a touchscreen, or go through the drive-through. They also have a loyalty program which also gets you a free drink for your birthday!
Ninja Matcha (formerly Meccha Matcha)
9889 Bellaire Blvd Suite D-220, Houston, TX 77036; Sun-Thur 11AM-11PM, Fri & Sat 11AM-Midnight)
Update in June 2024- This spot is just as good as ever and is largely the same as before with the interior and menu—just with a new name! It took me awhile to check out this spot, and I am so glad I did! There is a myriad of Matcha options to choose from here. I highly recommend getting a hot Hojicha latte. If you haven’t had Hojicha before, it is Matcha that has been roasted—imparting this gorgeous toasty flavor to the already earthy matcha. It doesn’t look as pretty as regular Matcha since it kind of looks like dark sludge, but the flavor doesn’t disappoint. It’s also naturally almost caffeine-free unlike it’s counterpart. If that doesn’t sound like your—-well—cup of tea— try a Matcha Mille crepe cake, or even soft serve in varying levels of Matcha strength. Level 1 has the least amount of Matcha in it and Level 3, according to Meccha Matcha is “the strongest in America”. If you’re this neck of the woods and you want ice cream, though, you may want to turn the corner and head to the next spot… [Parking is awful in this area, and it is literally right around the corner in the same center (check the address) so walking is definitely preferential to driving.]
Kamalan Bakery
9889 Bellaire Blvd Suite E-219, Houston, TX 77036 Mon-Thur 8:30AM-10PM, Fri & Sat 8:30AM-11PM, Sun 8:30AM-11PM)
Serving up delicious Taiyaki, a popular Japanese soft waffle pastry shaped like a fish and filled with red bean paste or vanilla custard, served with a gaping mouth containing your choice of ice cream (this is where the Matcha comes in) garnished with Pocky and a couple of colorful marshmallows for full effect. Be advised that ice cream is only served 2:30pm-8pm daily (except Tuesdays). If they’re sold out, try one of their other traditional baked goods (try the Taro Cake!) or hop on back to Meccha for your Matcha ice cream fix before heading accross the street to 85C.
85C Bakery
Multiple Locations/ hours vary by location:
Bellaire: 9750 Bellaire Blvd, Houston TX 77036
Katy: 23330 Grand Circle Blvd, Ste 100, Katy Texas 77449
Blalock: 1027 Blalock Rd, Houston TX 77055
Sugarland: 13509 University Blvd, #A200, Sugar Land TX 77479
If I’m being honest (and I know you want me to be) this large chain’s Green tea beverages never impressed me. But I like eating Matcha almost as much as I like drinking it, so this Taiwanese coffee giant made it to the list. With over 1000 locations worldwide now, there are multiple locations to choose from in the Houston metro area, but the Bellaire location is easy to swing by if you’re already visiting Meccha Matcha and/or Kamalan. Try the Matcha Red Bean Roll for a spongy roll-cake that isn’t overly sweet. For those who have a bit more of a sweet tooth, the Matcha Choco Bun is soft and pillowy and filled with a decadent chocolate mousse.
Honey Art Cafe
3516 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098; Tue 5PM-10PM; Wed & Thur 2PM-11PM; Fri 2PM-Midnight; Sat 11PM-Midnight; Sun Noon-10PM
This cute cafe has bright massive murals adorning both main walls that are sure to put you in a good state of mind as soon as you enter. This safe haven for artists boasts art classes like: hand lettering, painting, drawing, and even making miniature terrariums. (check their site by clicking on the title above for the schedule.) You can even rent watercolors with brushes, pens, & paper for just $15. Their artistic flair applies to the food as well. Your hot Matcha latte comes served with bear latte art (I prefer the flavor of the iced Matcha here for some reason, though). You’ll also have a selection of Matcha pastries. Pastry options widely vary. For an idea of what they’re serving now check their Instagram Feed. Treats range from a Matcha Strawberry Mousse Cake to Matcha Macarons in the shape of a frog, alien, or even a cute succulent! Matcha soft serve in a bubble waffle is a frequent staple, too. One time right after they opened they had a Matcha festival and even served a savory pasta dish topped with a Matcha pesto. I’m hoping they’ll do it again. (Hint Hint.)
Egg Haus
2042 E T C Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77008; M-F 7-3; Sat & Sun 8-4
I didn’t expect the Matcha game to be so strong here when I first heard about this place. After all, the name certainly isn’t indicative of that. The Matcha latte with Rose, however, was excellent here. You can also get a Ceremonial Matcha [straight up—- Ceremonial (high) grade Matcha and hot water. No fluffy stuff)] or you can get your latte sweetened with vanilla or lavender syrups or as a Matcha Horchata [Horchata is a popular Mexican drink made with plant milk (usually rice or almond milk) with cinnamon and slightly sweetened.] If it weren’t so far out of the way for me, I would come here much more often for this. The Matcha croissant, on the other hand, looked way better than it tasted. I wanted to love it. It’s beautiful—-dusted in gold. The “extra” girl in me was in heaven. But the Matcha “glaze” is just Matcha flavored white chocolate and there was just frankly way too much of it vs. actual croissant (for me). The croissant itself was fabulous- big, fluffy, flaky and golden: pretty much everything you could want in a croissant. But I just felt that the white chocolate dunked over half of it, which was overpowering. I’d say skip it and go for an Avocado Toast, kolache, or a plain croissant instead.
Tout Suite
2001 Commerce St, Houston, TX 77002 M-F 7AM-Midnight; Sat & Sun 9-Midnight
This Eado hang-out has everything you need to escape and get some work done for awhile. Camp out with your laptop (everyone else is) and order one of their specialty toasts (Avocado, Vegan Garlic Hummus, or Smoked Salmon) a power bowl, smoothie bowl, or a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Their hot Matcha latte is beautiful and not too sweet (ask for extra sweetener if you prefer it that way). Sip and stay awhile. You can also partake in any of the treats I mention below under “Sweet” as this location has all the same products as their counterpart. The reason you come here, though, is the location and the sit-and-stay-awhile atmosphere. It also helps that they use environmentally friendly cups, lids & straws, and source most of their ingredients (including coffee and dairy products) locally.
Sweet
01 Town and Country Blvd #A120, Houston, TX 77024; M-W 7AM-9PM, Thu 7AM-10PM, Fri 7AM-11PM, Sat 8AM-11PM, & Sun 10AM-9PM
Sweet is clearly Tout Suite’s kid sister. Lacking the cafe menu items, and instead boasting sugary displays of tiered cakes, cupcakes, truffles, and Macarons this is a great spot to pop in and take advantage of Macaron Monday (buy 3 get 1 free) Snag a Green tea macaron with Raspberry filling. Some of my other favorites are the Almond and—wait for it:Creme Brulee.. They actually brulee sugar on the outside of the Macaron shell and it’s to die for. It costs extra, but get it anyway. Trust. You might also grab an iced green tea and add tapioca (their tapioca is soo good—they are clear and not as chewy as your typical dark tapioca). If you stop in on a Thursday, their Thirsty Thursday deal makes it just $3.50.
Blkdog
9630 Clarewood Dr suite a13-b, Houston, TX 77036; Tue-Thur 10:30AM - 10:30PM; Fri & Sat 10:30AM-11:30PM, Sun 10:30AM-10:30PM, Closed Monday
This spot is a little tough to find at first— Google Maps tried to direct me to the loading area behind the shopping center so just be forewarned. Once inside, though, I was impressed by this place’s charm! A beautifully decorated bookshelf, and a large communal table with a chandelier above it really provide a lot of character. I went with a friend who ordered an iced Matcha Latte which was delicious (he let me have a sip) and I ordered a hot Matcha Latte and an order of Matcha Beignets to share with him. If you order the beignets definitely split them with a friend, the order was quite large. Everything was fantastic. The hot Matcha latte was a rich, deep green and not overly sweetened. The beignets were pillowy and light. If you’re really feeling fancy try the Matcha Affogato — scoops of green tea ice cream with red bean topping served with a shot of hot ceremonial Matcha (instead of the traditional espresso). We went on a weekend and although there were plenty of other people, it was nice and quiet. The perfect spot to hang out and catch up with a friend.
Coral Sword
1318 Telephone Road, Suite 3 Houston, Texas 77023; Sun-Thur 9AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 9AM-Midnight
The quality of the Matcha latte here is enough of a draw on it’s own, but the real reason to come is the vibe here. This coffee shop is a gamer’s hangout with hundreds of board, card, and strategy games available to play or purchase and take home. Order some drinks (they also serve coffee, beer, and wine) and chill out for awhile with a bunch of friends. Snacks like personal pizzas and cheese sticks will help ward off mid-game munchies. Coral sword is owned by the people at Greenway Coffee as well as former Houston Astros (now Texas Rangers) player Hunter Pence, and Ming Chen from AMC’s Comic Book Men. It may seem like a weird hodgepodge, but when you go it’ll all make sense—-a very well curated coffee and tea menu, plus the selections of games available in a thoughtfully laid-out space conducive to conversation. I asked for my Matcha latte lightly sweetened, which was perfect—if you don’t specify, it will come unsweetened by default. They also serve an iced Matcha Lemonade if you’re looking for something to cool off with! Word on the street is that both Ming Chen and Hunter Pence are seen here fairly frequently.
True Food Kitchen Matcha Horchata
1700 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056; Mon-Thu 11AM-10PM, Fri 11AM-11PM, Sat 10AM-11PM, Sun 10AM-9PM
I can’t pass over True Food Kitchen off Post Oak near the Galleria- because when I worked just upstairs from the one in Houston, I enjoyed the Matcha Horchata here on the reg. Available hot or iced this was a literal lifesaver on days we were crazy busy and days we were deader than dead, alike. Although during that time I usually got mine to go, I recommend sitting at the bar for wonderful service. The restaurant concept is centered around an anti-inflammatory diet, so it’s no wonder Matcha is on the menu. If your companions aren’t Matchaheads like you, they have a variety of delicious juices and cocktails that are updated seasonally. If you’re hungry, consider the edamame dumplings as a palate teaser. The Inside-out quinoa burger is bomb— and, I hate to admit it, but I highly recommend the Chopped Salad. I never used to be a “salad girl” but this one has so much going on between Manchego cheese, Mejool dates, Marcona almonds, sliced apple, Farro, Jicama and a champagne vinaigrette. I could eat it on repeat for days on end and never get bored.
Seiwa Market
1801 S Dairy Ashford Rd #116, Houston , TX 77077;
There are many wonderful Asian markets in Houston, but check this specifically Japanese grocery to pop in and stock up on Matcha itself and Matcha-infused treats including Pocky, Mochi, Cookies, Cakes, and many others (even keep an eye out for green tea noodles). Grab an iced Matcha latte at the cafe to fuel your shopping experience.
Am I missing Anywhere?
Do you have a favorite spot that I missed? Comment below, and fill me in! Let me know what you like to order while you’re there.
Matcha Cafe Graveyard- R.I.P.
The Kitchen at the Dunlavy -Now Closed
3422 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019; Open Daily 7AM-2PM
This place is super popular for brunch on the weekends (expect a quick-moving line), and although it looks very fancy with at least a dozen hanging chandeliers you can truly come as you are since you will see people wearing everything from their Sunday Best to workout gear after having just been running, biking, or kayaking along the bayou (over which, this gorgeous restaurant overlooks). Grab a Matcha Latte and something to eat (I recommend the Avocado Tartine or the Suroeste Bowl) and take a seat at one of the communal tables. I’m not going to lie, the Matcha latte while good is pretty basic, but the rest of the food and the scenery is anything but. Be warned, you won’t have a choice but to valet; Come on a weekday for breakfast to skip the crowd, and walk off some of what you ate with a scenic stroll along the bayou.
Blonde Biscotti - Now Closed
1000 W Gray St suite 100, Houston, TX 77019; Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM, Sat & Sun 8AM-5PM
Blonde Biscotti is located right nextdoor to a little smoothie shop that I love. But this post isn’t about smoothies— it’s about Matcha! Order a hot Matcha latte-- with your choice of milk (plant-based or otherwise) and try it with a hint of one of the house-made sweeteners (I like the lavender, but vanilla is another option) and grab one of the many made-from-scratch daily Biscotti for which the cafe is named. (The flavors seem to be updated seasonally). This spot always has friendly employees (like seriously friendly) and it’s not uncommon for it to be quiet as there are lots of folks working on laptops taking advantage of the Wifi. You really can’t go wrong with any of the biscotti that are actually SOFT. Shown above are the pistachio and nutty blonde.
Matcha Cafe Maiko- Now Closed
6650 Corporate Dr suite e-1, Houston, TX 77036; Sun-Thur 12-10; Fri & Sun 9AM -11PM
Hailing originally from Hawaii, Matcha Cafe Maiko opened not long ago in Houston and prides itself on making everything in-house including it’s waffle cones and ice cream. I didn’t expect to like it, but I tried the Cheese Matcha Latte. The cheese is kind of like a cream cheese—with just a bit of sweetness so the iced latte topped with it was kind of like drinking a refreshing Matcha cheesecake. Next time I’ll ask them to give me a smidge less of the cheese, though. If you want an Instagram-worthy treat, definitely try the Golden Shogun Matcha Soft Serve which has a beautiful gold leaf topper. As extra as I am, I’m not a huge fan of edible Gold because unsurprisingly, it tastes…wait for it… metallic. Don’t let that stop you, though. Carpe Diem!
Pura Coffee Blueberry Matcha Latte- Now Closed
7925 Katy Fwy C, Houston, TX 77024; M-F 6:30AM-5PM; Sat & Sun 7:30-5PM
This might actually be my favorite Matcha Latte in town. Here you will find just one Matcha on the item on the menu: the Blueberry Matcha Latte. It was perfect—I didn’t feel like I needed to add more Matcha (although I would never complain something had too much Matcha) and I loved the slight sweetness of the blueberry. It wasn’t overwhelming flavor, either. Perfectly balanced. Beautifully poured. And the spot has cute scrabble board accents and maybe most importantly, is easy to access.
Tropicales - Now Closed
2132 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX ; M-Thu 7AM-9PM;
This Cuban-inspired restaurant very recently opened. I knew I had to check it out right away when I heard about the Guava de Olla— an iced Matcha latte made with almond milk and topped with Guava foam. It is light—vibrant, and not too sweet. Swirl the flavors together, or drink the main part of your latte first, saving the airy foam as “dessert”. It’s definitely a new favorite and this iced version of a Matcha is fabulous for H-town’s sweltering heat. Most of the time I prefer hot Matcha beverages to iced ones (it’ll be interesting to see if they add any hot versions for cooler months) but this one has so much flavor punch and isn’t overly sweet that I’ve been back several times already. It’s also worth mentioning the cocktail jade Palace which features Matcha, gin, lime, lemon, and hopped grapefruit bitters. The drink is delicious, but if you’re looking for Matcha flavor—-I really didn’t taste it. It really just lent the pretty green color to the drink. Food-wise, I really enjoyed the Big Bend bowl and the Pan Con Aguacate which is a blue corn masa cake with refried black beans, avocado, cotija cheese & mango pico. It’s beautiful and refreshing. The decor is very inviting with a long bar, comfortable seating, and plenty of tropical plants and artwork to brighten the space.
Morningstar -Now Closed
4721 N Main St m, Houston, TX 77009; 6:30AM-2:30PM daily
This heights coffee spot has horrible parking-just a heads up. Tucked back a bit in the shopping development, there is ample shaded seating outdoors and plenty of nooks to choose from inside. An impressive central bar area is flanked with tables and an window-facing bar. One of the reasons I wanted to mention this place was because of the doughnut. I’m not actually a doughnut person. I know what you’re thinking—- those people even exist? Yes. We do. It’s because most of the time I find donuts to be sickeningly sweet—but this Vegan Matcha Cake Doughnut was pretty good! (this is high praise for me in regards to a doughnut). I also had a hot Matcha latte with Almond milk (they make their own in-house). Next time, I would ask for extra Matcha because it was a little subtle for me. Also known for their Matcha Sua Da- which utilizes their house-made condensed soy milk and evaporated soy milk.
Revolucion Coffee + Juice HTX- Now Closed
1231 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008; Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, Sat & Sun 8AM-5PM
Located in The Heights, this cafe has a couple of other locations in San Antonio, and each location is as consistent as the last in executing a delicious Matcha latte. Iced or hot, the star of the show is the made-in-house Almond milk. It is seriously like no other I have ever tried, and easily better than anyone else’s in town. In fact, consider picking some up from the refrigerated section to take home with you. The distinct nutty taste compliments the grassy Matcha flavor perfectly. Elevate your experience with a smoothie bowl. pictured are the Pacific Bowl and the PB & J Acai Bowl. You can also chill out (pun intended) with your Matcha in a Matcha Lemonade or as a Matcha Smoothie Bowl (frozen banana & mango mixed with Matcha as the base and topped with banana, strawberries, hemp granola and local honey).
