Matcha Bar

Matcha, a ground up powder made of high quality green tea, has been the new health craze in NYC. From matcha lattes to matcha baked goods and even matcha smoothies, NYC has a coffee equivalent craving for all things matcha. Matcha Bar has opened a Manhattan location which makes it much easier to get your matcha fix.

ABOUT

Opened by Max and Graham Fortgang, they're one of the few matcha-focused cafés that are changing the matcha game with quality and service. They serve their own brand of ceremonial grade matcha (the highest grade) that they get from Nishia, Japan. They're extremely welcoming and are happy to answer any of your matcha-related questions. If you're looking for good quality and real matcha (not Starbucks), this place is a good place to start.

INTERIOR

The window seat is the best seat in the house, with pillows and lots of room for a group. The large windows, which are open on nice days, let in the perfect amount of natural light. It's smaller than their Williamsburg location but still has the same chill, retro-esque vibe that makes them unique.

DRINKS + TREATS

They have different types of matcha drinks and there's something for the traditionalist and the new-comer.

A few unique drinks include:

-Peaches and cream matcha (w/ almond milk)

-Cucumber mint matcha

-Cinnamon maple matcha

I have yet to try all their treats, but so far their matcha macaroons and matcha cacao bars have my heart. If you're craving something more savory they also have sandwiches avaliable.

**Large iced matcha + large iced peaches and cream matcha (w/ almond milk)**

Join the matcha family by using the hashtag #matchafam, grab a stamp card and a couple matcha bar stickers while sipping on your delicious cup of matcha goodness.

You can find Matcha Bar Chelsea at 256 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011

x Yzabelle

Class is in Session

If you don't know by now, I love tea. I love the variety of tastes and types; I prefer tea in its purest form. After visiting Ippodo Tea House (here) I immediately signed up for one of their tea classes. It wasn't any ordinary tea class but one for Shincha, a rare tea that is harvested only once a year. It was an amazing experience to learn more about tea, brew my own and connect with others over our love of all things tea.

**Miwa served iced matcha (usucha) before class started**

**Miwa gave us a taiyaki-like treat with mochi inside. Flown in straight from their Kyoto shop.**

If you want to learn more about tea or love it as much as I do, I highly recommend Ippodo's tea classes.

Ippodo Tea (Site)

Ippodo Tea (FB)

Photos by me and friend from the class.

x Yzabelle

Matcha Cafe Wabi

I think I fell in love with Matcha Cafe Wabi at first sight. I discovered the cafe through one of my favorite bloggers (here). It's cute and offers a wide variety of treats to satisfy your matcha needs and cravings. I was eyeing the affogato (matcha or espresso) and parfait, but I'm leaving that for when the weather gets a bit warmer. P.S.: It's quite a walk, but totally worth it.

Matcha Cafe Wabi can be found at 233 E. 4th bwtn Avenue A and B.

Instagram

x Yzabelle

Kyoto Dreaming

Yesterday I stopped by Ippodo Tea with my brother and Siu. For a tea lover (specifically matcha) it's definitely a place to visit. There's craftsmanship and care put into each cup of matcha with a variety of teas to choose from. If you're looking for real matcha, this is the real deal. They also offer classes, one of which I'm looking forward to signing up for.

So far, the best matcha I've ever had. I'm looking forward to the day when I get to visit their Kyoto and Tokyo shops. Do you guys like matcha and/or tea? What's your favorite?

Ippodo Tea can be found at E. 39th between Park and Lexington Ave.

For history and more information:

Website

Faceboook

x Yzabelle