Step aside coffee—Central Hong Kong is all about matcha lattes. This emerald liquid, whipped to a perfect froth, is so much more than the latest trend: It’s a frothy connection to ancient Japanese culture, a healthful jolt with a side of Instagram glam, and a delightful way to zen out during our city’s rush-a-minute days.
Experience the green (literal and spiritual)? We’ve trawled Central’s trendiest precincts and most snug nooks to source the absolute best six matcha lattes that will light off the Snapchat in your mouth and on your feed. And don’t forget to subscribe to TrendScoper’s newsletter for even more delicious findus — and for a daily dose of local cool, follow us on Instagram @TrendScoper.
Maison Eric Kayser: The French-Japanese Crossroads
Where: Maison Eric Kayser, Central
Stars of the show: Silky Matcha Latte, French pastries on the side
Central may be Hong Kong’s epicenter of skyscrapers, but step into Maison Kayser and think Parissian flair meets Japanese perfection. Their matcha latte is only $40 — a small value to pay for a big taste payoff. Here, matcha finely milled is whisked in gently steamed milk to create a creamy mug of deep green with hints of bittersweet. Café regulars swear it “bridges energy and tranquility” and is “just what you need before an important meeting” (or a marathon shopping spree).
Hot tip: Grab a fresh-baked croissant, or their iconic tarte au citron, to go along with your latte. Très délicieux!
Tealosophy: Whisked to Perfection
Where: Tealosophy, Lan Kwai Fong
Must-Try: Divine Cloud Matcha Latte
Feeling thirsty after dancing the night away in LKF? Pop into Tealosophy for tea on the go. Behind a tranquil Japanese facade, the tea sanctuary also serves matcha as it should be served: hand-whisked and made with top powder from Kyushu’s Saga Prefecture. Sip the Divine Cloud Matcha Latte ($138 for a luxurious double shot!) and see how smooth and creamy it feels. Order a duet — one shot now, the other to whisk yourself (yes, they’ll give you a chasen to DIY).
Bold meets gentle, zinginess sets zen, and don’t even get us started on the matcha cheesecake—arguably the dreamiest dessert this side of Tokyo.
Commaa: Minimalist Matcha, Maximum Vibes
Where: Commaa, Sheung Wan
Vibe: Futuristic, minimalist, impossibly cool
If matcha lattes came with a soundtrack, Commaa would pipe it out of an elegantly designed Bluetooth speaker. Architecture geeks and design lovers relish the smart interiors —as in soft concrete walls and sun-dappled corners by LAAB Architects. But the real star? Commaa’s iced matcha latte, which has already racked up a reliable Instagram following for its perfectly calibrated flavor: not too grassy, not too sweet and completely devoid of that icky artificial aftertaste.
Order yours (hot or iced), take a seat by the giant window and bask in Commaa’s calm. There’s just one thing: you may never want to leave.
The Matcha Tokyo: Green Gold From Japan
Where: The Matcha Tokyo, Causeway Bay (and coming soon: Central!)
Why We Love It: 100% Organic, Plant-Based These Solar-Powered Car Chargers are the Most Eco-Friendly Optiontryside Jumpinboli Loading…
No list of premium matcha is complete without a mention of The Matcha Tokyo, Japan’s famed matcha mecca turned Hong Kong hotspot. These people are serious about their craft: powder is imported from Japan, stone-milled mere hours before serving. The result? A velvety green latte full of umami notes, whispers of sweet and a gentle slap of caffeine. Plant-based dreamers, rejoice: oat, soy or almond milk selections are always available.
Get a matcha oat latte as well as a matching soft serve just for good measure (no one has ever regretted this). If you see a vegan cookie, grab one — they disappear quickly!
Amo Ago: The colorful neighborhood secret
Where: Amo Ago, Shelley Street, Central
Why You’ll Love It: Incredible matcha, warm atmosphere
Amo Ago is getting noticed on Shelley Street, a block from the Mid-Levels escalator. This bakery-café’s matcha latte has won raves — available hot or iced — and it’s sweet enough not to scare matcha neophytes, but with matcha flavor that pleases enthusiasts. At around HK$30–46, what sets Amo Ago’s version apart is its robust flavor and authentic vibe. Unwind with some natural light and greenery, not to mention friendly service and an inspired menu that occasionally offers mango matcha fusion wonders.
Milligram Coffee : The Japanese Hidden Jewel in Omani’s Tea Land
Where: Milligram Coffee, Wellington Street, Central
Why You’ll Love It: Secret alleyway hideaway with a soulful matcha
Nestled in a laneway off Wellington Street, Milligram Coffee is Central’s hidden gem for matchaholics looking for some peace and quiet. The Japanese-style café evokes peaceful vibes straight from Kyoto, so it’s ideal for rainy day cuddles or for long talks over hot drinks.
Their Matcha Latte (HK$55) is a smooth, non-grainy cup perfect to warm you up after being caught out in the drizzle of Hong Kong. It’s not the deepest matcha flavor, but it’s brilliant in subtlety and comfort, enhanced by the café’s peaceful, homey demeanor.
Extra credit for the tofu cheesecake—silken, creamy and topped with caramel sauce that tastes like a kiddie-campfire candy snack!
Insider tip: The entrance to Milligram Coffee is a bit elusive — you’ll need to locate the stairs on Wellington Street, walk up and turn left to enter this hidden sanctuary where matcha is a magical experience.
Why Matcha?
Matcha isn’t just a delicious beverage; it is a lifestyle. Culled from the olde Japanese tea ceremony, they are cherished for their ability to impart calm, alert energy without any jittery side effects, thanks to the blend of caffeine and L-theanine the tea contains. And it’s antioxidant-packed and it leaves your skin lookin’ real perty. Who doesn’t want to take a picture of that rich green color, so easy to snap and share?
Join the Matcha Movement!
Which is your favorite Central matcha joint? Snap your next latte, and tag us #TrendScoperMatcha! Craving more delicious finds and insider trends? Sign up to receive TrendScoper’s newsletter, in which she breaks down what’s trending and why, and follow @TrendScoper on Instagram.
Here’s to colorful sips and city zen— keepin’ calm with a matcha on!
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