Matcha, while nowhere near a new phenomenon, has undeniably become a certified mega-hit recently. Of course, matcha has had a loyal fanbase for a while now, and it was far, far, from unpopular, but you know those things that are just explosively popular — like the viral Dubai chocolate and the Labubu figurines? The type of trends that have taken the world by storm. Exactly, and now the most recent ‘it’ thing to join their ranks is, in fact, matcha.
But why are people so obsessed with this vibrant green powder? Is it just another “consumerism final boss” kind of thing — a fleeting fad that will fade with time? We, for one, don’t believe so. There are many reasons why matcha is gaining even more popularity, and it’s about a lot more than just the pretty picture it paints (though that is one of the biggest reasons why).
A New Trend in Wellness?
First of all, let’s take a look at the health benefits of matcha. This intriguing green substance offers a gentle, sustained energy that’s a far cry from the jittery spike and sharp crash of a morning coffee. Many people have even started swapping their daily espresso for a vibrant cup of matcha instead; and it’s easy to see why. While it does contain caffeine, it’s a much gentler buzz — a smooth, focused energy that gets you through the day without leaving you completely burnt out by the afternoon.
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But that’s not all. Thanks to its high theanine content, matcha has a powerful, almost meditative quality to it, helping to melt away stress and leave you feeling calm and alert all at once. And on top of that, it’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, making it a favourite among health fanatics and everyday people alike who are just trying to make better choices for their bodies. It’s no longer just a trend; it’s a wellness ritual.
Matcha: More Than Just a Drink
But apart from all the health benefits, matcha also has a great visual appeal, which is definitely part of why it has become so popular. First of all, it’s green — a vibrant, eye-catching breath of fresh air from otherwise simple-looking drinks. And while some people say matcha tastes like grass, honestly, why is that necessarily a bad thing? It has an addictive, earthy flavour — like freshly cut grass, in a good way. And this is because, of course, it’s made from tea leaves ground up into a concentrated powder of flavour.
Matcha has evolved into a full-blown lifestyle. Social media is littered with videos of matcha connoisseurs preparing a pretty cup every morning, whisking the powder into a frothy, bright green masterpiece. You see influencers going on “matcha runs,” a cup of green in their hands as they post on their feeds. And businesses have jumped on the trend, making matcha-themed or matcha-flavoured everything! We’re talking creative variations that have gone equally viral, from strawberry matcha to mango matcha and even banana pudding matcha.
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It’s a phenomenon that plays out in real time for the average media consumer. You’re scrolling through your phone, minding your own business, and then it happens: another perfectly curated post of a friend, an influencer, or a celebrity holding a picturesque, green-hued cup. The algorithm knows what you want, and suddenly, your feed is flooded with creamy matcha lattes and frothy ceremonial bowls. You feel that unmistakable pang of FOMO — the fear of missing out — creeping into your brain. And before you know it, you’re experiencing an almost Pavlovian response, your thumb automatically typing “matcha near me” into the search bar, desperate to join in on the green-tinged fun.
The Go-To Matcha Spots in KL and PJ
If you’re from Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya and you really want to know the go-to spots for matcha, we’ve got you covered!
Chabashira Tea Roastery
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With several locations across KL and PJ, this cafe is dedicated to Japanese tea. They serve a selection of high-grade matcha and other types of tea. The prices of their matcha drinks and treats are rather steep, but many people have said they don’t regret it one bit — money well spent! It is said to be one of the best matcha spots in town, and their matcha drinks (the Kyo Matcha, a ceremonial-grade matcha, being a crowd favourite) boast a great amount of umami and nutty flavour. They have numerous interesting matcha treats as well, like matcha daifuku and matcha crème brûlée.
Getting there:
Niko Neko Matcha
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If you’re familiar with the matcha scene in Malaysia, then you’ve definitely heard of Niko Neko Matcha. It’s a Malaysian-founded brand, by founders Syun Hattori and Izzat Iskandar in 2015. But of course, because it’s matcha, it’s still deeply rooted in Japanese culture and tradition. Niko Neko Matcha has various types of matchas — Ren, Kiku, Ajisai, and Yuri — all boasting distinct flavour profiles. Niko Neko Matcha has its own locations around KL and PJ, like in Bangsar and Damansara Heights, but they sell their matcha powders, too! Many other matcha cafes have bought and used them in their own drinks, which further solidifies the quality of the matcha at Niko Neko.
Getting there:
ONO Specialty Coffee and Matcha Cafe
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This is one such cafe that uses Niko Neko Matcha’s powder. It’s the world’s first specialty coffee and matcha cafe, and it’s even part of the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list! What’s special about this cafe is that they have seasonal matcha drinks, which is something great to look out for and gets the excitement going. They have other great options, like coffee and delicious sandos, but since this is a matcha list, we’re here to tell you that their matcha is definitely worth trying out!
Getting there:
Matcha Eight
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Matcha is the powder itself, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in a drink form. Head over to Matcha Eight and try out their artisanal matcha ice cream (but of course, you can get drinks here too). It’s 100% authentic, natural, and handmade. The creamy matcha ice cream is perfect to battle the Malaysian heat, and of course, it’s a must-try for matcha lovers!
Getting there:
108 Matcha Saro
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This is another well-loved spot for matcha. They use high-quality matcha from Kyoto, and aside from their drinks, this cafe is known for its matcha treats as well. The menu offers traditional Japanese treats with a modern twist, going beyond simple matcha-flavoured sweets. From matcha parfaits to matcha obanyaki and matcha warabimochi, you’re in for a treat.
Getting there:
A Tiny Portal to Joy
Ultimately, it seems the world’s fascination with this seemingly simple drink (or ingredient) reveals a deeper human longing. We’re not just buying a drink; we’re buying into a feeling, a connection to a moment of pure joy. In a world that often feels overwhelming and complex, these little treasures offer an escape, a reminder that it’s okay to embrace the whimsical and the playful.
So, the next time you see someone excitedly posting their pretty cup of green, remember that a cup of matcha offers more than just a drink. It’s a tiny portal to a world of feel-good wellness, a testament to the enduring power of a simple pleasure, and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to navigate the complexities of adulthood is to find a little bit of calm in your cup.
