Amidst the ongoing global matcha shortage, Vancouver’s matcha scene is busier than ever, with cafés throughout the city putting their own spins on the finely ground green tea.
With an abundance of “ceremonial-grade” and “premium” matcha blends to choose from, it can be difficult to know which drinks are worth venturing out for.
Whether you like it hot or cold, strong or light, sweetened or unsweetened, these are some of the best spots for matcha in Vancouver.
Aiyaohno Café
Tucked inside a commercial building in Chinatown, Aiyaohno Café is a true hidden gem, complete with a buzzer entry, either through the front or the back. Once inside, visitors can choose from the Japanese-inspired café’s extensive plant-focused menu, featuring premium matcha selections directly imported from Kyoto, Japan.
The creamy Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte is a top contender in Vancouver’s strawberry matcha scene, with a sweet and tangy house-made strawberry sauce that balances out the tea's rich umami flavours. Paired with a savoury Egg on Toast with house-made bread and tomato jam, the experience is complete.
Address: 425 Carrall St, Vancouver
Paragon Tea Room
Paragon Tea Room’s temporary location at the Pacific Centre features a sweet collaboration with Mister Artisan Ice Cream, now available through August. Matcha Mango Sticky Rice Affogato, Dipped Matcha Bar and Tea Latte Floats are on the special summer menu, alongside their smooth and nutty matcha lattes.
Located on the lower level of the mall near Holt Renfrew, the shop gives shoppers a reason for a little detour matcha break.
Address: 701 W Georgia St, Vancouver
Café Algan
For those who like their matcha light, sweet, and vegetal, Café Algan’s matcha lattes are worth checking out. This Oakridge Korean café, which opened last fall, serves ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from Jeju Island.
On the menu’s current specials are the Dirty Matcha and Matcha Fog, which can be enjoyed with a wide range of baked goods—think decadent basque cheesecakes, crispy pesto sausage rolls, airy shortcakes and more.
Address: 688 W 58th Ave, Vancouver
Slo Coffee
Coffee isn’t the only thing to sip on at this cozy neighbourhood café in Riley Park.
Slo Coffee’s signature pistachio and cranberry matcha lattes are available year-round for a reason. For the sweet and subtly tart Iced Cranberry Matcha Latte, a savoury and tangy Sundried Tomato Ricotta Sourdough Toast will bring out all the best flavours. As part of their ever-changing seasonal menu, the summer lineup includes an Iced Pineapple Matcha that’s creamy, light, and tropical.
Address: 4160 Fraser St, Vancouver
Whisk Matcha Café
Whisk Matcha has been selling premium Japanese matcha from independent tea farms and established matcha brands since 2016. Their plant-based café in Mount Pleasant offers a carefully curated selection of drinks and shares space with Level V Bakery, which is also vegan. While their Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte and Sparkling Yuzu Matcha are sure to help you beat the heat, keep an eye out for their Matcha of the Month offerings.
In August, the Ryokuhou matcha from Hokoen is served as a usucha (thin tea), served with a sweet and chewy matcha macaron that balances out the smoky aroma and earthy, umami flavours.
Address: 39 Kingsway, Vancouver
Cowdog
Cowdog’s favourite Strawberry Matcha has a devoted following—and for a good reason. Using their own line of matcha powder and house-made strawberry puree, the signature drink is smooth, refreshing and not-too-sweet.
And for those extra hot summer days when you’re craving something sweet, the Frozen Matcha is sure to cool you down and treat your tastebuds (available at West 4th only).
Address: 3720 Oak St and 1927 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Matcha Corner
After a successful summer at Shun Fa Noodle House, this popular matcha pop-up has returned to Vancouver with its own brick-and-mortar location on Kingsway. Soft-opened since late June of this year, Matcha Corner shares space with the new Chinese dessert spot 66 Dessert House, also run by the Shun Fa family.
Matcha-lovers who prefer stronger flavours will appreciate the generous five grams of ceremonial-grade Kyoto matcha in every drink. With no extra charge for milk alternatives and the option to adjust sweetness levels and add toppings, there's an endless variety of nutty, earthy combinations. Currently, all their drinks are iced, and their ice cream offerings include ube, vanilla, matcha, and sesame.
Address: 1150 Kingsway, Vancouver
Emeri
This summer matcha bar pop-up is here to help you find your perfect matcha type. Through mid-October, Emeri’s weekend pop-up is bringing a rotating selection of high-quality matcha and hojicha blends directly sourced from Japan. Each drink has five grams of matcha, is hand-whisked and served over oat or soy milk. No syrups or add-ons are available here—just pure, grassy green flavours.
Address: 1426 W 8th Ave, Vancouver
With files from Lindsay William-Ross
🍽 Find more delicious Metro Vancouver food and drink video stories by following V.I.A's Forking Awesome on TikTok and Instagram, and signing up for our Forking Awesome newsletter 📬 delivered fresh to your inbox every Thursday.
