MUST-VISIT SPOTS FOR MATCHA LOVERS

By Jaz Mara

Precisely measure, intently sift, briskly whisk and gently pour. These are the essential steps in making a glass of matcha latte.

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The whole process is a graceful ceremony on its own, making each serving a picture-perfect beauty to be enjoyed sip after sip. Matcha continues to grow in popularity, with restaurants and cafés responding to demand, each serving their own classic and creative mixes.

Luckily for matcha enthusiasts visiting Boracay, several cafés now offer their own versions of matcha lattes. Two of my favorites are Slow Matcha and Fiesta Souvenir Café, both using premium matcha sourced from Uji, Kyoto.

Matcha, which combines the Japanese words matsu (to grind) and cha (tea), means ground tea. 

Unlike other green teas whose leaves are steeped in hot water, matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves, which produce more chlorophyll and give matcha its bright green color. The leaves are then ground into a fine powder, giving it a rich flavor and powerful antioxidants.

Interestingly, the method of making matcha originated in China, as a way to make it easier to transport and trade tea. A Japanese Buddhist monk named Eisai saw the process while studying there and brought what he learned and brought tea seeds back to Japan. While China veered back to using tea leaves, Japan embraced the method and is now known for producing some of the best matcha in the world. Leading areas where matcha is cultivated and produced include Uji in Kyoto, Nishio and Shizuoka. 

Ceremonial-grade matcha tins from the legendary Japanese producer Marukyu Koyamaen, based in Uji, Kyoto. 

Slow Matcha is a cozy café located at D’Mall, on the second floor of Haeryongwang Restaurant. A relaxed and quiet space to enjoy a creamy cup of matcha. Whether you are looking for a slightly nutty taste, something soft and delicate or a deep and full-bodied flavor, this café has it. 

My personal favorite is the Matcha Spanner. It is prepared with premium matcha topped with velvety cream. It has a comforting aroma and the right balance of sweetness, creaminess and umami. A cup that you’d want to savor very slowly. 

This cafe also customizes orders, so if you prefer your matcha latte with oat milk instead of fresh milk, they will happily make it to your liking. Fans of cloud matcha will be glad to know that they offer their own take on this coconut water and matcha cream blend, which is very refreshing. 

If sipping matcha with a beach view is what you are looking for, Fiesta Souvenir Café might be the option for you. 

Located at Station 2, right above the Fiesta Souvenir Shop, this café caught me by surprise. It has a clean and simple vibe, yet the drinks they offer hit the spot. 

My favorites are the Vanilla Oat Matcha and Ube Matcha. The Vanilla Oat Matcha combines vanilla and matcha so well that neither is overpowering, and the sweetness level is spot on. Ube Matcha, on the other hand, is both a pick-me-up and a treat in one. It’s a drink that will make you smile from the first sip to the last.

For matcha lovers, these two matcha spots are worthy of multiple visits.