The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
Evanston is brimming with small, family-owned cafes and breweries, and matcha has undeniably secured its place on nearly every menu. The demand for this unique tea is hardly surprising – during the harsh Evanston winters, a steaming cup of matcha latte, with its comforting aroma and earthy flavor, provides a welcome respite from the cold. And for the upcoming months, a refreshing iced matcha latte is the perfect antidote to the sweltering summer heat.
I’ve been a Matcha enthusiast since I was 7 years old – I took a trip to Japan, and a single sip was all it took to ignite a passion that has endured ever since.
But what started out as a Japanese phenomenon has exploded in popularity over the last few years – big chains like Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee released their own versions of the beverage. The hashtag #Matcha has taken social media by storm, with over 686,000 posts on TikTok alone. As the matcha craze has permeated smaller, independent coffee shops, the options have become almost overwhelming.
So, as a long-time Matcha connoisseur, I’ve taken the liberty of spotlighting my favorite local matcha spots – in no particular order – that are walking distance from campus.
Backlot Coffee
Known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, Backlot Coffee, located on 2006 Central St, is a favorite among students and locals alike.
But Backlot’s matcha offerings extend beyond the traditional Japanese variety. They actually use MoCha, a unique powdered green tea with a rich history. As explained by Backlot barista Sarah Veliciu, “Mo Cha uses dragon well cultivar and was produced in China. It differs from other powdered green teas in the market because it was properly shaded for 15-20 days, de-stemmed, and milled to powder using a stone mill imported from Japan.”
The difference? “In terms of flavor profile, Dragon Well’s signature nutty and savory flavors come through beautifully [in the matcha],” Veliciu said.
According to owner John Kim, it’s also certified pesticide and fertilizer free.
Another must-try from Backlot is their unique lavender matcha – the blend of the light floral notes with the earthy matcha is a match made in heaven.
Newport Coffee
Newport Coffee on 622 Davis St., besides being the perfect study spot, also boasts a great selection of matcha drinks. According to a barista who wished to remain anonymous, the Matcha Latte is the most popular non-coffee drink by far. It is crafted pretty classically, whisking organic Japanese matcha powder and pouring it into milk, and can be customized with your choice of milk and sweetness level.
Their signature menu also features a Sparkling Matcha drink that is a refreshing blend of matcha, lime juice, vanilla agave, and sparkling water.
Kung Fu Tea
This chain boba spot is a bit of a wildcard, but they offer a variety of cold Matcha drinks that are absolutely worth trying: The Matcha “milk cap”, the Matcha slush, and the classic matcha latte.
Kung Fu Tea’s “milk cap” series is a personal favorite – atop the drink sits a thick layer of subtly salty, yet light cream, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the matcha. The slush is a lighter and more refreshing take on Matcha, ideal for those warmer days.
And of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic matcha latte. It’s rich, flavorful, and with options for sweetness level customization and milk alternatives, there’s a perfect cup for everyone.
Kung Fu Tea is also elevating the matcha game with some exciting new offerings that add a fruity twist to your favorite green tea. Starting April 1st, they’re introducing a selection of deliciously refreshing drinks: Peach Matcha Cream, Strawberry Matcha Cream, Mango Matcha Cream, and Matcha Lemonade. These vibrant options are perfect for when you want something sweet, tangy, and refreshing to cool off with as the weather warms up.
Make sure to stop by 726 Clark Street to try them!
Patisserie Coralie
This charming French-inspired cafe on 600 Davis St. offers another delightful matcha experience.
The matcha latte, available hot or iced, boasts a unique flavor profile that’s less sweet than neighboring cafes – perfect for those who aren’t sweet-tooths. It pairs amazingly with their Spinach-Feta pastry for an ideal afternoon snack that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
