I scream, you scream, we all scream for… Matcha?! Yes, matcha! This green health craze is flying off the shelves in Whole Foods and other local supermarkets. The ground powder of green tea can be purchased either in tea, latte, or cream puff form! Yes, cream puff. Not only is matcha all natural, it is packed with as much antioxidants as ten cups of green tea! So, the next time you need a pick me up before class, instead of reaching for that venti cup of coffee (which overtime can cause an increase in blood sugar), order matcha tea to experience a more natural energy boost at one of these five locations!
1. Open Kitchen
Not even a five-minute walk from any of the Pace dorms, Open Kitchen doesn’t just have an amazing hot food and juice bar, they also serve coffee, tea and… you guessed it, matcha! Located at 123 William Street, pick up your first matcha, hot or iced, on your way back from class! Not a fan of milk in your tea? No problem! Try Matcha water as it is low calorie, vegan and gluten free!
2.Vivi Bubble Tea
Have you never heard of matcha or bubble tea? Well, you are in luck! Hop over to Vivi Bubble Tea located at 39 John Street, down the block from Pace’s 55 John Street dorm, to try over fifty flavors worth of tea—just not at the same time! You can order a Matcha Slush, Red Bean Matcha, or Japenese Matcha to satisfy your all your matcha cravings.
3. Starbucks
Yes, I know Starbucks isn’t the first place you think of when trying all natural, authentic matcha tea. However, if this is your first time ordering Matcha, I would suggest using your meal plan money and ordering a green tea latte (perhaps with a healthier, low-calorie milk option) which also incorporates Matcha powder. Or, you can order a plain Matcha water, just like at Open Kitchen, to have the root of the tea, no sweetener or milk necessary!
4. MatchaBar
Don’t worry! You don’t need to be 21 to get into this bar. Situated at 256 W 15th St. near Union Square, MatchaBar is home to the best Matcha, and their pleasant atmosphere allows for Matcha enthusiasts of all ages to unwind! Feeling a trip to Brooklyn in the near future? MatchaBar is there as well at 93 Wythe Avenue serving up, dare I say it, MatchaCoco Tea! Want to be on another secret? The company also bottles their heavenly drinks, which can be purchased at the 55 Fulton Market in the financial district!
5. Bibble and Sip
I already know what you’re thinking. Where is Bibble and Sip located downtown and why haven’t I been there yet? Located at 253 W 51st St., Bibble and Sip is home to the famous and mouthwatering Matcha cream puff and even though it’s not in FiDi, it is worth taking the A or C subway uptown. Having been recognized on InsiderFood.com and now catering to patient customers lining around the block, pair your Matcha cream puff with their signature iced or hot Matcha jasmine latte!