{"id":161542,"date":"2025-04-11T18:37:43","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T18:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/11\/everyones-freaking-out-about-this-new-matcha-cafe\/"},"modified":"2025-04-11T18:37:43","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T18:37:43","slug":"everyones-freaking-out-about-this-new-matcha-cafe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/11\/everyones-freaking-out-about-this-new-matcha-cafe\/","title":{"rendered":"Everyone\u2019s Freaking Out About This New Matcha Cafe"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n


\nAs a part of Snack Shop series, Annie Arriaga investigates the latest and greatest viral snack shops in New York City to see if the hype is real, if the snacks are yummy, and if the spot is underrated, overrated, or perfectly rated.<\/em>
\n<\/center><\/p>\n
\n

If you\u2019re a matcha girlie like me, you\u2019ve had more bad matcha than good matcha in New York City. Coffee shops often make the mistake of treating matcha like they treat coffee, but it\u2019s much more complicated than that. Preparing matcha, in its most traditional form, is a special and sacred ritual done with mindfulness and intention. The quality of water used and the specific whisking technique varies depending on if it’s meant to be made into a latte or drunk straight up.<\/p>\n

There is so<\/em> much that goes into matcha preparation and sourcing, but the entire process gets flattened when it\u2019s served at fast-service, automated coffee shops and popularized without education. Matcha has become so popular that there\u2019s even talk of a shortage\u2014due to the complex nature of its harvesting season in Japan.<\/p>\n

12 Matcha is New York\u2019s newest cafe on the block, specializing in matcha and matcha only.<\/em> It\u2019s had lines down the block since opening, so I was curious to see if the tea was actually good. After reading more about their story<\/a>, sourcing, and design, I decided waiting in a long line might be worth it.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n <\/svg>
\n <\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\"\"<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

The Snacks<\/h2>\n

On a Friday morning around 11 A.M., we waited close to an hour to order. They only let in small groups of people at a time to avoid crowding the space. The cafe is a two-floor setup, with tall windows, lots of sunlight, and sleek design. They have tanks of water running through giant pieces of charcoal coming down from the ceiling (an important aspect to the matcha\u2019s quality), and three little drink-making stations where you can literally<\/em> watch someone make your matcha in front of you. In each station there\u2019s even a little spotlight that shines a gorgeous halo of light on every single drink (perfect for that satisfying matcha pour video). It\u2019s clear that everything in the space is intentional\u2014from the drink spotlight to the chair layout.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n <\/svg>
\n <\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\"\"<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n
\n <\/svg>
\n <\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\"\"<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Iced matcha latte.<\/strong> I went for an unsweetened matcha latte with almond milk. This is a great control for judging matcha quality and preparation\u2014matcha is naturally slightly savory, sometimes leaning salty or nutty, depending on the growing region. Right off the bat, the matcha was creamy, thick, and created a gorgeous deep green color even when mixed with milk. Taste-wise, it was a grassier matcha that was smooth and frothy with a strong but pleasant flavor. Perfection. You can also ask for it to be sweetened if you\u2019re new to the world of matcha and want to slowly acclimate to the grassy, savory flavor notes.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n <\/svg>
\n <\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\"\"<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Matcha basque cheesecake.<\/strong> I\u2019vebeen seeing this little cheesecake slice in everyone\u2019s Tik Tok, so I had<\/em> to try it. It also doesn\u2019t hurt that the pastry chef from Noma is involved in the menu options at 12 Matcha. I loved how it wasn\u2019t overly sweet and highlighted the saltiness of the matcha with the creaminess of cheesecake. Incredible.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n <\/svg>
\n <\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\"\"<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n
\n <\/svg>
\n <\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\"\"<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

They also offer matcha-, hojicha-, and panna-flavored ice cream (samples are free) but I\u2019ll wait until the summer to try it. Rumor has it they\u2019re also going to be adding hojicha to their drink menu!<\/p>\n

Final Rating<\/h2>\n

Other than waiting an hour, the experience at 12 Matcha was incredible. From watching my drink be made (and being involved in the process) to sipping it at a beautiful sun-soaked little counter downstairs, both the drink and the space are 10\/10. So, I declare 12 Matcha to be perfectly rated.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

If you\u2019re reading this and you have a suggestion for a Snack Shop in the city that I must visit and (honestly) rate, leave a comment here or on our Snack Shop TikTok video. I love suggestions!<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"NYC\u2019s<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n

\n NYC\u2019s Best Breakfast Burrito Is Served in a Quaint Brooklyn Bakery
\n <\/h3>\n