Amazing stop for matcha enthusiasts. Val working was super knowledgeable about the origins of matcha and dedicated to the craft of matcha tea. The beverages are QUITE expensive, so be prepared to walk out with a $10 matcha. It’s a nice, calming experience, very one on one
victoria
decent matcha , the milky gelato affogato is brilliant. but their service is seriously off.
Was asked to switch seats to accommodate a newer customer when I paid like... $30 for an ice cream and tiny tea lmfao. Regret tipping on top of that.
When Wine
High quality matcha.. The tea host has the correct technique. Good variety, including low caffeine option as well. Unfortunately the tea can only be enjoyed in a paper cup.
The space is very limited and in an odd design. You would be asked to move after a few min from countertop space to a tatami. I wish they can extended the countertop area. They don't expect you to stay and enjoy the tea. It's a grab and go place.
Alev
Very nice atmosphere it’s so calming I almost fell asleep, the server was super chill. He did look offfended when I’d asked for a little sweetener, but it is a traditional place so no problem. Other than that great place and matcha was such a unique flavor, in my opinion the after taste was the best part it hit perfectly!
Aliya Tang
Matcha tastes like the matcha from Japan!
Antony Cho
TL;DR: Great matcha, terrible service. The staff act extremely arrogant and basically gaslight customers.
I ordered the Traditional Matcha - Unjonotomo, and honestly, it was very good. The texture was rich and smooth, and the finish had a fresh, pleasant grassy aroma. No complaints about the drink itself.
The problem was the service, which was genuinely awful.
I sat down at 3:22 PM and left at 3:35 PM, so I was only in the store for 13 minutes total. Within that short time, I got interrupted multiple times by staff.
First, my hot drink for dine in was served in a paper cup. That already felt absurd to me. If you are going to be so strict about how customers should drink matcha, maybe do not serve it in a paper cup. At that point, I assumed this was clearly not a place that truly cared about tea ceremony etiquette, so I did not rotate the cup before drinking. What made it even more ridiculous was that they had certificates displayed in the back showing the owner is supposedly a tea master.
While I was drinking, I was messaging someone because they had asked me to help buy matcha from this shop, and I was confirming what they wanted. A female staff member interrupted me and told me to focus on drinking the tea. Later, after a customer sitting near the wall left, I got interrupted again. Then when new customers came in, she told me to change seats because I was “blocking” them, even though I could have simply let them walk in. There was no real reason I needed to move, but I still did.
All of this happened within about 10 minutes. The last 3 minutes were spent helping my friend buy matcha powder before I left.
So yes, the matcha was good. But the service was so unpleasant, controlling, and condescending that it completely ruined the experience. Expect customers to follow rules all you want, but at least provide service good enough to deserve that attitude.
Gloria M
Worst and most expensive matcha latte Ive had in the city. Its a shame because I heard this place was good. $16 for a cup of pale green water and disappointment. Its extremely diluted and I could barely taste any of the matcha. A lot of the powder clumped and settled at the bottom before I could walk out the door. I ended up throwing it away down the block. You can easily find a drinkable matcha for half the price elsewhere.
Liza Listvinsky
Wonderful authentic little place with very warm, friendly and knowledgeable tea masters, an amazing owner. The matcha is superb, a significant variety of top-notch matcha powder. Never miss an opportunity to stop by.
David Rowekamp
Fantastic atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. The Hana matcha was fantastic. Would recommend for a relaxing 10 to 20 minute break in the city.
Eliza Faiz
Visited this place to try the traditional matcha that is prepared by hand. It’s a very small place, the dining area is mostly tatami with tea wares, and there is just a big enough for a few customers to stand. You may sit on the tatami, but if you will place your feet on it, I would recommend you to remove your shoes. The shop itself is in a place where if you blink you’ll miss it. Their operating hours are limited, and I was unsure as to whether I’d be able to see the server prepare the matcha by hand before going, as nobody answered the phone when I called to ask. However, I was pleased when I arrived and ordered the traditional hot matcha. When I visited, I was offered a choice of two different types of ceremonial matcha: Jobetsugi (refreshing flavor and light-bodied), or Unjonotomo (thick with deep umami flavor). I went with Unjonotomo for an umami flavor. Surely enough, the server prepared the tea by hand. The taste of the matcha was absolutely satisfying. This place definitely offers a traditional matcha experience. I believe they offer special ceremonies and events, but you will have to check their website for the schedule and to make a reservation.
Very calm, quiet and intimate environment. Really good quality matcha. The woman working there was very nice and knowledgeable about each item. Will be visiting every time I’m in NY. Highly recommend if you’re heavily into matcha
Noff Go
Ceremonial grade only
Maiya
Nice staff who are well-educated on matcha and the tea ceremony processes. Unfortunately, the iced matcha latte was a miss since it was very watery with clumps on the bottom.
Diana Ayers
Can’t say enough good things about this place. Such a calm beautiful educational experience. Absolutely amazing matcha, cannot wait to go back and try all the varieties!
Amazing stop for matcha enthusiasts. Val working was super knowledgeable about the origins of matcha and dedicated to the craft of matcha tea. The beverages are QUITE expensive, so be prepared to walk out with a $10 matcha. It’s a nice, calming experience, very one on one
decent matcha , the milky gelato affogato is brilliant. but their service is seriously off.
Was asked to switch seats to accommodate a newer customer when I paid like... $30 for an ice cream and tiny tea lmfao. Regret tipping on top of that.
High quality matcha.. The tea host has the correct technique. Good variety, including low caffeine option as well. Unfortunately the tea can only be enjoyed in a paper cup.
The space is very limited and in an odd design. You would be asked to move after a few min from countertop space to a tatami. I wish they can extended the countertop area. They don't expect you to stay and enjoy the tea. It's a grab and go place.
Very nice atmosphere it’s so calming I almost fell asleep, the server was super chill. He did look offfended when I’d asked for a little sweetener, but it is a traditional place so no problem. Other than that great place and matcha was such a unique flavor, in my opinion the after taste was the best part it hit perfectly!
Matcha tastes like the matcha from Japan!
TL;DR: Great matcha, terrible service. The staff act extremely arrogant and basically gaslight customers.
I ordered the Traditional Matcha - Unjonotomo, and honestly, it was very good. The texture was rich and smooth, and the finish had a fresh, pleasant grassy aroma. No complaints about the drink itself.
The problem was the service, which was genuinely awful.
I sat down at 3:22 PM and left at 3:35 PM, so I was only in the store for 13 minutes total. Within that short time, I got interrupted multiple times by staff.
First, my hot drink for dine in was served in a paper cup. That already felt absurd to me. If you are going to be so strict about how customers should drink matcha, maybe do not serve it in a paper cup. At that point, I assumed this was clearly not a place that truly cared about tea ceremony etiquette, so I did not rotate the cup before drinking. What made it even more ridiculous was that they had certificates displayed in the back showing the owner is supposedly a tea master.
While I was drinking, I was messaging someone because they had asked me to help buy matcha from this shop, and I was confirming what they wanted. A female staff member interrupted me and told me to focus on drinking the tea. Later, after a customer sitting near the wall left, I got interrupted again. Then when new customers came in, she told me to change seats because I was “blocking” them, even though I could have simply let them walk in. There was no real reason I needed to move, but I still did.
All of this happened within about 10 minutes. The last 3 minutes were spent helping my friend buy matcha powder before I left.
So yes, the matcha was good. But the service was so unpleasant, controlling, and condescending that it completely ruined the experience. Expect customers to follow rules all you want, but at least provide service good enough to deserve that attitude.
Worst and most expensive matcha latte Ive had in the city. Its a shame because I heard this place was good. $16 for a cup of pale green water and disappointment. Its extremely diluted and I could barely taste any of the matcha. A lot of the powder clumped and settled at the bottom before I could walk out the door. I ended up throwing it away down the block. You can easily find a drinkable matcha for half the price elsewhere.
Wonderful authentic little place with very warm, friendly and knowledgeable tea masters, an amazing owner. The matcha is superb, a significant variety of top-notch matcha powder. Never miss an opportunity to stop by.
Fantastic atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. The Hana matcha was fantastic. Would recommend for a relaxing 10 to 20 minute break in the city.
Visited this place to try the traditional matcha that is prepared by hand. It’s a very small place, the dining area is mostly tatami with tea wares, and there is just a big enough for a few customers to stand. You may sit on the tatami, but if you will place your feet on it, I would recommend you to remove your shoes. The shop itself is in a place where if you blink you’ll miss it. Their operating hours are limited, and I was unsure as to whether I’d be able to see the server prepare the matcha by hand before going, as nobody answered the phone when I called to ask. However, I was pleased when I arrived and ordered the traditional hot matcha. When I visited, I was offered a choice of two different types of ceremonial matcha: Jobetsugi (refreshing flavor and light-bodied), or Unjonotomo (thick with deep umami flavor). I went with Unjonotomo for an umami flavor. Surely enough, the server prepared the tea by hand. The taste of the matcha was absolutely satisfying. This place definitely offers a traditional matcha experience. I believe they offer special ceremonies and events, but you will have to check their website for the schedule and to make a reservation.
Restaurantji Recommends
Very calm, quiet and intimate environment. Really good quality matcha. The woman working there was very nice and knowledgeable about each item. Will be visiting every time I’m in NY. Highly recommend if you’re heavily into matcha
Ceremonial grade only
Nice staff who are well-educated on matcha and the tea ceremony processes. Unfortunately, the iced matcha latte was a miss since it was very watery with clumps on the bottom.
Can’t say enough good things about this place. Such a calm beautiful educational experience. Absolutely amazing matcha, cannot wait to go back and try all the varieties!
Authentic, the best place to get matcha in NYC
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