Tradition to Trend: Exploring the Best Matcha Lattes in Boston

Matcha has been a cultural staple for years—where are the best spots to find it near you?

by Yasmine Chang 

Photo by Annie Park

Matcha’s social and cultural development is a long-winded journey throughout history. It originated in China during the Tang dynasty and was initially associated with Chinese tea culture, according to Matcha Direct. Later, Zen Buddhist monk, Eisai, introduced the tea to Japan, where its preparation laid the foundations for the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. 

Over the years, matcha has spread all over the world and has developed into the modern café staple we all know today. Whether served hot, iced, with water, or with milk, its popularity cannot be denied. In the Western world, it’s most commonly found in coffee shops as a latte.

As a college student at Boston University, I, too, am obsessed with my matcha lattes. So, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites that are not too far from campus.

Blank Street is an amazing option if you’re looking for deep green matcha with a rich, nutty flavor. Its signature “Daydream” matcha latte blends vanilla bean, honey, and cinnamon for a simple, sweet mid-day treat. In addition to the Daydream, you can enjoy Blank Street’s classic blueberry matcha for a fruity twist. Be prepared to wait in line! There are two locations near campus—one by Copley Station and the other, which recently opened in Brookline.

Maruichi Select is another delicious option around campus, located in the heart of Coolidge Corner. Come here if you’re looking for a bright and creamy drink with a strong matcha flavor. The matcha lattes are hand-whisked and made to order, which reflects Maruichi’s commitment to the Japanese tea tradition.

Kyo Matcha is right off the Saint Mary’s Street station and offers a wide selection of mouthwatering matcha drinks and desserts. If this is your first time trying a matcha latte or you’re looking for a more subtle taste, Kyo Matcha is for you. Its matcha latte is creamy and light, and it is perfect after a meal.

Pavement Coffeehouse right here on BU’s campus offers another top-tier matcha latte. It’s a subtly sweet confection that’s essential for my on-campus study sessions. The matcha strength and flavor here run a bit in the middle of Blank Street and Kyo Matcha, and it is an ideal everyday matcha latte.

Last but certainly not least, I would recommend Matcha Cafe Maiko in Fenway. Similar to Kyo Matcha, Matcha Cafe Maiko offers a large selection of matcha drinks and desserts. The matcha latte here is strong, sweet, and has a medium-green color that reflects its robust flavor. It’s satisfying and full of depth.

Whether you’re a seasoned matcha latte-lover or someone eager to try, there are so many different matcha spots near campus to choose from. These cafés are only a small sample of all the different places where you can find a delicious matcha latte, so I encourage you to try as many as you can to find your own favorite spot. Its popularity today is a testament to the longstanding tradition of matcha as a social and cultural staple, and I urge everyone to appreciate not only its flavor but also understand the history that comes with it.