NOT too long ago, we published  online a story on what matcha is, the different types you can get in Shanghai, and how to tell if you’re actually getting the good stuff or not.

WE received a lot of feedback, with questions like “Hey, I’ve been seeing matcha stores pop-up everywhere. Which ones are actually good?.” So... here we are. Shanghai Daily asked if I knew where the good stuff is, and of course, I said yes.

Before we begin, to refresh your memory, matcha is not only full of antioxidants and vitamins, it is also delicious, if prepared correctly. So, to save you from going to places that make you go “ugh it tastes like grass,” here are my top five matcha cafes in Shanghai (after having visited dozens).

MATCHA Love Teahouse

OUR first and favorite stop is Matcha Love Teahouse. What’s not to love? You may recall that we had a conversation with Grace already in our previous story, so it’s no surprise Matcha Love makes the list. Grace came to Shanghai from Armenia seven years ago. In many ways, she is Shanghai’s matcha pioneer, because the vision for her store all started from wanting to encourage real, authentic, traditional matcha culture here in the city.

The place is very conveniently located, about a seven-minute walk from Jiao Tong University Metro Station and close to Columbia Circle. Even though the shop is quite compact, it has a surprising number of seating areas.

Now, let’s move to the menu. Grace’s matcha philosophy is simplicity. Sugar is her main nemesis when it comes to ordering matcha from other places. Not only does excess sugar spoil the natural earthiness of matcha, but it is also just unhealthy. Moreover, Grace believes that matcha is best paired with oat milk (unsweetened). Matcha has vegetal, grassy, and sometimes bitter or umami-rich notes. Unsweetened oat milk has a naturally neutral sweetness and creamy texture without overwhelming fats, so it softens the bitterness while letting the delicate green flavors shine. In contrast, she pairs hojicha with dairy on her menu. Hojicha is a roasted green tea with nutty, toasty, sometimes caramel-like notes. Dairy milk, with its higher fat content, complements and rounds out these roasted flavors, making them feel richer and more dessert-like.

My personal favorite at Matcha Love is the caramel matcha latte, though I must say, the addition of caramel is more of a suggestion of caramel. Do not expect a full caramel desert profile like you’d expect in a Starbucks caramel machiatto. It is this mere hint of caramel flavor that makes it complex and sensual. It adds even more creaminess to a fairly mellow drink. I’ve also tried the watermelon matcha latte, and it is what you think it is. Matcha, oat milk and fresh watermelon juice. Might sound strange, but in Shanghai’s oppressive summer humidity, this drink is totally simple yet refreshing. Grace personally recommends trying her signature Celery Energizer if you really want to max out on benefits. As for food, matcha affogato combines creamy, milky vanilla ice cream with slight bitterness and earthiness of a shot of matcha.

If you go...

Opening hours: 10:30am-7:30pm (weekdays), 9:30am-7:30pm (weekends)

Average price: 36 yuan/pp (US$5.05)

Perks: Wi-Fi/Outlets, Dianping deals

Personal recs: Celery Energizer, classic matcha latte, matcha ice cream

Address: 381 Panyu Rd, Changning District

Bitmatcha

BITMATCHA is another place that opened not too long ago. It has more of a “Let’s go there after our pilates class” kind of vibe. They have a modern minimalist design with a seating area of slick bar stools as well as a couple of benches, simple but comfortable. Moreover, there is a whole back area that takes a completely opposite direction in its design. A traditional Japanese tearoom that can be reserved either through platforms or by calling.

Now, when it comes to drinks, Bitmatcha stands out among the rest. All their signatures are full of color and fun mixes of flavors and added health benefits. Let’s take my two personal favorites, Gut Detox Mojito and Daydreamer. First one has apple cider vinegar and vegetable charcoal for helping with your tummy detox. The second one, not only sounds intriguing, but it has added spirulina protein and vanilla, and a fun blue color.

But of course, besides those more complex drinks, simple stuff like matcha latte and even Morning Matchacano are also present. As for food, mostly it is scones. I’ve tried two, one with hazelnut and chocolate, another with pineapple. Not bad.

There is Wi-Fi, but I wouldn’t call it a place where you would come to work on your computer. It’s more of a hangout after a walk with your dogs. Unless you want a more elevated experience in the pre-booked tea room.

If you go...

Opening hours: 9am-9pm

Average price: 36 yuan/pp

Perks: Wi-Fi

Personal recs: Gut Detox Mojito , Daydreamer, pineapple scone

Address: 439-5, Lane 433 Yuyuan Rd, Jing’an District

LA Matcha

LA Matcha was my first introduction to the Shanghai matcha game. And I must be honest, at first, I wasn’t that impressed. The hot matcha latte that I got had more of a matcha hint, my taste buds were overwhelmed by hot oat milk, and almost nothing else. However, I give everyone a second and third chance. Perhaps it was just the barista at that time, but the next drink I tried was an ice matcha osmanthus latte, and it was a hit for me. Earthy, creamy matcha was paired with a fragrant sweetness of osmanthus flower, a Shanghainese’s favorite.

In general, I have enjoyed cold drinks more at that place, as well as some snack options. Their specialty is different kinds of toast, matcha cheesecake and an unexpected favorite, a matcha pineapple bun.

La Matcha has an amazing location, about a three-minute walk from Exit 7 of South Shaanxi Road Metro Station. There is Wi-Fi and outlets and I always use Dianping coupons to get my matcha latte for half the price, be sure to check it out.

If you go...

Opening hours: 10am-8pm

Average price: 29 yuan/pp

Personal recs: Osmanthus latte, matcha basque, matcha pineapple bun

Address: 158 Xiangyang Rd S., Xuhui District

THE Matcha Tokyo

THE Matcha Tokyo is a premium Japanese matcha café brand originating in Tokyo (established around 2018) that has since expanded across Asia — from Hong Kong and the Philippines to Thailand, and beyond. This is Japan’s Starbucks moment, only to date, it seems like Matcha Tokyo is much less controversial.

It has since become a popular chain in Shanghai that serves high-quality matcha, from the most classic iterations to seasonal, exciting flavors. Most of their locations aren’t the “sit-and-enjoy” kind of place, it’s giving more “matcha on the go.” My personal favorite location is on Wukang Road, near the famous Wukang Mansion. Not only is the area absolutely beautiful, gorgeous greenery, cute stores all over and stylish people taking their mandatory Xiaohongshu (Rednote) selfies, but the storefront itself is quite photogenic. If you search “Matcha Tokyo” on social media, this store is most likely to come up.

Again, there are only about two chairs near the window, and during peak hours it can get crowded. But the drinks and the vibes are worth it.

My personal favorite was their seasonal mango matcha latte, but since it isn’t on the permanent menu, another sought-after product is their matcha espresso latte parfait.

HEY Barista

THE dark horse of this list is Hey Barista. Full disclosure, I wouldn’t call it a “matcha specific place,” their actual specialty is their coffee drinks. But I was drawn to them because the store and menu are focused on Oatley oat milk. As someone who is lactosephobic, I appreciate places like that. And, worth mentioning, at Hey Barista I tried my first-ever hojicha drink, before that I’ve only had matcha.

In our first part of this little series, Grace (from Matcha Love) and I discussed the differences between matcha and hojicha, which are made from the same raw materials but differ in taste and effects on your body. Hey Barista makes great matcha as well, not sweet, not burned, just as it should be. Hojicha is sweeter, nuttier, so I can recommend you to try both.

Now, the café itself is located at Hengshan Road, not far from the metro station. That whole little area is very Insta-worthy. It feels like a little oasis, with a couple of coffee shops, fashion boutiques and restaurants. Hey Barista often redecorates their second floor. The first time I visited it, it was minimal, cozy and modern. But if I am being honest, when we came to do research, I don’t know what happened to it. I thought that we left the construction site aesthetic back in 2016, yet someone on their design team wanted to feel young again I suppose. All we can do is hope it’s not permanent, but for now, just stay on the first floor, my honest advice.

If you go...

Opening hours: 10am-6pm

Average price: 52 yuan/pp

Perks: Wi-Fi/Outlets

Personal recs: Hojicha latte

Address: 880 Hengshan Rd, Xuhui District