"Searching for" the most exquisite matcha tasting spots in Hanoi.

To be precise, while not as widely popular as coffee, matcha – a finely ground powder of young Japanese green tea leaves – has long been a very selective choice for discerning drinkers, but it is precisely this selectivity that creates its unique appeal. And in the last few years, matcha has gradually moved beyond its "niche" status to quietly establish itself in the hearts of food lovers in Hanoi.

Matcha has never been a fleeting trend. It is the epitome of Japanese tea culture, where drinking tea is not simply about quenching thirst, but a meditative ritual. Each tea bud is grown in the shade, harvested by hand, steamed to preserve its vibrant green color, then dried and ground using a granite mill to fully retain its chlorophyll content and distinctive umami flavor.

This meticulous process creates a beverage with a refreshing yet profound flavor, while also embodying the wabi-sabi philosophy – the beauty of simplicity, humility, and tranquility.

In Vietnam, matcha culture originated from a very small portion of cafe menus. People served matcha alongside coffee, tea, and fruit juices. At this point, while matcha menus varied from cafe to cafe, they were generally not as diverse or categorized as those in specialized matcha shops. From the type of matcha powder to the harvest season of each variety, to the flavor and aftertaste... everything was vague and not given much attention.

Until matcha culture became an irresistible craze, cafes specializing in matcha, and only matcha, began to spring up in Hanoi.

The Matcha Tokyo

The Matcha Tokyo is a premium matcha brand from Japan, founded by Masahiro Nagata. After expanding internationally, the brand officially launched in Hanoi with its first store at 34 Hang Gai Street, quickly becoming a popular destination for tea and matcha enthusiasts.

The Matcha Tokyo impresses with its highly specialized matcha menu, including drinks, ice cream, and various pastries. With the philosophy "Be healthier and more beautiful," The Matcha Tokyo positions itself as a healthy living space where matcha is an integral part of contemporary lifestyles. From its opening day, the store created a strong impact, attracting a large number of customers queuing to experience it – a rare sight for matcha-specialized shops in Hanoi.

The brand's defining characteristic lies in the quality of its ingredients. All matcha used here is 100% organic, sourced from renowned tea regions such as Uji and Kagoshima. The flavor is rich and full-bodied, with a distinct umami note, moderate bitterness, and a clean, crisp aftertaste. The Matcha Tokyo respects the original flavor of matcha, striving to create innovative drinks based on their own philosophy, resulting in cups of matcha that clearly reflect individuality and subtle sophistication.

Nagocha - Matcha Specialty & Tea House

Stepping into Nagocha - Matcha Specialty & Tea House at 38 Quang An Street, matcha lovers feel as if they've entered a dreamy, tranquil, and distinctly Japanese space. From the low-seated tea tables to the serene surroundings, everything draws the drinker into a peaceful reality, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Nagocha - Matcha Specialty & Tea House is a destination for those seeking a matcha experience close to the spirit of Japanese ritual. As the second branch of the Chakokoro brand, Nagocha positions itself in the premium segment with ceremonial-grade matcha imported directly from Kyoto, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, and Shizuoka. The menu impresses with single-ingredient teas like Gokou, Asahi, and Samidori – varieties highly regarded by tea connoisseurs for their depth and prominent umami flavor. Alongside these are lighter blends such as Yame Supreme and Nagocha House Blend, offering a delicate balance between richness and a subtly sweet aftertaste.

Nagocha's space exudes a meditative atmosphere with tatami tables, natural light, and warm, dark wood materials. A special highlight is the presence of matcha practitioners – those who directly prepare tea using chasen, chawan, and katakuchi, recreating the tea ceremony in a contemporary context. When paired with traditional sweets like warabi mochi, the experience here becomes complete and deeply meaningful.

Artisan - Matcha Slow Bar

Artisan - Matcha Slow Bar offers a different definition of tea-drinking. Located at 5 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Long Bien District, Artisan focuses on serving matcha-related beverages. Here, minimalism and the tranquility of a tea-drinking experience are prioritized. Unlike typical tea houses, Artisan is designed as a matcha "laboratory" or "showcase," with an aesthetic appeal evident in the lighting, materials, and layout, all carefully considered.

The baristas have taken matcha preparation to the same level as cocktails or other alcoholic beverages. They present a completely contemporary version of matcha preparation, moving away from the traditional, subdued style. Besides familiar options like matcha lattes and affogatos, Artisan also introduces new variations such as Matcha Beer and Avocano. Particularly noteworthy is the Matcha Smoky Earl Grey, with its aromatic bubbles created right at the table, offering a truly impressive multi-sensory experience. The blend of boundless creativity and the elegant classicism of matcha makes this establishment a delightful destination for diners.

Matcha culture is increasingly permeating Hanoi's culinary scene. Each new matcha shop that opens further spreads the culture of enjoying this beverage.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Ha Chu