Have I been missing the hype?

By Kristian Tofilovski

From the widespread popularity of Korean skincare to the captivating artwork of Japanese anime, many of us have encountered Asian culture in one form or another. As this cultural influence continues to grow in the West, so does our appreciation for its native foods and beverages.

Matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea leaves from China, has transformed itself into a popular beverage around the world. However, despite seeing it on almost all menus, I still have yet to try it.

So, follow me as I give my honest opinions of three popular matcha cafes in Toronto and try it for the first time!

Matcha Matcha

MATCHA MATCHA, located at 407 Church St., opened its doors last month and is already capturing the hearts of matcha lovers across Toronto.

During its opening, the cafe exploded in virality on TikTok, drawing massive lines of people and hour-long wait times, all to have a taste of their unique matcha creations.

After visiting, I definitely understand why.

MATCHA MATCHA's sleek and modern interior, illustrated by its black, white and grey accents, makes it the definition of an aesthetic cafe, perfect for your next Instagram story.

Two displays adorn the wall, one reading "Matcha" and the other "You are so matchaful" (Kristian Tofilovski/CanCulture)

Soft R&B music also plays over the cafe's speakers, making it a cozy spot to hang out with friends. However, it is quite small and with its current popularity, may not be the best place to work.

A defining feature of MATCHA MATCHA is its creative matcha flavours. Some of these include its Cheesecake Matcha, Blueberry and Lavender Ube Matcha and London Fog Matcha. Their drinks range from $6 to $8.

MATCHA MATCHA is also innovative in its ordering system, as the only way to order and view the menu is through self-service kiosks. However, this comes with downsides, as it can be confusing for those who are unaware. This includes people like myself, as upon entering, I was lost in figuring out who to approach for my order and where to find a menu on the wall.

A Classic Matcha Latte from Matcha Matcha (Kristian Tofilovski/CanCulture)

As a first-time matcha tryer, I opted for a Classic Matcha Latte. My drink was prepared quickly and as I had my first sip, I really enjoyed it! The latte was perfectly sweet and creamy, and the matcha flavour added a nice touch, which I was unsure if I would enjoy. However, as the matcha incorporated itself more into the drink, I wished it had been slightly stronger.

Icha Tea

Icha Tea, located at 235 Spadina Ave., is a classic, go-to spot for matcha-lovers across Toronto.

A tucked away cafe in the heart of Chinatown, the exterior and interior aesthetics make you feel as if you've stepped into a cafe in Asia.

This is found in Icha Tea's attention to fine details, with Asian-inspired art, ceramics, stationary and accents decorating the cafe, making it a one-of-a-kind space in Toronto. Many ceramics and artwork have descriptions of the Canadian artists behind the work, adding an educational benefit to visiting.

Art display of tea cloths and teawares by Amanda Rataj and Helen Kong on the lower level of Icha Tea. (Kristian Tofilovski/CanCulture)

Icha Tea is also a relaxing space, thanks to its warm-toned lighting, soft lo-fi music and open layout. The small steps leading down to the cafe's primary seating area also create a sense of seclusion, adding to its cozy and intimate atmosphere. These design elements come together to make Icha Tea a perfect spot to work or hang out with friends.

The prices for drinks at Icha Tea range from $4 to $7, with popular options such as the Mixed Berry Matcha Latte and the Mango Jasmine Tea.

A Matcha Latte from Icha Tea (Kristian Tofilovski)

I ordered a standard Matcha Latte and can confidently say that it was excellent! It was just the right combination of sweet and creamy, and the matcha was strong enough for my liking. It was also the largest sized matcha I received between the three cafes.

Tsuchi Cafe

Tsuchi Cafe, located on 688 College St., sets itself apart as one of the very few plant-based cafes in Toronto.

Ordering area of Tsuchi Cafe (Kristian Tofilovski/CanCulture)

This is personified in the cafe's interior design, with textured walls, dark wood accents, and many plants, fostering a warm and lush ambience. Tsuchi Cafe's selection of jazz and soul music from the 1970s, like Camille Yarbrough's "Take Yo Praise," also added a touch of vintage style to the cafe.

Tsuchi Cafe also has a large variety of Japanese food options. These include meals, pastries and desserts, with popular options such as the Tsuchi Plate, Negi Miso and Karepan.

The cafe's commitment to plant-based items also extended to its drink menu, providing customers with a choice between oat or soy milk for their beverages. The prices for drinks range from $4 to $7.

Display of shirts, tote bags and ceramics that are sold at Tsuchi Cafe. (Kristian Tofilovski)

Unfortunately, Tsuchi Cafe has the least available seating among the three cafes, making it unsuitable for large groups.

Tsuchi Cafe also sells a variety of items, including t-shirts and cookies. It also has a small alcove filled with books to read during your visit, such as Japanese culinary books.

Matcha Latte from Tsuchi Cafe. (Kristian Tofilovski/CanCulture)

I ordered the Matcha Latte, and the service felt the longest between the three. When I took my first sip, I found it to be rather bitter and less sweet than expected, with some granules in the drink. However, as I continued to drink it, I found it improved gradually, and turned out to be quite enjoyable.

By the end of my journey, I can excitedly say that I've become a newfound fan of matcha. Among the spots I visited, Icha Tea stood out as my favourite for its individualistic atmosphere and strong drinks. So, whether you're a seasoned matcha enthusiast or just starting out like myself, consider these spots for your next matcha outing!