There’s no denying it — I’m obsessed with iced matcha lattes.
I have been obsessed ever since I first tried it in middle school. One day, after school, my friend and I went to The Teahouse, feeling a bit bored and craving something new. We decided to pick our drinks randomly, and I ended up selecting the sweet matcha tea.
The moment I took my first sip of that rich, earthy blend, I was instantly captivated, and I knew right then that matcha would become a beloved staple in my life.
Now, I’m on a mission to find the best matcha drink in Houston.
From trendy spots with minimalist vibes to unique places, my search for the perfect matcha blend has taken me on a tour of local cafés. With every sip, my love for matcha only deepens.
Cafe 1: Clutch City Coffee 5.5/10
Clutch City Coffee was my first stop. Although this cozy spot mainly operates as a drive-thru, there’s also an option to sit outside. The entrance was a bit tricky to find since it’s small, but eventually I managed to see the door.
I ordered their iced matcha latte with whole milk, priced at $6.25. The drink had a lightweight feel, which made it easy to sip. It was not overly sweet, which I appreciated, but I found it lacked that signature, bold matcha flavor. There was a hint of it, but I definitely recommend giving it a good mix to elevate the flavor between the sweetness and the bitterness.
Overall, it’s good for a casual stop, but it doesn’t give you that spark like other matcha lattes.
Cafe 2: Slowpokes 9/10
Next on my matcha journey was Slowpokes, an inviting café with a relaxing vibe perfect for studying. The theme of the room features snails, sloths and turtles, which can be found as mini figures, paintings, and stickers scattered throughout the café. It was definitely a quirky touch that added to their atmosphere.
The iced matcha latte came in at a price of $6.50. It had a nice taste to it, but I found it a little bitter. However, the texture was smooth and creamy: just right for a matcha latte. If you have a sweet tooth like me, I recommend asking them for added vanilla cream.
The aesthetic clear cup showed the layers of matcha and milk which added a nice touch to the drink, making it feel special. Overall, Slowpokes is a great spot if you want a tasty matcha drink in a cozy setting or on the go.
Cafe 3: Tiny’s Milk and Cookies 8/10
My next stop was Tiny’s Milk and Cookies, where the matcha truly impressed me. I requested a sweeter version, and they added vanilla cream which enhanced the flavor. At just $5.00 for the matcha and an additional $0.60 for the vanilla, this delightful drink stands out as one of the most affordable options.
However, I did find the texture a bit thin and watery, which gave the drink a slightly diluted feel. I think a good mix would elevate it.
Overall, Tiny’s Milk and Cookies is a great choice for anyone seeking a delicious and budget-friendly matcha treat to brighten your day.
Cafe 4: Minuti Coffee 4.5/10
Next up was Minuti Coffee, an intricate café with a distinctly European vibe, originating from Italy. Their iced matcha latte was priced at $5.90 which was an affordable price for the medium size. This matcha was very sweet, which surprised me since I didn’t request for extra sweetener.
The sweetness was a bit overwhelming, overpowering the matcha flavor to the point where it was hard to taste the matcha at all. Additionally, the drink was incredibly dense and thick, resembling a smoothie more than a classic matcha latte. This was a bit off-putting, as matcha should have a lighter texture.
While Minuti Coffee offers an affordable option, you might want to consider trying another place if you prefer your matcha less sweet and more traditional in texture.
Cafe 5: FiLLi Cafe 7.5/10
Finally, I stopped by FiLLi Cafe, a delightful and welcoming spot from the comfortable seating to the colorful walls that instantly makes you feel at home.
The matcha here was absolutely delicious, with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The flavor of the matcha was rich and vibrant, giving a soft green color that looks aesthetically pleasing. The sweetness was just right, not too overpowering, so you could enjoy the taste of the matcha.
However, it does come with a price tag of $7.99 for a small, which is a steep price for an everyday treat. If you’re looking to indulge, though, this matcha is worth it!
The Winner
As I journeyed through many vibrant café scenes in search of the best matcha, each spot brought its own unique twist to this beloved drink. From the sips at Clutch City Coffee to the cozy atmosphere of Tiny’s Milk and Cookies, I found a delightful variety.
However, my ultimate favorite has to be Slowpokes. With its inviting vibe, balanced flavor, affordability and aesthetic packaging, it perfectly captures the essence of a great matcha experience.
Whether you’re studying, hanging out with friends or simply treating yourself, this café offers the ideal blend that will keep you coming back for more.
Skylar Lew • Nov 1, 2024 at 11:29 pm
Yes I love Teahouse’s matcha and STRAWBERRY MATCHA
Naomi • Nov 1, 2024 at 10:13 am
I need to try some matcha now!