5 Local Spots Whisking Up Gorgeously Green Creations
With roots that trace all the way back to the seventh century, matcha isn’t exactly new on the scene. From China’s Chang Dynasty to Japan’s Buddhist monks, this earthy, finely ground tea powder is steeped in centuries of ceremonial rituals.
But now, this ancient tradition is having a modern moment. What was once a meditative practice has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon that can be found in everything from lattes to desserts.
In Windsor-Essex, the trend continues to grow, with more and more local cafes serving up their own unique takes on the popular beverage.
Prefer yours hot or iced? Traditional or fun flavour combos? Never tried and interested in going green? Here are five local places serving up some of the dreamiest matcha creations that look ALMOST as good as they taste:
MOONI MATCHA (2748 Seminole St., Windsor)
Located inside Wolf & Rebel in Ford City, Mooni Matcha was Windsor’s first strictly matcha cafe, recently celebrating three years in business. That’s right; matcha is so popular in our area, there’s a spot 100% dedicated to it.
While you can always enjoy a customary hot or iced matcha latte, Mooni is always coming up with their own unique flavour combinations, like the ultra-popular blueberry pancake matcha, salted maple date matcha, and strawberry shortcake matcha.
Now, the café is excited to offer Windsor’s only “matcha on tap,” offering smoother, bolder, more consistent pours. Look for the matcha on tap at Mooni Matcha market popups around Windsor-Essex this spring and summer.
LA DULCE VIDA CAFÉ (15 Division St. S, Kingsville)
Situated in the heart of Kingsville, La Dulce Vida is a European-inspired coffee shop with serious matcha game.
In addition to their traditional café offerings of coffee, pastries and sandwiches, they also specialize in a variety of vibrant matcha creations including banana bread matcha latte, pistachio white chocolate matcha latte, and the standout horchata matcha, which replaces the milk base with the sweet Mexican rice drink, which the café makes in-house.
Want to try something different every time you visit? Keep your eyes peeled for their special monthly matcha features, too.
LOTUS & LATTES (839 Erie St. E, Windsor)
With its Instagram-worthy, Zen-like vibes and extensive menu of matcha drinks and desserts, this cozy café nestled in the heart of Via Italia has quickly become a favourite among matcha purists and those who love to sample something new.
Top picks among regulars include the subtly sweet lavender honey matcha latte, the stunning purple-hued ube coconut, as well as banana bread, mango matcha lattes, and rotating seasonal creations, all crafted with ceremonial-grade matcha and in-house made syrups.
Can’t decide between their 15+ flavour options? Sip and sample with their matcha flights, which include three 8-ounce flavours of your choice.
BUCKET LIST COFFEE ROASTERY (79 Murray St., Amherstburg)
This small-batch coffee roastery and eatery is known for so much more than serving up a mean cup of Joe.
While coffee may be in the name, the popular Amherstburg café has also garnered a reputation for their silky smooth matcha concoctions, including seasonal features as well as staples like the rose petal, passion fruit, and caramelized banana matcha lattes, all made with their in-house made syrups.
Can’t decide which one to try? Enjoy all three in their new matcha flights.
CAMP COFFEE (1646 Tecumseh Rd. E, Windsor)
Another coffee shop with a penchant for combining distinctive flavours with the bold, earthy taste of matcha, Camp Coffee likes to keep things fresh by switching up their beverage lineup each month. Found a new favourite matcha mix-up and sad to see it go at the end of the month? Don’t worry; they periodically bring back some of their top-sellers, or new twists on old favourites.
This month’s features include carrot cake matcha, banana cream pie matcha, and hibiscus tea matcha cloud, but there’s no doubt next month’s will be equally crave-worthy. You can also choose from regular menu items like original matcha and blueberry earl grey matcha, available hot or iced.
