7 Matcha Cafes in Metro Vancouver to Try This Summer

If you’ve been on social media over the past year, chances are you’ve probably heard of this drink. Matcha, a finely ground tea that dates back a thousand years to ancient China (then subsequently brought to Japan), has gained wide-spread popularity within the western community over the last few years—so much so that there have even been shortages. With the rise of matcha, more cafes are serving different iterations of it in our very own neighbourhoods. From matcha lattes to fruit-infused matcha, it’s never been more convenient to try this green tea that was traditionally reserved for tea ceremonies. 

Here are seven local matcha cafes in Vancouver (and the greater area) that serve high quality drinks perfect for summer. Whether you’re into the classics or enjoy a bold twist, there’s something on this list for every matcha lover.

1. 93 Coffee

This spot is a cozy Japanese-style cafe in the West End, serving up a large selection of drinks and hot food items. Not only does 93 Coffee have a well-rounded menu, it has an especially extensive matcha menu. You can find all their matcha offerings there, including different types of matcha drinks, desserts (the matcha tiramisu is to-die-for) and even matcha powder to bring home.

1789 Comox Street, Vancouver

2. Juillet Cafe

A long-time Burnaby staple, Juillet Cafe recently successfully rebranded by shifting its focus to premium matcha drinks. Although its traditional premium matcha latte tastes excellent, I recommend also trying its more experimental offerings—you’d be pleasantly surprised. It offers a variety of innovative matcha drinks, including the newest Pistachio Pandan Matcha Latte (a blend of housemade pandan, NY Tache pistachio milk and premium matcha) and Ginger Matcha (a blend of premium matcha, ginger beer and lemonade—hello sunshine).

206-4341 North Road, Burnaby

3. Cowdog Coffee

As far as matcha cafes in Vancouver go, you probably know of Cowdog Coffee. If you enjoy Vancouver’s cafe culture, this hip cafe runs on a no tipping, living wage system. What started as a weekend pop-up and is now operating two full-fledged storefronts, Cowdog has built its name on one of its most popular drinks: the Strawberry Matcha Latte. This decadent drink blends the umami flavours of matcha with a sweet, refreshing strawberry puree, creating harmonious flavours that taste just right. Looking for something on the icy side for hot summer days? Cowdog will be releasing a frozen matcha drink—soon. This blend of matcha, vanilla and oat milk has the texture of a frappe and is sure to satisfy your summer craving.

3720 Oak Street, Vancouver 
1927 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver  

4. Paragon Tea Room

Paragon Tea Room is an OG tea cafe in Vancouver. As one of the first Asian tea-focussed cafes in the city, Paragon serves not only matcha, but also oolong tea lattes and chai. Its matcha lattes are one of my personal favourites in the city—offering a smooth balance of umami and grassy notes. Paragon also serves snack offerings like Hong Kong bubble waffles and tea-infused cookies. Keep an eye out for its rotating seasonal offerings, since those are just as delicious as its staple menu items.

140-4328 Number 3 Road, Richmond
H034-701 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond

5. Superbolt Lab

This matcha and tea bar is one of the newest (and most hyped) spots in Vancouver. Although it had just opened in March this year, it has garnered a lot of attention on social media for its drinks’ unique wellness combinations. You can expect to find many experimental menu items here. Superbolt Lab’s focus on promoting wellness through blending superfoods lead to interesting creations like its matcha, turmeric, milk thistle and ashwagandha blend. If you are health- and wellness-conscious, you’d love it here.

1849 W 1st Avenue, Vancouver

6. Lumiere Cafe

Lumiere Cafe runs two storefronts and features an extensive menu of drinks and pastries. Although Lumiere Cafe doesn’t specialize in matcha drinks, it has a rotating menu with interesting matcha offerings. The current limited-time menu consists of the Iced Creamy Taro Matcha, Iced Espresso Taro, Nutty Cloud Cold Brew and Peach Sparkling Lemonade. It also released a matcha series with refreshing features like the Strawberry Matcha Latte and Mango Matcha Latte.

521 West Broadway, Vancouver
2815 West Broadway, Vancouver

7. Be Fresh Local Market

This marketplace has a built-in cafe, which is great for customers who want a quick bite or sip after shopping. Be Fresh’s latest viral offering is the Banana Bread Matcha Latte—a blend of house-made banana puree and matcha. This savoury combination works delightfully well together. And since this matcha is a seasonal drink, be sure to try it before it’s gone.

1900 W 1st Avenue, Vancouver