MATCHA LOVERS LOCAL GUIDE

From lavender to strawberry, there are delicious ways to drink matcha latte

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by Nindiya Maheswari

There’s never a bad time to enjoy a cup of matcha, a green tea powder that is rich in antioxidants and mixed with milk. Matcha’s popularity has reached new heights in the South Bay, so now is the perfect time to go on a matcha adventure. Trendy coffee shops and boba cafés began introducing exciting matcha variation infused with a fruity, sweet, and even flowery flavor.

Lavender honey matcha

Iced lavender matcha latte from Newberry Coffee and Tea has a slightly sweet flavor and flawless floral hint of lavender syrup and honey. Regular size lavender honey matcha costs $5.50 while the large size is $6. The lavender honey complements the bitterness of the earthy matcha tea. Milk alternatives are available for $1 more.

Newberry Coffee and Tea

18236 Prairie Ave., Torrance, 90504

Hours:

Monday through Saturday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: closed.

Strawberry matcha

The iced strawberry matcha from Smoking Tiger is a summertime refresher and it costs $6. The strawberry syrup has tiny chunks of the fruit and brings a sweet and slightly sour flavor to the mix. The matcha tea is thicker and creamier. The drink is only served iced and milk alternatives are an additional $1.

Smoking Tiger Coffee and Bread

15435 S. Western Ave., Gardena, 90249

Hours:

Monday through Saturday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regular matcha latte

The perfect creamy and sweet matcha drinks are found at Café Pruvia for $5.25. In addition, a large matcha is $5.85. Although the drink is silky and sweet, customers can still taste the strong matcha tea flavor. Milk alternatives are offered for an additional $1.

Café Pruvia

1610 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Suite 11, Gardena, 90247

Hours:

Wednesday through Monday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tuesday: closed.

Mango matcha

Feeling adventurous? Try the mango matcha from Lotus Tea Lounge. It is sweet, smooth and velvety. The mango pureé does well with the earthy notes of the matcha and does not overpower the matcha flavor. However, the drink sits on the pricey side at $6.75.

Lotus Tea Lounge

15400 S. Western Ave., Unit A, Gardena, 90249

Hours:

Monday through Thursday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Matcha latte

Amai Tea and Cafe dusts the top of the drink with matcha powder for an extra kick to make the perfect cup of matcha latte. Blanketed with milk foam on top, the matcha is well balanced with a sweet and creamy taste. The drink costs $5.75 and milk alternatives are an additional 80 cents.

Amai Tea and Cafe

20210 Anza Ave., Torrance, 90503

Hours:

Monday through Thursday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.