This year it is Love Matcha! Japan’s favorite drink, Matcha green tea, has been one of the big hit beverage trends this year, with many swapping their usual drinks for this vibrant and healthy option. It continues to be the favorite drink of many. Made from the power of matcha, this viral drink has a bright green hue with a distinct, non-bitter taste, considered one of the most aromatic forms of green tea in the world.

Although we briefly touched on what matcha green tea is, finding an authentic and flavorful one is a daunting task. But don’t worry! Mumbai’s first matcha cafe bar is here to satisfy all your matcha cravings.

Yes! Tokyo Matcha Bar, nestled in the heart of Chapel Road in Bandra, is a newly opened matcha cafe, offering a range of matcha drinks to all matcha lovers in Mumbai. We had the chance to visit this cute little place, here’s how it went!

Tokyo Matcha Bar | Instagram

Upon entering the cafe, we were warmly greeted by bright smiles and friendly hellos from the staff. The cafe had a warm and charming atmosphere, with walls painted in subtle hues of beige, green and pops of pink. The warm lighting and soft music further enhanced the inviting ambiance.

Tokyo Matcha Bar | Image: FPJ

Speaking about the interiors, Meher Kohli, founder of Tokyo Matcha Bar Café, shared with us: “We aimed to create a space that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional, embodying happiness and tranquility for all who enter. The dark green exterior is deliberately retained. simple in the middle of busy Chapel Road to minimize visual clutter whilst the interiors incorporate our brand’s iconic pink and green promoting a welcoming touch.

Tokyo Matcha Bar | Image: FPJ

After browsing the cafe, we settled into our seats and ordered some matcha food and drinks. While we waited for our order, the staff gave us Japanese origami paper to play with. Even though we weren’t good at creating origami, we loved experimenting with paper. Before we knew it, our drinks arrived.

Origami art | Image: FPJ

We were first served a Vanilla Matcha Iced Bean Latte, Cookies and Cream Matcha Frappe, and Ube Milk Tea. The Matcha Vanilla Latte had a grassy aroma and a subtly sweet, non-bitter taste, which made it quite refreshing. However, it lacked a strong vanilla flavor. The Frappe, on the other hand, was the flagship drink. It featured a thick, creamy layer of matcha that melted in your mouth, giving a delicious sweetness. The Ube Milk Tea, part of their signature drinks section, offered a floral and nutty flavor with a touch of sweet vanilla. Unfortunately, it was a bit watery and too sweet for our taste.

From left to right, Cookies & Cream Matcha Frappe, Ube Milk Tea and Matcha Vanilla Bean Latte | Image: FPJ

As we sipped our matcha drinks, we couldn’t help but wonder where the matcha powder came from. Meher explained that it is imported directly from Japan. She emphasized: “Quality is definitely at the heart of our offering. We sincerely believe that our growing popularity is attributed to the superior quality of the matcha tea we use. »

Then we were delighted with the Peri Peri Fries, Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Gyoza, Chicken Wonton Mee and Taiwanese Fried Chicken Popcorn – yes, quite a treat!

Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Gyoza | Image: FPJ

The Peri Peri fries were perfectly crispy, with a nice spicy kick from the seasoning. The Chicken Gyoza was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a juicy chicken filling that paired perfectly with the soy sauce. The Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich was our favorite: crispy and full of flavor, with a rich teriyaki sauce and perfectly cooked chicken that made every bite a treat.

Chicken Wonton Mee and Taiwanese Fried Chicken Popcorn | Image: FPJ

The Taiwanese fried chicken, on the other hand, was irresistibly crispy and soft inside. The fresh herbs added a burst of greenery and extra texture. However, we were missing a bit of seasoning. The final dish, the Wonton Mee, was rich and creamy, bursting with flavor. The noodles were chewy, the chicken dumplings were juicy and the mushroom sauce added a unique flavor with hints of garlic and hazelnut, creating a complete and satisfying dish.

Ube Milk Tea and Matcha Cream Cake | Tokyo Matcha Bar Instagram

We finished our meal with matcha cream cake, a delicious mix of creamy layers and matcha spread. It had a subtle matcha flavor balanced with a creamy sweetness, making it a delicious and satisfying end to our matcha feast. It was the perfect way to satisfy our matcha craving!