If you’ve already been sucked into the world of matcha and you have at least one iced or hot green drink every day, then we’ve put together this selection for you. Matcha has been popping up on menus in more and more places across Budapest, and in addition to the classic latte, we can also find it in more and more daring, creative drink variations. Now we’re introducing the places that we’ve tested, loved, and where you’re guaranteed to find new favorites.
WHAT IS MATCHA AND WHY DOES EVERYONE LOVE IT?
Matcha is a powdered green tea from Japan that is consumed not only for its taste but also for its health benefits. Its caffeine content provides a natural energy boost, it is full of antioxidants, and its beautiful, vibrant green color instantly brightens up the day. It was an important element of Japanese tea ceremonies, and today it has conquered the offerings of specialty cafes and brunch bars around the world.
MATCHA EVERYWHERE – BUDAPEST’S INCREASINGLY COLORFUL OFFER
Luckily, you don’t have to compromise when it comes to a really good matcha drink in Budapest. More and more places are taking quality matcha seriously, and they don’t just think of it as a single drink, but as a separate world, enriched with flavors, textures, and creative serving. In this list, we’ve collected the places where we think matcha is not only correct, but also a real experience.
RELATIVE POZSONYI
Nestled in the quieter part of Pozsonyi út, in the shade of huge trees, Relative is not only strong in specialty coffee, but also in matcha. Sitting on the terrace, you can enjoy the city’s pulsation while sipping a vanilla matcha latte or coconut version, or cooling yourself with a refreshing matcha lemonade. But weekends are even more exciting: matcha cocktails are often on the drinks menu – for example, in the form of a matcha mojito or gin and tonic. Such an extra drink goes perfectly with brunches, and even those who were not convinced before will fall in love with matcha. The atmosphere of the whole place is both friendly and stylish, so it is a good choice at any time of day.
Photos: Lepsik Norbert – Brunch Budapest
MATCHA TSUKI
Budapest’s first truly dedicated matcha place is Matcha Tsuki, located on Kálvin tér, where they have been making quality matcha drinks and cakes for nearly five years. Their offering is constantly renewed and they don’t represent the overly cute line – they work with clean, adult servings and sophisticated flavors. Cheesecakes, mousses, homemade ice cream, and seasonal drinks await you – for example, in spring they were made with the sakura collection. Due to the wide range of cold and hot options, you can find something for practically every occasion, whether it’s a quick afternoon coffee substitute or a special dessert. Authenticity is also important to them, and they pay special attention to the quality of the matcha, so the powder of Japanese origin is guaranteed to be first-class.
Photos: Matcha Tsuki
LULU BUDAPEST
LuLu Budapest has already proven that it is not only one of the most exciting places for brunch, but also for matcha. There is a whole separate menu here for matcha fans – and not just any way! Their drinks are silky, rich, delicious, and everyone can find their favorite: in addition to the classic iced or hot matcha latte, there are strawberry, mango, lavender, pistachio and Nutella versions. If you are looking for something special, you should definitely try the matcha mimosa or the strawberry matcha gin and tonic. The drinks are characterized by colorful, spectacular serving, so even your Instagram will be grateful for it. The interior is clean and modern, and the clientele is trendy and open – this is a real urban oasis near Széll Kálmán tér.
Photos: Lepsik Norbert – Brunch Budapest
FLATTY COFFEE SHOP
The tiny café, Flatty, tucked away near the Basilica, is a real hidden gem. Its size may be modest, but its ideas are bigger: here you can find the famous matchamisu latte, which is nothing more than an extra-large latte with tiramisu cream and baby sponge cake. Behind the special drink is Pravin Yadav, the young Indian owner, who created this signature coffee based on an Australian inspiration. Although there is no large terrace, you can wander the small streets of the area with a coffee in your hand – and you are guaranteed to be stopped by a few people to ask where that insanely good-looking drink comes from. In addition, the offer also includes seasonal specials, such as seasonally flavored matcha lattes, which always have a surprise in store.
CAPHE BY HAI NAM
Lovers of Vietnamese cuisine may be familiar with Caphe on Bartók Béla út, but few know that the drinks here are just as important as the food. Their tea selection is impressive, but our favorite was the Coconut Matcha – an exotic, creamy, yet refreshing drink that is the perfect accompaniment to summer days. The Vietnamese-themed space, premium ingredients, and attentive service all contribute to the experience. If you haven’t been here before, it’s time to stop by for an afternoon recharge, because you won’t get matcha like this anywhere else. Caphe’s atmosphere harmoniously combines the laid-back nature of Budapest with the simplicity of Asia, so a visit always feels a bit like traveling.
Photos: Caphe by Hai Nam
MATCHA ISLAND BUDAPEST
If you’re looking for a place with a special matcha drink, Matcha Island, located deep in the party district, is what you’re looking for. The interior itself is ultra-green and inviting, and the drinks menu includes not only plain matcha lattes, but also seasonal specialties. They’re also strong on the pastry front: pancake cakes, cheesecakes, but also healthier options. And for the summer, they prepare iced drinks, ice cream and tapioca ice cream to make the hot days survivable – in style. The place is also popular on Instagram, and it’s no coincidence: the photogenic drinks and modern design guarantee a meaningful experience, whether it’s a date or a meeting with friends.
CÉCHA MATCHA
The smallest place on the list, but one of the biggest surprises. Cécha Matcha is a tiny, take-out matcha spot, where the regular snaking lines are a testament to their ability to do something really well. The two Vietnamese owners, Hoàng and Cece, have created the menu in a way that will make even those who weren’t convinced by their first taste of matcha fall in love with it. Alternative milks, fruit syrups, and frothy, light whipped cream toppings complete the experience. There are no cookies, there’s not much seating – but there’s character, quality, and plenty of photo-worthy color combinations. The place has an almost cult following, and it’s no wonder: you can feel the care and passion that went into making each glass.
Photos: Cécha
Whether you’ve been flirting with the idea of trying matcha or are already a regular consumer, this list will surely give you some new ideas for where to go next. One thing is for sure: Budapest is increasingly popular not only with specialty coffee lovers, but also with matcha lovers.