Matcha — a little cup, a lotta love.
I have always been a tea person. You can rely on me to have a tea for every occasion in my kitchen draw…digestion, sleep, earl grey, valerian, fennel, peppermint. But my favourite has always been green tea, green tea with jasmine specifically, the light floral notes are both soothing and energising.
I noticed that while coffee and pre-workout drinks can sometimes make me feel overstimulated, tea alone doesn’t provide enough of a lift, so I’ve been exploring more balanced ways to maintain steady energy throughout the day. Since discovering matcha I have realised it is possible to feel energised and focused without feeling jittery or stressed, about time!
To strip it back… matcha is a powdered green tea that you whisk with water — 70 degrees to be precise. You can serve it with frothed milk, pure as a delicate tea, iced, hot… there are so many ways to sip and savour this mighty green goodness. We also can’t forget the many benefits matcha holds, here are my top 3.
1. Slow caffeine absorption
Caffeine tends to make my heart rate higher which leads me to feeling worried and anxious for no reason. Coffee causes spikes in adrenaline, glucose and insulin levels, which in turn create nervousness. One cup of coffee contains up to 100mg of caffeine, one cup of matcha, on the other hand, contains around 25mg, and creates much slower absorption of caffeine and reduces cortisol levels, leading to sustained energy and alertness with out those nasty jitters!
2. Positive influence on skin – get that green glow!
It is known that a lot of caffeine sometimes may cause physical stress that can lead to acne. Matcha, however, was proved to have beneficial components that reduces redness and nourishes the skin, helping to calm extreme sensitive skin and acne.
3. L-theanine contents
Matcha contains about 15-40 mg of l-theanine, which is an amino acid responsible for helping you stay calm and focused. L-theanine increases alpha brainwaves which leads to relaxation, without causing tiredness or drowsiness. Naturally, by creating a relaxing state, the stress levels reduce, what more could you want?
Matcha is much more than a healthy, fashionable drink. It is a cup of nourishment and flavour that brings people together via a shared moment of joy – it is a way to unite a community of likeminded people. Over a cup of matcha is how I met a lot of people that I now call very good friends!
Keep reading to discover some of my favourite authentic spots where you can sip and savour you’re green goodness and connect with a fellow matcha lover.
1. How Matcha
Simply put, the best place to grab a matcha. The most welcoming, vibrant spot ensuring the best matcha quality with a variety of different flavours – it truly is the place to be for your body, and soul. Always a go to if I want great vibes, cozy conversations, and functional, innovative drinks. A hug in the form of an all day matcha bar.
2. Matchado
Authentic Japanese café. I love the aesthetic, the quality of matcha is exceptional, I really recommend the mango matcha with coconut milk.
3. Katsute 100
Japanese place with locations in Hackney, Brick Lane, and Angel. My favourite one is located in Islington high street, they have a back garden, and the place itself is super cosy and inviting. I recommend their matcha hot chocolate, and chai matcha latte.
4. Nagare Coffee
Even though it is a coffee shop, they make an amazing and strong matcha, just how I like it!
5. Japan House
I think the name speaks for itself, I love browsing around the shop, and their matcha lives up to standard. Sometimes they have Ippodo Matcha in stock, which is rare to find these days. They also have a gallery with different Japanese pieces of art which is worth paying a visit.
I don’t know about you, but I thinks its time to grab a matcha!
Words by - Veronika Baulina