Before diving into this, all the criteria I have for this is:
- Taste and Color– 9 times out of 10, the color can indicate how good the matcha actually ends up tasting (greener means better).
- Is it genuine and organic, or just for aesthetic purposes?
That’s all.
Potheads Matcha with Strawberry Cold Foam
7.5/10
To me, this place definitely had the creamiest texture. However, it was also the sweetest I’ve ever tasted. The color was not light but wasn’t dark either. It felt in the middle, and it tasted great. The strawberry cold foam was bright, but it tasted good.
Oralia’s Bakery Strawberry Matcha with Strawberry Cold Foam
10/10
I had the chance to try this place exactly a week after they opened the bakery. This was one of those places that had a more authentic feel to it. They only serve their drinks in an 8oz cup, which is a good indication if you’re looking for matcha. Their strawberry matcha was the perfect shade of green, as it was deep. The taste of matcha was perfect. They hand-make their strawberry puree, and it was amazing. You could also taste the strawberry cold foam as well. All around, it was perfect. This is the place I personally go to the most.
Poppin’ Coffee’s Strawberry Matcha
5/10
From the name of the drink, I thought they had a strawberry syrup or puree, but it was just matcha with cold foam. The color wasn’t as light, but it was not as dark either (despite the pictures lighting). It did not have much taste, I also felt it being a little powdery. As far as the strawberry cold foam goes, I could not taste that either. I was in disbelief for a drink being $9; I wanted to like it. So much so, I went back a different time, but it was the exact same taste. I’m sure they’ve definitely got some poppin coffee, but not so much matcha.
Marie’s Berry Matcha
7/10
It was too powdery and not whisked well enough. There was a kind of puree at the bottom, but very little, and that had no taste to it. This truck was one that had been recommended to me by different people, so I had expectations for this one. But as far as the taste and color of the matcha goes, it was great, and you could taste the strawberry cold foam.
Ohala’s Barbie Matcha
6/10
The color of the matcha was on the lighter side. With that being said, it didn’t have a lot of flavor, but the flavor was ok. The first thing that caught my attention though, was the “strawberry” parts of the drink. From how bright the pink was it looked very artificial. I would think maybe if they’re using artificial, it would be to enhance the strawberry taste, but there wasn’t much to taste for it.
Makenna’s Love at First Sip
8/10
The strawberry they use for the drink is like a syrup that is artificial, but it is very delicious, I will also say the texture for this one was a smooth as well. It’s when we start getting into the color it was one of the lightest I’ve tried so there wasn’t so much of the grassy flavor I look for, but still overall it tasted good. It started as a seasonal drink, part of their Valentine’s Day collection, so while it’s not seen on their menu anymore, if you ask for it, they will still make it for you.
Dolce Vita’s Matcha with Strawberry Syrup
10/10
From the moment I got there, it looked like a more authentic place, and I saw one of the owners whisking properly in a stainless steel chawan. I knew right then and there, before getting my drink, this was going to be good. They met all the criteria: the color/taste was perfect and the strawberry puree was homemade and while it did look a little light that had nothing to take away giving it the perfect taste.
Something I felt that was also worth mentioning is that if you are looking for really good quality matcha, a place that only offers one size cup around 8oz means they care. They know how many grams you should be consuming for daily intake, so in order for them to give you something that isn’t watered down , cheap quality or artificial, they must stick to only serving that one size. There were only two places on this list that did just that: Oralia’s and Dolce Vita.
It also goes to show you all you need for good-tasting matcha is heritage and passion.
Oralia’s Bakery was started by two young women who come from a family that owns a panadería, not just here but also in Michoacán, Mexico. Mykra and Giselle knew they made good drinks on their own and started their bakery, which connects to their family’s panadería, and their idea flourished.
I made this list not so much to want to critique, but more so as a rundown. My thoughts and opinions can be so different from what it is you may be looking for in a strawberry matcha, but I hope, in what it is YOU are looking for, this list was helpful.
There were also some places I unfortunately hadn’t had the time to visit, so if there are any places you know of that have good matcha, please share in the comments.
For real, raw, genuine, organic, Grade A, all-around PERFECT: Oralia’s Barkery and Dolce Vita
It’s not organic but is definitely tasty: Makenna’s and Potheads (if a little unsweetened)
The perfect color green: Oralia’s, Marie’s, and Dolce Vita
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