30 April
decent places: North Island Matcha Spots for Matcha Day.
Let’s be honest, not all matcha is made equal. If you’re a matcha lover, then you know the difference. Whether you consider yourself a connoisseur or you’re just getting started on your journey, we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite spots in the North Island to try this National Matcha Day.
Issys - Milford
Hardly a hidden gem at this point, Issys is popular for good reason. Special mentions have to go to the Matcha Cloud, a salted vanilla matcha cold foam served over iced coconut water, and the Iced Maple Sea-Salt Matcha, which combines ceremonial-grade matcha with pure maple syrup and a sprinkle of salt for a refreshing sweet and salty drink you won’t be able to put down.
Pour and Twist - Wellington CBD
Pour and Twist is Aotearoa’s first and only fully manual brew bar that doubles as a specialty matcha bar. Every cup is hand-whisked fresh using Thea Matcha’s first-harvest ceremonial and premium matcha. Our recommendation is the smooth and creamy cold-whisked matcha. No water, just milk and plenty of matcha.
Bella Bakes - Auckland Market Pop Ups & Online
Alongside iced matcha drinks, Bella Bakes is best known for its delicious, chunky NYC-style cookies. Our favourite matcha options include the strawberry matcha mochi, pistachio matcha, and the matcha lovers. Buy online and get them delivered, or head to their Instagram below to see which upcoming markets to visit to get your hands on one…or two!
Cream Eatery - Hamilton CBD
Cream Eatery is a must-visit spot for matcha lovers in Hamilton. Tried, tested, and trusted. Whether it’s a classic matcha or one of the limited-edition flavours on rotation, you can’t go wrong.
Amai house - Auckland Market Pop Ups
Amai House is a sibling-run matcha pop-up offering a carefully curated lineup of limited-edition matcha flavours. Think mango coconut cold foam matcha, ube matcha, strawberry rose cold foam matcha, banana bread cold foam matcha, and more. Check out their page to find out where to find them each week. The hardest part will be choosing which one to try first.
Sea People - Mount Maunganui
Sea People makes premium ice cream with house-made cashew milk, organic coconut milk, and organic sugars. Want a sweet treat? Sorted. Head in-store to grab a scoop of their matcha vanilla ice cream to go, or get your hands on a whole tub from one of the many stockists across the country.
