Where can I buy matcha in Hackney?
If you've been hunting for proper matcha around Hackney, you've probably noticed it's everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Sure, you can grab a matcha latte from most coffee shops these days, and plenty of health stores stock those bright green tins, but finding matcha that actually tastes good? That's another story.
What's Actually Available Locally
Most places selling matcha in Hackney fall into a few categories. The coffee chains have jumped on the matcha trend, but they're usually working with pre-sweetened powders designed more for consistency and cost than flavor. Health food stores and supermarkets stock matcha too, though it's typically the culinary stuff meant for baking rather than drinking straight. You'll occasionally find imported matcha at Asian grocery stores, but it's hit or miss whether you're getting something fresh or something that's been sitting there for months.
The problem is that most of this matcha just isn't very good when you try to make a proper cup with it.
Why Most Store-Bought Matcha Tastes Off
The difference between good matcha and the stuff that makes you wince comes down to a few things. First, there's the grade - most retail matcha is what's called "culinary grade," which is fine if you're making cookies but gets bitter and harsh when you whisk it with just water or milk. Then there's freshness, which matters more with matcha than almost any other ingredient. The stuff on store shelves could have been sitting there for half a year, slowly losing its vibrant color and delicate flavor.
And honestly, a lot of mass-produced matcha just isn't processed with much care. Real ceremonial-grade matcha should be this beautiful, bright green color and taste naturally sweet with this rich, almost savory depth. Most people who say they don't like matcha have probably only tried the bitter, dull-colored stuff that's more widely available.
A Different Approach
This is why we started Mikata Matcha. Instead of searching through every café and health shop in Hackney hoping to find something decent, you can get authentic Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha delivered right to your door. We're talking about matcha that's stone-ground in small batches, so fresh it's practically glowing green, with that naturally sweet flavor and rich umami that makes you understand why people have been obsessing over this stuff for centuries.
Whether you want to try the traditional whisked preparation or just make the best matcha latte you've ever had at home, this is matcha that's actually worth drinking.
Ready to skip the hunt and get the real thing delivered to Hackney in a couple of days? Check out Mikata Matcha and taste what you've been missing.