Matcha, a flavor that has been popping up in various forms and unique combinations at an increasing rate all around the world. It seems like everywhere you turn, a new matcha-infused delicacy, from a banana pudding matcha from Bliss to a Strawberry Shortcake from Mazagi, demands you pay your firstborn child for something you finish in three minutes.

Still, matcha is an essential part of our daily routine. Meet Nina and Helen, two deeply matcha-obsessed Yalies who whisk up a cup in their dorms almost every morning, a commonality that may have stemmed from the financial ruin that would inevitably follow if we relied on overpriced café matchas to fuel our daily lives and an inherent fear of the New Haven matcha scene. But, as two wide-eyed, over-caffeinated freshmen, we decided to set out on a quest to determine whether New Haven’s matcha offerings were truly as bleak as we had feared or whether a hidden gem awaited us somewhere beyond the confines of our dorm room matcha bar.

Helen: My matcha obsession began when I realized I was absolutely not a coffee drinker. The summer before senior year, a.k.a. the peak lock-in time to prepare for the bloodbath of college application season, I would spend each morning visiting local coffee shops and cafes, always ordering some sort of latte to supposedly “focus”. However, the only thing I could focus on after chugging down 12 ounces of the bitter bean juice was the pounding in my head and the vibrations reverberating throughout my body. From then on, I knew that coffee was not to be my daily drink. That’s when I discovered matcha. With its smooth, earthy taste and, most importantly, gentle energy that didn’t cause muscle spasms, it was love at first sip.

Nina: I have been obsessed with matcha since I took my first international trip to Japan in ninth grade. When I had my first matcha, it was a true aha moment: the caffeine buzz felt much more zen than coffee, and I was hooked. My dad actually used to have a ritual every morning where he would make matcha for himself, which I have since taken on for myself. Matcha, to me, represents socializing with friends over some work, trying fun drinks while in Los Angeles, and adding new locations to my Beli. Whether I’m whisking up a matcha in my dorm or dragging my friends to yet another café, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect cup. Naturally, moving to New Haven gave me the perfect excuse to turn my obsession into a full-blown matcha crawl.

Over the course of 2 weeks and countless Gcal invites, we explored 10 matcha spots and provided our in-depth, unapologetically opinionated reviews on each. Along the way, we discovered new favorites, experimented with some unexpected flavor combinations, and learned that finding our ideal matcha is a much more nuanced endeavor than we initially anticipated.

1. Bliss Matcha

A bit of a walk from Yale’s campus, Bliss Matcha and Beyond has a cute, bright interior with plenty of greenery and decor. However, it has limited seating, with only a few bar stools against the walls. This could be a good place to catch up with a friend or two, but perhaps not for a long study session. Its menu features mostly matcha drinks and soft serve, as well as fruity and coffee-based drinks.

Helen’s Order: Iced Double Matcha Latte (Matcha shot, matcha cloud, whole milk), less sweet

Thoughts: The color of the drink was a tad pale, but there was nice stratification between the layers of milk, matcha, and the cloud. At about $8, the price wasn’t horrible, but definitely not cheap. The matcha latte itself wasn’t too mind-blowing. I think it could've used a touch more sweetness and a richer matcha flavor. However, the matcha cloud was great; when mixed into the rest of the drink, it made the drink more creamy and added some sweetness. I’d return for another cup, but it won’t be replacing my dorm matcha bar anytime soon.

Nina’s Order: Iced Jasmine Matcha Latte with oat milk (matcha shot, matcha cloud, jasmine tea, full sweet)

Thoughts: Had a really soft and nice jasmine flavor! I would say that, surprisingly, the jasmine sort of overpowered the matcha flavor. It was overall very creamy, though, and had a really nice texture. It had strong notes of umami and floral flavors, but I do wish that the matcha taste lingered a bit longer.

1. Mazagi Coffee

Conveniently placed along Sachem Street next to Murray and Ben Frank, this food truck serves up a variety of coffee, matcha, and a few select food items. They also craft their syrups in-house, so be sure to look out for those. With its bright green exterior, it's certainly hard to miss.

Helen’s Order: Iced Salted Agave Matcha Latte with whole milk; Iced Mazagi Matcha Latte with whole milk (Cinnamon and vanilla bean)

Thoughts: Overwhelmingly strong salted agave flavor. If you really REALLY like salted cream, like the Din Tai Fung sea salt foam, this tastes exactly like that but in drink form. Unfortunately, despite the vibrant green color, the matcha flavor was very weak. I could barely taste the matcha, and the drink overall was a bit too sweet. For the cinnamon and vanilla bean matcha, it had a beautiful green color once again; however, the taste did not reflect the color. The cinnamon flavor overpowered the taste of the matcha, and it tasted more like horchata than matcha. Like the salted agave matcha, it was also slightly too sweet.

Nina’s Order: Iced Salted Agave Matcha Latte with oat milk

Thoughts: I unfortunately didn’t like this one! It had flavors that could’ve been good just in moderation. There was for sure too much salt because it really overpowered the matcha and made the drink borderline inedible. However, the truck was so cute, and the other flavors on the menu (like the blueberry) seemed fun to try!

1. The Elm

Everyone’s favorite cafe, located in the heart of Yale’s campus in the basement of the Schwarzman Center, The Elm has a wide range of drinks, acai bowls, sandwiches, and other food items (all of which can be purchased with your dining points, which is a plus!). With a large seating area and convenient kiosks to customize your order however you’d like, we can see why it's so popular amongst Yalies.

Helen’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with extra shot of matcha, vanilla syrup, oat milk

Thoughts: The extra shot of matcha was definitely the way to go; you can actually taste the matcha, unlike some of the others we’ve tried. The oat milk was very creamy and paired perfectly with the earthy matcha and sweet vanilla. The Elm’s convenient location is a bonus, and even with the extra shot, our total only came to $7.50. Without any cream tops or fancy syrups to hide behind, this latte proved that sometimes the basics are the best.

Nina’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with extra shot, vanilla syrup, and oat milk

Thoughts: Best one so far. The vanilla syrup was reminiscent of the flavor of FRESH vanilla bean straight from the pod. So creamy and strong, and the perfect mix of umami notes and sweetness. I do wish it was mixed slightly more because I could taste the powder a bit, but overall, incredibly solid for a Yale matcha.

1. Arwa

Arwa Yemeni Coffee has one of the most aesthetically pleasing interiors we have encountered in New Haven. Bright white floors, walls laced with marbling, golden lighting, and elements of natural wood peppered along the walls…it seems like a perfect place to study with friends and get that perfect Instagram story. Its menu ranges from specialty coffee and matcha lattes to classic Middle Eastern pastries and desserts.

Helen’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with whole milk and vanilla syrup

Thoughts: Unfortunately, this was a disappointing visit. While the customer service and overall aesthetic of Arwa were top-tier, the drink itself was lacking. The matcha layer appeared a vibrant green at first, but once I mixed it and took a sip, the only flavor present was the milk. The matcha flavor was next to nonexistent, and the drink tasted a bit watered down from the get-go.

Side note: the regular matcha comes unsweetened, so if you enjoy a slightly sweetened latte as I do, make sure to ask for some syrup! I ended up asking for a little cup of syrup on the side and was able to adjust the sweetness to my preference.

Nina’s Order: Iced Pumpkin Matcha Cloud Latte with oat milk

Thoughts: The flavors were good! I really love the blend of fall flavors and matcha, so I was having a good time. However, since this was supposed to be a matcha cloud, I was expecting some more creaminess. The matcha also wasn’t that strong; it was more of a nice-tasting milk than anything else. Overall, Arwa is more standout for its ambience rather than its drinks. 10/10 aesthetic; 7/10 drink.

1. The Loop

The Loop is like if a Japanese 7/11 and a cafe had a baby. The cafe menu was pretty small, with just a few drink options, including matcha and hojicha lattes, along with some hot food options like miso soup. However, the convenience store section was expansive. From onigiri and sushi to katsu sandwiches and curry, the prepared food section will satisfy any of your Japanese food cravings. The snacks and freezer options were also decent, with countless Japanese chips, candy, frozen treats, and ice cream. The seating area located in the bar section of the Loop would be a great place to study in the mornings with an onigiri in hand.

Helen’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with whole milk and hazelnut syrup

Thoughts: Yet another disappointing matcha. As soon as I saw the color of the drink, I knew it was wraps. The matcha powder was not thoroughly mixed throughout the drink, and clumps of matcha were visible at the bottom. Interestingly, the matcha itself didn’t even taste like real matcha powder, more like the pre-sweetened, sugar-packed matcha latte drink mixes sold in grocery stores. The consistency of the drinks was also questionable. While Nina’s matcha was a medium forest green, mine was a pale light green. This could be due to the different milks, but typically this does not affect the color of the drink in other establishments. I’d recommend just sticking to the food served here.

Nina’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with oat milk and vanilla syrup

Thoughts: This was probably the most price-friendly matcha we’ve gotten so far ataround $6.50 even with a milk substitution and syrup addition. However, the price might make sense as the matcha was low-key not good! It unfortunately tasted like straight vanilla syrup and reminded me a bit of those Trader Joe’s matcha packets. However, the atmosphere was sooo cute, and I’ve heard they have delicious brunch. This place would be touse af (if only the matcha was better).

1. M2 Mocha Cafe

Situated right next to Yale Health Center, M2 Mocha Cafe is a bit out of the way but not too far from the center of Yale’s campus. They have a very bright interior aesthetic with elements of greenery laced throughout. Seating is slightly limited but not bad for a quick study session. They also have a large dessert case, with treats like Biscoff cheesecake, baklava, and countless other great options. Their menu ranged from coffee and matcha to Yemeni sandwiches.

Helen’s Order: Iced Lavender Matcha Latte with whole milk

Thoughts: The vibes were cute, and the music was loud but good, which made it a fun place to sit and sip. The matcha itself was just alright, nothing special. As with a few of the others we’ve tried, it could’ve used more matcha, since the flavor was barely there. The lavender syrup was pleasant, sweet but not overpowering, though toward the end the drink started to taste more like lavender-flavored milk than matcha. I wouldn’t go out of my way to come back, but the Biscoff cheesecake was a standout, and it was the best part of the visit. The prices were also a little steep for what we got.

Nina’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with strawberry and oat milk

Thoughts: Very fun vibes and such nice-looking desserts. The matcha was average: there wasn’t anything egregiously wrong with it (like some of these other ones…), but it wasn’t life-changing. One pattern I’m noticing with these New Haven matchas is that the syrup/milk flavor overpowers the matcha. Additionally, if you are looking for a cheaper matcha, this is NOT the place ($9 dollars for matcha + $1 for milk sub????). Ultimately, not too shabby and would definitely come back for the desserts (just maybe not the matcha)!

1. Pistachio Cafe

Pistachio Cafe is one of the most lavishly decorated and beautiful cafes I’ve seen in New Haven. Everywhere you look, a new detail jumps out, whether it's the hanging chandeliers, the assorted floral plush chairs scattered around, or the ornate engravings on the ceiling tiles. The seating options were also great, with many smaller tables throughout and larger booths lining the edges of the cafe. The menu is also extensive, with a wide variety of teas, coffee, smoothies, brunch options, and ice cream.

Helen’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with pistachio milk and vanilla syrup

Thoughts: The first thing I noticed about this drink was the extremely strong, astringent aftertaste and grainy texture. Interestingly, the actual matcha flavor wasn’t that strong, but it was more present than at other places we tried. Upon first glance, the drink also looked very watered down, and a sip confirmed my suspicions. The pistachio milk was also disappointing. For an establishment named “Pistachio Cafe,” I would hope their pistachio products would be top-notch, but that was not the case. In contrast to the disappointing drink, the vibes of this cafe were very nice. With extravagant decor, plush seating, and plenty of ambient lighting, this would be a great study spot. However, I would definitely skip their matcha.

Nina’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with oat milk and vanilla

Thoughts: This is an order identical to the one I got at the Elm (and also the simplest to execute). The matcha was decent, and the flavor was incredibly strong. There was a slightly odd aftertaste (almost like an astringent/acidic flavor) and a grainy texture, as if the matcha wasn’t fully incorporated. However, the vibes were really up in this place! It is incredibly adorable for studying, and I would honestly be fine (though not overly jazzed) to have this matcha as my study companion! Similar to the Loop, would return for the vibes, maybe just not the matcha.

1. Poindexter Cafe

Located inside The Graduate Hotel, Poindexter Cafe has a cute and cozy vibe with lots of seating. It has a decently large selection of food and pastries, not to mention numerous options for coffee and matcha. Interestingly, the service well (the area where the baristas make drinks and prepare food) is located in the middle of the cafe with open space to mill around it.

Helen’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with honey

Thoughts: Wow, finally a decent matcha. We weren’t originally planning on coming here, but I heard from some friends that they actually whisk their matcha here, and from some quick Instagram reel stalking, I knew we had to give it a try. There isn’t much signage directing you towards this cafe, but as soon as you walk into The Graduate Hotel, you can basically see it. Their matcha selection includes a few staple flavors, such as a strawberry puree matcha and a plethora of your typical syrups. Also, the Yeater, a banana bread matcha (that was unfortunately out of stock when we went)! As for the matcha itself, it was a deep green color, which brought my hopes up after a long run of disappointing, dishwater-colored matchas. From the first sip, I could tell they used a decent-quality matcha, and an appropriate amount too. The matcha flavor was pronounced, smooth, and didn’t have much bitterness or astringency to it. It was also incorporated well into the drink; no clumps or grains were found. As for the sweetness, I wish I had gotten a flavor other than honey, as it was a little too honey-forward (somewhat artificially so) and a tad bit too sweet. However, the pricing made me very happy. With the 10% student discount, my total came out to be less than $7, which is low-key insane for such a good matcha. Overall, this is definitely one of my favorite matchas in New Haven, and I will be back to try The Yeater!

Nina’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with oat milk and brown sugar syrup

Thoughts: This was a last-minute add to the list, but omggg this hit!! The brown sugar syrup was so fresh and soft. The matcha was the creamiest so far and had a very decadent taste. The Graduate Hotel gives me such flashbacks, as this is where I stayed when I first visited Yale 🥹Plush couches, luxury lighting, and chill music make it perfect for studying. They didn’t have the banana bread syrup, so I unfortunately could not try the “Yeater” latte, but I was very satisfied with my brown sugar. Also, the student discount?!? My drink totaled $6.90 WITH my milk sub and syrup addition, which has been, so far, unheard of. Poindexter boasts on Instagram Reels (yes, I checked their social media before coming) that, unlike other New Haven matchas, they actually fully incorporate their powder! I’m going to have to agree with them on that one…😉

1. Ero Cafe

Ero Cafe is also a bit of a walk from the core of Yale’s campus. Snuggled in a strip of different businesses, Ero Cafe has a cute little green seating area in front, along with a few small tables inside. Their menu also features several specialty matcha flavors, along with coffee and select brunch items.

Helen’s Order: Iced Matcha Latte with whole milk and Earl Grey syrup

Thoughts: I had pretty high hopes for Ero Cafe, considering their Instagram page boasts their matcha selection and accolades from New Haven residents. Located a hefty 15-20 minute walk from campus, the cafe itself is quaint and cute. The music and seating were decent, and it seems like a good study spot. When my drink came out, I was initially pretty excited. The matcha layer was a deep green, and the white milk layer had grey flecks from the Earl Grey syrup throughout. However, my hopes were dashed as soon as I took a sip. While the drink didn’t taste bad by any means, it just wasn’t good. The matcha, once again, was next to nonexistent, and the only flavor present was the milk. The Earl Grey syrup didn’t even make an appearance, despite my initial observations. Surprisingly, the drink also wasn’t very sweet; I thought I’d never say this, but it could have been a little sweeter. At a hefty 8 dollars without any milk substitute, the quality of the drink should have been much higher than it was. Overall, I would not recommend.

Nina’s Order: Iced Blueberry Pie Matcha Latte with oat milk

Thoughts: When I first got this matcha, my first thought was, “This looks like a Frappuccino.” With a Starbucks-style cup and cold foam that looked and tasted eerily similar to whipped cream, this matcha was more of a sweet treat than an authentic matcha. It gave Blank Street-adjacent vibes with its flavors and level of sweetness. The blueberry flavor was there, but it was less prominent. However, I really like how they added cinnamon on top. The combo evokes that warm, sweet feeling you get when you eat a slice of pie. Also, I saw on their menu that they have a matcha flight 🥹🙊. Overall, I appreciated how this café was willing to be adventurous with the range of flavors they offer.

1. Tous les Jours

Everyone knows Tous les Jours for their pastries, breads, and cakes. The interior has that classic bright aesthetic with warm light from the pastry cases casting a glow over the store. There are a few options for seating, but I probably wouldn’t come here for a long study session.

Helen’s Order: Iced Honey Lavender Matcha Latte with whole milk

Thoughts: Back to the dishwater colored matcha lattes once again. To be honest, what should I have expected from such a large chain? The color was a clear indicator of the matcha quality, as I could taste absolutely no matcha. The honey, however, was overly present. It somehow even overpowered the milk. Throughout the bottom and sides of the cup lay a thick layer of undissolved honey, and each sip carried a chance of sipping a straight clump of honey. The lavender flavor was also not there, with no floral hint to be found. Genuinely, this just tasted like if you mixed together way too much honey and milk.

Nina’s Order: Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte with oat milk

Thoughts: Such a delicious strawberry milk! Has a slight artificial taste but not bad. However, I cannot call this a matcha. There is no matcha flavor and it is almost exclusively just a strawberry drink. Not entirely surprised since this is a chain, so I wasn’t expecting anything luxurious. It feels more like just a special Starbucks ❤️

Final thoughts and rankings: Wow!! This matcha crawl was quite the ride! A few ups, possibly more downs than we were expecting, but a deliciously caffeinated adventure. We have come to appreciate the art of a WELL MIXED and flavored matcha (as that seems to be a rare commodity). While our dorm matcha rituals are here to stay (possibly even in the form of a collaborative dorm matcha pop-up???), we’re happy to report that New Haven has a few spots worth venturing out for. Here’s to more matcha, more memories, and hopefully much fewer clumps :)

Helen’s Final Ranking

1. Poindexter
2. Bliss
3. The elm
4. M2
5. Mazagi
6. Ero Cafe
7. ARWA
8. Tous les Jours
9. MOTW
10. The Loop
11. Pistachio Cafe

Nina’s Final Ranking

1. Poindexter
2. The elm
3. Bliss
4. Arwa
5. Ero Cafe
6. MOTW
7. M2
8. Tous les Jours
9. Pistachio Cafe
10. Mazagi
11. The Loop