Best Matcha in Manila: (Is Chotto Worth It?)
Let’s be real, Manila has always been a city that runs on coffee. But lately, I have noticed a change in the city’s buzz. People are starting to trade in their usual espresso shots for something calmer, earthier, and a whole lot greener.
Matcha is having a serious moment. What was once a niche item on a menu is now becoming a go-to for Gen Z and young professionals. In a city that rarely slows down, this centuries-old Japanese tea is offering a different kind of energy. It is a smoother, greener alternative that gives you a focused lift without the coffee jitters.
Cafés across the metro are getting creative, offering everything from traditional, hand-whisked brews to colorful, dessert-like lattes. Here is a look at how this trend is shaping our café culture.
Tradition Meets the Modern Grind
If you want to understand the new wave of specialty matcha, a great place to start is Chotto Matcha in Forbes Town, Taguig. I have been seeing this spot everywhere, and it is clear they are serious about quality. Every batch of their tea comes straight from small, family-owned farms in Shizuoka, Japan. It is the real deal—carefully handpicked and ground using traditional stone mills.
The experience inside matches the tea. The café is minimalist and calming, with lots of wood panels and soft lighting. You can hear the sound of the bamboo whisk, which is a nice, relaxing change from a loud espresso machine.
Chotto Matcha’s menu keeps things classic but adds a playful touch.
- If you are a purist, their Authentic Matcha Latte is a must-try.
- For something different, they have a Floral Hanami Matcha and a Marshmallow Cloudy Matcha.
- The one I have seen all over Instagram is the Ube Matcha Einspänner, which looks incredible.
They also have “crookies” (a cookie-croissant hybrid) that regulars rave about.
The Fun, Playful Side of Green
On the other end of the spectrum, you have a spot like Matcha Mama. This cafe takes a brighter, more youthful spin on the trend. They source their premium tea from Uji, Kyoto (another top-tier region in Japan), but their vibe is all about fun.
Their pink-and-gold kiosk feels like it was designed for a lifestyle feed. This is where you see the more creative side of matcha. They serve drinks that are great for a treat, like the Spanish Matcha (sweetened with condensed milk) and the Matcha Horchata (which adds cinnamon and rice milk for a cozy, comforting twist).
More Than a Drink, It’s a Vibe
These cafes show that Manila’s matcha scene is not just about a beverage. They are offering a much-needed moment to pause. In a city that is always on the go, sipping a cup of matcha has become its own kind of mindfulness. It is a small, quiet ritual that connects an old tradition to our busy, modern lives.
For more information and to see their full menus, you can visit their official Instagram pages.
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