Social media tends to make anything in the world viral with one like, one share and one comment. People across the globe tend to follow what other people share on social media, and within minutes, it’s a viral trend or something you cannot live without. It’s a lifestyle upgrade of sorts. One such trend that caught up with everyone is how matcha and all things to do with it have become part of your daily life. A tea-brewing technique that has been used since the 12th century, matcha is a delicately ground powder prepared from specially bred green tea.
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In particular, Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, which is known as the birthplace of matcha and Japanese green tea, is at the centre of its production. Matcha has a more concentrated taste and nutritional profile because it involves drinking the full leaf, unlike other teas, where the leaves are steeped and then thrown away. In China and Japan, matcha is brewed, offered, and enjoyed ceremoniously.
The beverage itself has become increasingly popular worldwide. And, because it's what keeps GenZ up to date and setting new trends every day, here are a few of the best matcha dessert, tea and beverage locations in Kolkata that range from lattes to cupcakes and beyond:
Boma Asian Bakery
For those who enjoy adorable things, this is a perfect location. We recommend a cream cheese doughnut and matcha boba from this place. When paired with a Japanese cheesecake, you'll adore the delectable texture and distinctiveness of the cheesecake. Having two menus for dine-in and takeout was one feature you will truly enjoy. During the lockdown, Sonam Dolkar Seth, a cosmetics artist by trade, and Manisha Sangma began baking as a pastime. Their love and enthusiasm for baking eventually led to the opening of Boma Asian Bakery. The bakery, which specialises in Asian delicacies, was named after Manisha's daughter. From the house of Blue Poppy, Boma Asian Bakery is the most stylish and hippest cafe you'll ever visit. Other matcha-based items on the menu feature matcha boba, Swiss rolls, moon cakes, assorted eclairs, and matcha march.
Address: Commerce House, 4, 1, Middleton Street, Kankaria Estates, Sikkim, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Timings: 11 AM - 9:30 PM
Price: INR 600 for two
Image Credit: Unsplash
The Buttercream Co.
The Buttercream Co. is to become your favourite spot from now on when you hear the word 'matcha.' The desserts made by this bakery don't use any eggs. Biting into a dense, luscious New York-style cookie that combines the sweet charm of white chocolate with the earthy undertones of Japanese matcha? It's similar to an unexpected anime crossover episode. Their handmade matcha ice cream is authentic. It's lovely, creamy, and full of the wonderful qualities of green tea, making it the ideal way to unwind after a day of hustle! Have faith that your taste buds will be dancing. There is the lovely mango matcha petit gateâu, matcha raspberry mini cake, passionfruit matcha tres leches and strawberry matcha ice cream.
Address: 35, Amrapali Apartments, 7, Paddapukur Ln, Chakraberia, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020
Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM
Price: INR 150 onwards
Image Credit: The Buttercream Co.
Little Bit Sober
If you love sipping on cocktails that are uniquely what a city represents, visit Little Bit Sober. The artisanal cocktail bar has recently launched its new cocktail menu, ‘Chapter 3: Friends Of The Bar,’ which features cocktails inspired by iconic and well-known restaurants and bakeries of the city. They also have a zero-proof cocktail menu, which includes the matcha and coconut sober cocktail. A frothy and foamy sip, matcha and coconut have been whipped up with masala tea, caramel, orange, coconut milk and ofcourse, matcha. It tastes like a milkshake for adults. It’s fun, subtle in notes and gives those people who don’t want a buzz a clear way to enjoy and experience what drinking a really superb cocktail would feel like. The menu also has Sorbet, Kanji, Pâtisserie, Breakfast, Sherbet, along with bar bites and a limited selection of main courses.
Address: 2nd floor, 60, Chowringhee Rd, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020
Timings: 4 PM - 12 AM
Price: INR 2,500 for two
Image Credit: Little Bit Sober
Karma Kettle
With their Japanese matcha green tea, which is imported directly from Japan and is stone-ground, Karma Kettle maintains all this uniqueness while also boosting your immune system. Vanilla matcha green tea is for those who enjoy their matcha with a hint of sugar, like dessert in a cup, without feeling guilty. Matcha lemongrass ginger is an excellent brew to refuel your afternoon or start your day. The aroma of freshly brewed artisanal tea and baked goods greets you right away. The jars of jam on the right steal your attention for a second, while the cupboard full of bakery items on the left looks just as delicious. A little diversion to your right will take you to the sanctuary of handcrafted goods from Talipot House, and as you venture inside, you'll find yourself in a tea heaven from Karma Kettle. You can also buy the matcha powder from the shop at the cafe, the official website, and various other online shopping platforms.
Address: 4, Swinhoe St, Ekdalia, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
Timings: 11 AM - 10 PM
Price: INR 1,200 for two
Image Credit: Karma Kettle
Park Street SOCIAL
Under the direction of their group executive chef, Shamsul Wahid, The Big Drop has introduced novel forms, cross-cultural cuisines, and more utilitarian food items. Their signature twists have been successfully retained in their dunkables, thalis, breakfast sandwiches, and ramen. The coconut water matcha latte has noticeable flavour attributes, is extremely lactose-free, and is easy to drink. In terms of the quality and amount of food that is served, SOCIAL never disappoints. They also have the Big Drop Peena Edition, which is a drink menu that draws inspiration from the drinking culture of India. With reinterpreted classics, the menu delivers whimsical brews like candy-wrapped cocktails, test-tube shots, and sharing pitchers. The first SOCIAL in Kolkata is a place that honours Kolkata and all of its incarnations. SOCIAL will always be unique because of how it immerses itself in and blends in with the city it is in.
Address: Social, BFL, Bangur Estate, 1A, Russel St, next to India's Hobby Centre, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Timings: 11 AM - 12 AM
Price: INR 1,500 for two
Image Credit: Park Street SOCIAL
Olive Cafe & Bar
On Shakespeare Sarani, this trending hotspot offers a matcha latte, which is made with silky milk and matcha of the Sencha variety. You can get it hot or cold. The restaurant occupies 6,283 square feet and features both indoor and outdoor dining as well as a large bar. The menu offers both contemporary and progressive dining that takes inspiration from Kolkata's tastes and Mediterranean cuisine. Among its regular features are a gourmet cafe cuisine created by chef Jyotika Malik and handcrafted cocktails made by lead mixologist Harish Chhimwal. Olive is a pleasant and welcoming place because of the natural light during the day and the romantic candlelight atmosphere at night, the comfort of plush armchairs, the white pebbled courtyard, the lush vegetation, and the poinsettia blooms. Architect Vivek Popil and design director Sabina Singh overlay subtle coastal touches at every stage.
Address: 6th Floor, 40, Shakespeare Sarani, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017
Timings: 12 PM - 12 AM
Price: INR 2,800 for two
Image Credit: Olive Cafe & Bar
Pâtisserie By Franziska
In Kolkata, Patisserie By Franziska is the meeting point of grace and matcha, offering an upscale assortment of handcrafted desserts that are reminiscent of Parisian cuisine. The zen garden, a matcha-infused crust with a zesty yuzu filling that strikes all the right notes, is a must-try if you're on a matcha hunt. Their matcha eclairs, which combine the choux pastry with the subtle bitterness of matcha, are another fan favourite. Also, don't snooze on their classic cheesecake or Belgian chocolate gateau while you're there. German lady Franziska Marie’s quaint little store in pristine white is true to its essence and has some of the best European treats and coffee in the city. The three-seater area with black wooden tools offsets the white walls. Sit by the large glass doors, and it’s a perfect nook to enjoy a cuppa and a book and watch life go by on the street outside. Franziska goes to great lengths to keep her treats absolutely preservative-free and essence-free. In fact, her macarons are even gluten-free.
Address: 13 C, Russel St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Timings: 11 AM - 11 PM
Price: INR 1,700 for two
Image Credit: Patisserie By Franziska