Copyright The Austin Chronicle

Matcha, the vibrant green tea powder, seems to be everywhere these days. It is swirled into lattes, sprinkled over desserts, and even shaken into cocktails. Despite its trendiness, matcha has a history and tradition that stretches back more than a thousand years. The origins of matcha trace back to China’s Tang dynasty, when tea leaves were first steamed, pressed, and ground into bricks for transport. By the 12th century, monks brought the practice of powdered tea to Japan, where it evolved into a ritual deeply tied to meditation and mindfulness. During the 15th and 16th centuries, matcha became central to Japanese tea ceremonies, valued for its connection to simplicity, presence, and harmony. Producing matcha is a meticulous process. The tea plants are carefully shaded for several weeks before harvest. Only the youngest leaves are picked, steamed to preserve their color, and stone-ground into a fine powder. Because of this labor-intensive process, matcha was historically reserved for the elite. In the 21st century, however, matcha made its way into global cafes and kitchens. Today, its appeal goes beyond taste. Matcha is known for its natural caffeine, rich antioxidants, and calming amino acid L-theanine, which together create a smooth, focused energy. Austin, with its thriving cafe culture, has no shortage of matcha options. A few spots, however, stand out for their attention to quality, sourcing, and preparation. Here are three of our favorites. The matcha latte here is all about balance. The baristas whisk the powder into a smooth paste before blending it with milk and ice, creating a rich, velvety drink. The flavor is bright, grassy, and slightly sweet, with just the right amount of creaminess to make it refreshing without being heavy. Lau Lau’s approach highlights the cultural heritage of matcha for customers. Each drink is whisked to order, ensuring the drink is made to perfection. The result is a vibrant cup with an earthy backbone, lifted by a natural sweetness that lingers without bitterness. The cafe emphasizes craft and care – no shortcuts, just precision and respect for the process. What sets CàPhê.in apart is experimentation. Each drink is carefully measured to keep the ratios of matcha, milk, and flavoring in balance, ensuring the tea remains the star. The result is a menu that respects tradition while reimagining what a matcha drink can be. This article appears in October 24 • 2025.