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From ancient traditions to TikTok lattes, matcha has brewed its way into the mainstream, and these days, you simply can’t escape it. Its virality, coupled with Lahore’s blistering summers, makes the bright green drink the perfect refreshing drink to beat the heat.

Matcha, which is derived from specially processed shade-grown tea leaves, is rich in antioxidants and endlessly customisable. Throw in some ice cubes, and it could just be your new obsession.

The drink has been trending in Pakistan for a while. As fans of the bright green drink flaunt their preferred version of matcha on social media, its detractors insist it tastes like grass.

As the debate continues, here are six spots to try matcha in Lahore to help you determine where you stand on the matter.

Llamazing Boba

Llamazing Boba’s matcha milk tea arrives crowned with an added bonus — your choice of boba. I opted for mango-bursting pearls in my drink. The matcha is rich in flavour, delivering a comforting hug.

A fair warning: it is a bit too sweet, even before the pearls burst, diluting the astringency that a matcha drink offers. However, if you are new to matcha, it might be a good start to get acquainted with the taste.

The combination of creamy matcha and popping bubbles makes it the perfect indulgence.

The regular size is priced at Rs900.

Rating: 7/10

Bean Machine

Bean Machine offers two matcha options: Strawberry Matcha and Matcha Cloud. I tried the Strawberry Matcha, which lends a playful fruitiness to the tea’s grassy depth but feels unevenly mixed, falling short in both quality and richness.

The café’s laid-back atmosphere with games and cozy seating adds to the experience.

At Rs580 for a small serving, it is a budget-friendly choice and pairs beautifully with a slice of decadent chocolate cake, making for a winning combination.

Rating: 6/10

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Some consider The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf the OG matcha spot in Lahore, introducing this drink before it was even trendy, and they certainly know how to do it right. Other cafés could definitely learn a thing or two from their brilliant matcha.

The menu does not feature a variety of flavours or add-on syrups, but remains true to the classic iced matcha, served over ice or as a blended drink.

I tried the small, blended version priced at Rs1,085, and it was worth every rupee. The blended ice created a frothy, delicious texture that had a rounded, creamy quality. It was not overly sweet, so you could truly taste the matcha in all its perfectly balanced glory.

Rating: 9/10

Tattle Teahouse

Tattle Teahouse brings a refreshing spin to iced matcha with its matcha boba tea, offering a velvety green tea base with chewy tapioca pearls and vanilla sweetness.

The drink, with its tempting presentation, is priced at Rs995 for a regular-sized cup. That said, the generous milk ratio can sometimes mute the matcha’s grassy depth, leaving matcha aficionados craving a stronger punch.

A bonus tip: when you want your drink to literally pop, swap the tapioca pearls for bursting bubbles, and voilà, you end up with a drink that creates little explosions of flavour in your mouth.

Rating: 7.5/10

Double Shot

Double Shot offers a variety of matcha creations, from Iced Strawberry and Iced Vanilla to Blueberry and even a Matcha Frappuccino. I stuck with the safer choice of Vanilla Matcha, which cost me Rs950, and it was full on the tongue.

The bitter edge of the matcha mixed well with the sweet creaminess of vanilla to create the perfect sip. With a friend also raving about the Strawberry Iced Matcha, Double Shot is probably worth a try.

Rating: 8.5/10

Third Culture Coffee

I asked the staff for a recommendation from their various matcha offerings when I wanted something sweet, and they suggested the Iced Matcha Kyotte.

It’s made with 30 grams of vanilla-infused creamy milk and finely ground matcha tea powder, served chilled over ice. The presentation looked great, but the blend lacked refinement and felt incomplete, as if it needed more structure to let the matcha shine.

The drink, priced at Rs650, was relatively cheaper, but I would have preferred a smoother, more cohesive flavour.

Rating: 7/10

What’s your take on matcha? Tell us in the comments below!