The best matcha I’ve ever had wasn’t from a fancy tea house or a trendy café. It was from a random train station in Tokyo, just before I boarded the Shinkansen to Mount Fuji. The creamy, earthy flavor, perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, was unforgettable. That’s Japan for you—where even a nondescript station café delivers a cup that could make any matcha lover swoon.
These days, matcha has become a global obsession. Once reserved for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, it’s now a must-have for wellness enthusiasts, coffee shop connoisseurs, and foodies alike. Its vibrant green hue, earthy flavor, and reputation as a superfood have helped it transition from niche ingredient to lifestyle staple. Dubai, always quick to embrace a trend, has fully leaned into the matcha craze, with cafés across the city crafting their own takes on the Japanese classic perfected over centuries—from frothy lattes to creative desserts.
So, I made it my mission to find the best matcha in Dubai that could transport me back to that train station in Tokyo. While nothing may truly compare, these are the places that come impressively close. Here’s where to go for your matcha fix in Dubai.
Knot Bake House
I know it sounds weird, but you must try the salted vanilla matcha— it’s probably the second best matcha I’ve ever had.
Trio
This coffee shop has quickly become a cult favorite among local matcha enthusiasts. May we suggest the strawberry matcha? Equal parts strawberry foam and matcha whisked to perfection, Trio’s signature drink is a delightful blend of sweet and earthy flavors that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
Otaku
Located in d3, this ultra Instagrammable cafe will immediately transport you to Tokyo with its wabi sabi interior. Enjoy your iced matcha with some delicious fluffy Japanese pancakes.
Blu Matcha
Known as Dubai’s “first matcha café,” Blu Matcha offers a variety of ways to indulge in the Japanese classic. Our favorite? The matcha soft serve.
Backyard
If you’re seeking an authentic matcha experience, look no further than Backyard— the cafe uses the finest organic matcha sourced directly from Japan.
Rascals Bakehouse
The deli and bakehouse occasionally collaborates with Hello Kitty to deliver your matcha in the most adorable packaging you will ever see in your life.
Café Kitsuné
Café Kitsuné sources its matcha powder straight from the renowned regions of Kagoshima in Japan to deliver an authentic and rich flavor. You can also purchase a jar of the ceremonial matcha powder so you can enjoy the Café Kitsuné experience at home.
Orto Cafe
Housed within a beautifully converted, two-storey villa, the homegrown Emirati-owned specialty coffee shop with picturesque views of the canal offers classic matcha and matcha-infused desserts to satisfy any craving.
The Matcha Tokyo
The Matcha Tokyo is all about bringing authentic, top-notch matcha to the world in fresh, fun ways. With a focus on organic farming and sustainability, they make sure every cup is as good for the planet as it is for you.
