Smooth, sweet and soothing, matcha is your new summer sip. Matcha lattes have recently risen in popularity due to their health benefits, smooth texture, subtle umami flavor, and bright green color, and are now served all throughout Marin. Matcha is more than just a health trend; it’s a daily must-have that is a great replacement for coffee.
Even if you don’t think you like matcha lattes, trying one that is high quality and has a good matcha-to-milk ratio could change your mind. According to Harvard Health Publishing, matcha also contains high antioxidants and phytochemicals that have been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve concentration. Cafes throughout San Anselmo and Fairfax serve matcha that we put to the test based on color, sweetness, ratio, and texture.
Longway is a woman-owned brand, charming local cafe, and clothing store nestled into downtown San Anselmo with a comfy, simple feel. With outdoor wooden seating and lots of natural lighting, the cafe has a bohemian feel. While the menu is on the smaller side, their iced matcha latte is exceptional.
Longway’s iced matcha latte is magic in a cup, with a rich green color and high-quality green tea that creates a luxurious, earthy flavor. Their matcha latte was refreshing and silky with a great ratio of milk to matcha. Longway’s matcha earns a five out of five feathers.
Although Peet’s Coffee is a chain establishment, that does not stop them from making each customer feel comfortable in their relaxed cafe setting. Peet’s location in Red Hill Shopping Center has a dark, cozy feel with several different seating options and a delicious coffee smell. They have bar stools, tables, and larger chairs, along with tasteful music to set the mood.
On their menu, they offer a wide selection of food and drinks. While the large selection might catch your eye, make sure not to pass up Peet’s iced matcha latte.
Peet’s iced matcha latte has a vibrant and creamy flavor. The matcha latte had a good level of sweetness, but was a little bit too milky and didn’t have enough umami flavor. The consistency was foamy and thick, with a cold foam that lingered on the top of the drink. Overall, Peet’s Coffee’s matcha earns four out of five feathers.
Comforts Cafe is located in downtown San Anselmo and is a popular spot for quick bites, full-course meals, or a simple pastry and latte. Comforts’ newly remodeled, family-style cafe offers a charming but modern feel. The cafe has tables inside and outside the store with a busy feel and warm lighting.
Although there are many beverage options on the menu, their matcha has a delicious, earthy, revitalizing flavor and comes already sweetened just the right amount. While Comforts’ matcha latte is refreshing and rich, it is slightly powdery, and for that reason, it receives four out of five feathers.
Java Hut is a local coffee shop in Fairfax that is a great option for on-the-go coffee. While Java Hut doesn’t have indoor seating, it features a small outdoor patio and a drive-thru. Java’s menu offers a selection of breakfast burritos and seasonal drinks, including matcha.
Java Hut’s iced matcha has a sweet vanilla flavor, but is drowned out by the milk. The matcha lacks a deep green color and notes of green tea. While it still had a good level of sweetness, there was not enough matcha flavor coming through. Therefore, Java Hut’s matcha earns 3.5 out of five feathers.
Overall, Longway’s sweet, creamy, vegetal iced matcha latte was the best. Its rich flavor and color made it clear it was made from high-quality ingredients, and it was a refreshing drink.
