Singapore cafés for matcha drinks and desserts with a strong caffeine kick

Hvala, a Japanese teahouse with a Serbian name meaning ‘thanks’, whisks a mean matcha latte. By default, their drinks come slightly sweetened to offset the subtle bitterness of their matcha, but you can always request for no sugar.

Looking for a little extra something in your latte? Get the cult-favourite matcha hojicha latte, which has hojicha syrup, or their matcha goma latte, to add nuttiness to your drink. If you’re feeling like a refreshing drink, try their matcha ice blend, which is worlds apart (and above!) from the sugary ones we’re used to.

Desserts-wise, opt for the chaffogato, which comprises a potent shot of matcha or hojicha (roasted matcha) poured over a scoop of velvety matcha gelato. Should you like, you can upgrade the matcha gelato to a higher intensity.

Available at multiple locations

Though better known as the café opened by the folks behind The Editor’s Market, Found actually does more-than-decent matcha. Their matcha latte is pleasantly umami, leaving you wanting more. Their matcha tiramisu, chock-full of bittersweet matcha-soaked ladyfingers and rich matcha mousse, is rather popular too!

391 Orchard Road, B1-16 to 24, Singapore 238872

This minimalistic kiosk in the CBD has a simple menu featuring coffee and tea beverages, exclusively using ceremonial matcha for their drinks. One look at the emerald green hue of their lattes, and you should be assured of the potency of Kyō Kohee’s drinks. There are two variations, okumidori and utsukushi, both available as straight tea or with milk, depending on what you like. The okumidori matcha is also available in an affogato with vanilla ice cream.

For double the caffeine kick, elevate your matcha latte with an espresso shot by getting the dirty matcha latte.

144 Robinson Rd, #01-01, Singapore 068908

The signature koicha milk from Matchaya is made with ceremonial matcha, and boy does it pack a punch. The drink is smooth as the matcha powder is finely ground, and you’ll find that it actually isn’t bitter, thanks to the high quality matcha used. You’ll slurp it up in no time!

Their charcoal-coloured matcha azuki roll cake is just as popular, featuring fluffy chantilly cream and the same ceremonial matcha used in the koicha milk. However, considering that this is a dessert, it comes with a dollop of red bean for a hint of sweetness.

Another must-try dessert at Matchaya is the matcha soft serve. Swirls of dark green bittersweet soft serve stacked high in your choice of a cup or cone — what a treat!

Available at multiple locations

A favourite among locals, Keong Saik Bakery does some of the best pastries in town, and their matcha pastries are no exception. The matcha almond croissant puts a green spin on the classic almond croissant, while their matcha and matcha burnt cheese cruffins literally ooze matcha goodness.

As for cakes, their matcha swiss roll is delish and will surely satisfy — the matcha cream isn’t too sweet and goes well with the fluffy cake.

33 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089140, +65 9021 9626
44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-42, Singapore 278116, +65 9145 8891

This humble hidden matcha café housed within Volks Coffee Co in Marina Boulevard has a no-frills menu that gets straight to the point — do you like your matcha by itself or with milk? And would you like to make it dirty, or add chocolate? Freshly whisked on the spot, the matcha latte is clean and smooth. If you want it stronger, let them know you’d like to add on tea powder for a dollar.

2 Marina Boulevard, #B1-08C, Singapore 018987, +65 9223 0245