You’re a matcha purist in search of a great bowl of straight matcha tea in Chicago.
We get it. We know the struggle.
The simple elegance of bowl, powder, water, whisk.
No lattes, no ice, no sugar, no blending. Just pure, unadulterated matcha.
We’ve tried a lot and here are our top spots to enjoy matcha in its truest form.
Nomad-Chicago
Your first stop should be Nomad, located at the intersection of Chicago Ave and Franklin. Here, you’ll want to order your matcha tea “neat.” Be specific about your preferences: a maximum of 6oz of water (though 4oz is ideal) at a temperature around 170°. They might serve it a tad hotter, but the quality of the matcha powder, “Then & Now” from Spirit/Shogyokuen, is unmatched. It’s the finest powder you’ll find in the city, making Nomad a must-visit for any matcha enthusiast.
Coffee Lab in Lakeview
Again, it won’t be served in a bowl, and you might need to be specific about what you want, but Coffee Lab on Lincoln Ave in Lakeview uses great matcha (the same as Nomad) and is quite open to making it however you ask. As always, be specific about your preferences: usually around 6oz of water for the size of the matcha scoop they use. And you might ask if they’re getting the water from a boiling tap, and if so ask that they cool it first . They’re also using “Then & Now” from Spirit/Shogyokuen and they’re staff is helpful and just as nice (if not, nicer) than any place else in town!
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
📍 Google Maps (this is my favorite location, Fulton Market, often quieter with better staff; however the Michigan Ave location is a great little spot too)
Next, consider Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, conveniently located near Nomad. Here, you have the option to elevate your matcha experience by choosing either their mid or top-level matcha. We recommend the top-level imperial matcha from Rishi. While it may not justify the extra cost for everyone, it’s a satisfying choice for those moments when only straight tea will do. Be prepared to guide the baristas through your order, specifying the amount of matcha, water, and the desired temperature.
Chicago Teahouse (formerly TeeGschwendner)
Finally, make your way to the Chicago Teahouse. Here, the staff understands how to prepare matcha without needing detailed instructions, although the quality of the matcha powder might not be as exquisite as Nomad’s. If you’re lucky (and ask nicely), they might even serve it in a bowl. It’s always a good idea to specify your preferences, just to be sure.
A Few Tips
In your quest for the perfect matcha, remember to be specific with your order. Request “straight matcha tea with only water in a cup for here,” and if you’re feeling adventurous, specify “only 4 ounces of water and no hotter than 180° please.” Most places will accommodate your request, even if they’re a bit puzzled by it.
And if, after exploring these options, you’re still searching for that matcha nirvana, reach out to me. I’ll invite you over for a bowl of truly exceptional matcha.
Good luck on your quest, fellow matcha lover. May your tea be green and your whisk be swift.
Find another place? Let us know!