The best places to enjoy matcha in Riyadh

The best places to enjoy matcha in Riyadh

Make time for a matcha moment whether you like it hot, iced, sparkling or in dessert form
31 May 23
Matcha Cafe Riyadh
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From its roots in China’s Tang Dynasty to its current ubiquity in hip coffee shops the world over, matcha has had quite the culinary journey.

For many fans of the earthy green powder, the distinctive taste is more than a healthy alternative to caffeine – it’s practically a lifestyle. Now, bakers and baristas in Riyadh have taken note and the tea is being used in a variety of ways.

Whether it’s part of your daily life or you’re trying it for the first time, these five places will leave an impression.

A.O.K Kitchen X So Matcha

Instagram: Jazzling Matcha at AOK Kitchen

The London-born A.O.K. Kitchen in KAFD recently unveiled an exciting six-month collaboration with homegrown Saudi brand So Matcha, offering two limited edition drinks. The first is So Matcha Classic Matcha Latte, served hot with a matcha biscuit and chocolate on the side. The second is the Jazzling Matcha, a refreshing creation served over ice that brings together the crisp taste of matcha with hints of jasmine, lemon, and mango. 

King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh, @aokkitchensaudi

Urth Caffé

Urth Caffé is probably the closest thing you’ll find to the hippy Californian coffee shop scene in Riyadh. A colourful two-storey venue in Riyadh's As Sulimaniyah district, Urth Caffé takes matcha so seriously that it has tea harvested exclusively for them in Japan. Local family tea farmers Akihiro Nakai provides organic matcha from their Entsu Estate every year. The organic matcha bobo bubble tea on ice is a fan favourite, as is the creamy matcha tiramisu.

Various locations including As Sulimaniya District, Riyadh, @urthcaffesaudi

Sadelle’s Riyadh

Instagram: Sadelle's Riyadh

The New York deli spectacular made its way to Saudi in 2022, opening in the Mansard Riyadh hotel. There’s a vintage glamour feel here with black, gold and white-tiled marble floors, glossy counters, and pink shell-shaped chairs. Meanwhile, the menu is as vast as the aesthetic is chic. Pair an everything bagel with their creamy matcha latte, topped with an extra sprinkling of green powder goodness.

Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, Riyadh, @sadellesriyadh

M’Oishi

There’s no shortage of things to try at this beloved Japanese confectionary, but its rice cake ice cream mochi tops the list. The fusion dessert wraps a sticky glutinous rice paste around various flavours of ice cream, including a delightful matcha variation that’s served to-go in a cone.

Various locations including Riyadh Boulevard, Riyadh, @moishi.sa

Oak Leaves

Part-florist, part-café, the cosy Oak Leaves in Mode Mall is the perfect place to sit, take a beat and enjoy a selection of speciality coffees, teas and a small selection of cupcakes and light breakfast bites. Drop in to try the signature matcha latter or the floral, half-blue-half-green, iced lavender matcha latte. Delicious!

The District Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, @oakleaves.sa