Little Tokyo's Chotto Matcha Is a Hidden Haven for Green Tea Fans

Chotto Matcha 
Edoya, Little Tokyo, 2227 Chino Roces Avenue corner Amorsolo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
Instagram: www.instagram.com/chottomatchaph
Open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Monday to Sunday

(SPOT.ph) Picture this: You’re strolling on the fields of a vast green tea plantation, with the majestic Mt. Fuji looming in the distance. The grassy scent fills the cool, morning air. Everything around you exudes calm and freshness—this is the experience Chotto Matcha wants to replicate as you walk into its minimalist interiors.

Chotto Matcha opened its doors in late November last year, and what better location to be in than in Little Tokyo, a small enclave of Japanese dining establishments in the heart of Makati. “We aim to transport our customers to Japan without the need for a visa,” says Chotto Matcha founder Sarah (last name withheld upon request). “From the moment you step through our doors, you'll be immersed in a world of Japanese charm and hospitality." The café, she explains, serves not just matcha, but also "unique experiences"—think kimono fittings and a serene shrine ambiance that evoke a virtual getaway to Japan.

Also read: 
Here’s Your Definitive Guide to Restaurants at Little Tokyo, Makati  
10 Standout New Japanese Spots for A+ Sushi, Drool-Worthy Donburi + More
Get Unlimited Arnibal at This Taho Spot Tucked Away in Cartimar

Chotto Matcha in Little Tokyo, Makati

Green tea at its finest

Chotto Matcha is committed to serving only the real deal. It sources its ingredients straight from Shizuoka, one of the green tea-growing prefectures south of Mt. Fuji.

Aside from its dedication to quality, the café is also passionate about supporting tea farmers in this region, who find it challenging to sell their produce due to market saturation. “By sourcing our matcha and hojicha directly from Shizuoka, we're not only ensuring top-notch quality for our customers but also contributing to the sustainability of the local tea industry,” Sarah relates.

Growing tea is a meticulous process. The tea shrubs are covered in shade about 20 to 30 days prior to harvest. This encourages the growth of vibrant, tender leaves rich in flavor. These young shoots are then handpicked; only the top two or three leaves are harvested to ensure the best quality.

The harvested leaves are steamed to retain their bright green hue and preserve the nutrients. The leaves are then dried to remove moisture. These dried leaves, called tencha, are ground into fine powder after the stems have been removed. This powder is carefully packed and stored in airtight containers to preserve its freshness and flavor.

Matcha Mania

Chotto Matcha has an extensive menu, so it can be overwhelming if it’s your first time to visit. Sarah recommends the bestsellers. The Local Matcha Latte, which you can get hot (P205) or iced (starts at P195), is perfect for first-time matcha drinkers because it has just the right mix of sweetness and earthiness. There’s also the Strawberry Matcha (starts at P195)—the tart, ripe strawberries offset the bitter green tea taste. If you’re a die-hard matcha fan, the Authentic Matcha Latte (starts at P195), which boasts “pure matcha bliss,” is your best bet.

If you’re still familiarizing your taste buds with the earthy flavor of green tea, Sarah suggests going for the Marshmallow Cloudy Matcha (P195-P205) or the Local Matcha Latte. To best appreciate green tea-based drinks, she suggests starting with sweeter options. Once you’re more accustomed to the bitter taste, ask for sweetener to be served on the side. “This way, you can adjust the sweetness level to your liking, gradually reducing it as you develop a taste for matcha’s natural profile,” Sarah explains.

Not Just Green Tea

Coffee lovers won’t feel out of place in this matcha café. There’s Brown Sugar Latte (starts at P180 for hot, P170 for iced) and Peach Coffee (starts at P150), two espresso-based drinks that will give you your much-needed caffeine fix.

Any of Chotto Matcha’s drinks goes well with the cafés basked goods: the Madeleines Set (P350), the Matcha Croffle (P190), or the Matcha White Macadamia Cookie (P130).

If you want to cool down, especially now that summer is upon us, order the Matcha Shaved Ice (P180), which combines the soft texture of mochi and the sweetness of red beans and matcha. Or, you may go for the Hojicha Sesame (P150). It’s a scoop of black sesame ice cream served with hojicha on the side, meant to be enjoyed like an affogato. Because hojicha is made by roasting green tea, its flavor is milder.

Exciting Months Ahead

Chotto Matcha is barely a year old, but Sarah is already looking forward to the seasonal refreshments the café will be offering in the coming months. The second floor of the establishment will soon house Motto Matcha. “We’re taking our dedication to matcha excellence to new heights,” she says, adding that more details will soon be revealed. Stay tuned to their social media feed!

It isn’t wrong to assume that the café’s name is a play on the Japanese phrase chotto matte, or “wait a moment.” With its soothing interiors dressed in white walls and light wood, Chotto Matcha invites everyone to pause and take a respite from the chaos of busy Makati. Take your pick from the menu, find a spot indoors or on the wood-clad veranda, and watch the world go by, even for just a little while.

Hey, Spotters! Check us out on Viber to join our Community and subscribe to our Chatbot.