Matcha, rich in antioxidants and caffeinated, is my go-to when I don’t want anything espresso. Yet, not every store in Oxford sells it, and I have been a victim of many bad matcha lattes over the years. Here’s a ranking of the matcha lattes I’ve had in Oxford — not including bobas or Black Sheep blueberry matchas, though many places do matcha boba quite well. For this ranking, I rated lattes made with the cafe’s standard milk, which for the most part was whole milk.
10. Pret
Let’s get this out of the way. Who on earth decided that the green monstrosity they serve was matcha? How would you greenlight something like that without any remorse? Gentrified or not, a matcha latte should not be closer to white than green. And they only use coconut-rice milk – the worst one at Pret. Yet despite their best efforts to market this as a vegan, Asian-inspired alternative to coffee, it just tastes like weird water. Ugh.
9. Gail’s
The thing is, the matcha at Gail’s really wasn’t too bad. I tried to hate it as an opponent of gentrification. There is not too much milk within the latte, which many larger chains struggle with. I quite enjoyed the foam that managed to rise to the top as the barista drew a little heart in the milk. The matcha is of decent quality, but the price of Gail’s really doesn’t justify it.
8. Art Cafe
I actually haven’t had the Art Cafe matcha yet, but I have consistently been a big fan of their drinks: chai, coffee, etc. My friend said of their matcha latte: “It’s as if matcha was gentrified, but it’s still pretty good.” She likes her matcha more grassy, though, so take it as you will.
7. Oxford Brunch Bar
A little bit on the milky side, but I do really like their matcha overall. Yes, it’s always a bit cold, with less foam than I prefer, but if I could only have the OBB matcha or nothing, I would not be unsatisfied. Certainly, the powder they use is good quality, with the colour more sage than pastel lime.
6. The Paper Boat Cafe
One of my pet peeves – they called it just “matcha” on the menu when it’s a matcha latte. I was hoping for hot matcha tea. But the matcha is delicious: a bit more milk than I like, but rich and warming. They always put it at the perfect temperature. Their matcha is of high quality and the view of the river when having it in certainly doesn’t hurt.
5. Columbia Coffee Roasters
Columbia Coffee is not too bad of a location at a prime spot in the market, but the prices have always been expensive in the Covered Market. This matcha latte is no exception. It tastes great, with only a hint of bitterness. The colour leaves a bit to be desired, but otherwise, the experience is perfect if you’re willing to dish out a bit more. For the lovers of pure matcha flavour, this one’s for you— not too much milk makes the drink extra rich.
4. Independent Cafe
A bit more bitter than the Columbia one but equally good. Moved up in the ranks because it only costs £4, but not the highest on this list because the matcha wasn’t mixed properly: too much leftover powder in the end. I will assume the best of the baristas, though, who were very busy that day. The strawberry matcha is amazing, with a hint of sweetness that’s perfect for a Trinity revision break. Their turmeric latte also does not miss. This place is generally a hidden gem, and I’m definitely coming back more.
3. Formosan Tea
I know I said no boba, but the matcha (boba or not) at Formosa is really good. Ceremonial grade, grassy without being bitter, and the green is exactly what you picture when you think of matcha. The one downside is that it’s SO expensive, but it comes with tapioca and red bean if that’s any consolation for the £5 you’re about to spend….
2. Society Cafe
When I first told Oxfess that this article would be published, the comments said to go to Society Café. They were not wrong. It’s a very good latte. The matcha there is never too bitter and decently nutty. However, I personally think it’s a bit too grassy for me. If you want to try matcha for the first time, be warned if you are unsure about the flavour. However, if you’ve just missed the taste of good, strong matcha, this is for you.
1. Artisan Cafe
Okay, so maybe sentiment is part of the reason I put this on top – this is the first matcha latte that I’ve had in Oxford. I find this matcha to be hit or miss, but when it’s a miss, it’s still OBB-level. The milk is warmed to perfection, the powder is not overcooked, and the only hint of powder is on the foam on top. (Plus, their bacon mac and cheese has haunted my dreams for ages.)
Honourable mention: Barefoot Bakery
I haven’t had the matcha latte here, but I had their other rainbow lattes – warm turmeric and a slightly flowery butterfly pea (my favourite non-coffee drink here.)
