RecipeLatteJapanese CuisineBarista10 Min Prep

Matcha Green Tea Latte

At Cafe Wanoka, nestled in the vibrant heart of Scarborough, our Matcha Green Tea Latte isn't just a drink; it's an experience.

It’s the first sip that transports you to a tranquil Japanese garden, even as the bustle of Kennedy Road swirls outside.

We've spent countless hours perfecting our technique, ensuring each cup balances the earthy, slightly bitter notes of premium matcha with the creamy sweetness of perfectly steamed milk.

What sets our latte apart? It's all about the quality and care we put into every step.

We start with ceremonial-grade matcha, sourced directly from Uji, Japan—the undisputed capital of matcha.

Forget the pre-sweetened mixes; we create our own simple syrup, infused with a hint of vanilla, to complement, not mask, the matcha's delicate flavor.

And the milk?

We insist on whole milk for its rich texture, steamed to velvety perfection using our trusty Rancilio Silvia.

Almond milk works beautifully too, if you're after a vegan version.

Making a truly exceptional Matcha Latte at home isn't difficult, but it requires a little finesse.

We're going to walk you through the entire process, from whisking the matcha to creating latte art.

No shortcuts here—we're aiming for coffee shop quality, right in your own kitchen.

So, grab your chawan, fire up your milk steamer, and let's get started on crafting a Matcha Green Tea Latte that will awaken your senses and impress your friends.

This isn't just a recipe; it's a journey into the art of matcha.

SweetSaltySourBitterUmami

Taste Profile

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Ingredients

4 items
1Servings

Main Recipe

01

Prepare the Matcha Paste

In your chawan, add the sifted matcha powder. Slowly pour in the hot water (around 80°C or 176°F). Using your chasen, whisk vigorously in a 'W' or 'M' motion until a smooth, frothy paste forms, free of any lumps. We're looking for a vibrant green color and a fine foam on top.

Pro Tip

"Hold the chawan firmly with one hand while whisking with the other. Avoid pressing too hard on the bottom of the bowl to prevent damaging the chasen."

02

Steam the Milk

Pour the cold milk into your milk pitcher. PurgePurgeReleasing a burst of steam to clear the wand of any condensation or residue. the steam wand of any condensation. Submerge the steam wand tip just below the surface of the milk to introduce air, creating microfoammicrofoamFinely textured milk foam with microscopic bubbles, ideal for latte art and smooth mouthfeel.. Lower the pitcher as the milk expands. Once the pitcher feels warm to the touch (around 65°C or 150°F), submerge the wand deeper to create a swirling vortex and heat the milk evenly. We want a velvety texture with a glossy sheen and no large bubbles.

Pro Tip

"Listen for a hissing sound when introducing air. This is how we know we're creating the perfect microfoam."

03

Combine and Serve

If using, gently stir the vanilla simple syrup into the matcha paste. Swirl the steamed milk in the pitcher to ensure it's homogenous. Slowly pour the milk into the chawan, holding back the foam initially. Once the chawan is about two-thirds full, gently pour the remaining foam on top, creating your desired latte art (a simple heart or rosetta works beautifully). Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of earthy matcha and creamy milk.

Pro Tip

"Practice your latte art by filling the chawan with water and using dish soap for the foam. It's a great way to hone your technique without wasting milk."

Try These Variations

Iced Matcha Latte

A refreshing twist on the classic, perfect for warm days.

  • Prepare the matcha paste as directed.
  • Fill a glass with ice.
  • Pour the matcha paste over the ice.
  • Top with cold milk (or a milk alternative).
  • Add vanilla simple syrup to taste.
  • Stir gently and enjoy!

Spiced Matcha Latte

Add a touch of warmth and complexity with chai spices.

  • Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom to the matcha powder before whisking.
  • Alternatively, use chai-infused simple syrup instead of vanilla simple syrup.
From the Kitchen

Chef's Notes

Wisdom

1Sifting the matcha is crucial for preventing clumps and ensuring a smooth latte.

2Don't overheat the milk; it will scald and lose its sweetness. Aim for 65°C (150°F).

3Experiment with different milk alternatives to find your favorite. Oat milk tends to foam particularly well.

Pitfalls

1Using boiling water to prepare the matcha. This will scorch the powder and result in a bitter taste.

2Over-whisking the matcha. This can also lead to a bitter taste and a less desirable texture.

Equipment Needed

Chawan (matcha bowl)Chasen (bamboo whisk)Milk steamerMilk pitcherThermometer

Origin Story

Matcha has a rich history dating back to the 12th century in Japan, where it was revered for its health benefits and ceremonial uses. It wasn't until relatively recently that it made its way into the world of lattes and other contemporary beverages.

Did you know?

Did you know that matcha was originally consumed by Zen Buddhist monks to enhance focus during meditation?

Perfect Pairings

  • Matcha Shortbread Cookies
  • Japanese Mochi
  • Almond Biscotti

Inspired by Kennedy Park

This recipe captures the essence of Cafe Wanoka in Scarborough. Authenticity isn't just about ingredients; it's about place.

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