As a Matcha lover, there has been one constant I have heard over the years when I tell people or show people about my adoration for it - “It tastes like grass.”

To be fair, I’ve had some pretty bad Matcha drinks around town, and when Matcha is old, not stored correctly, pre-sweetened, or all-around disrespected, it isn’t the most pleasant of tastes. However, getting Matcha served correctly can be an enjoyable alternative to coffee.

If you are new to Matcha and have started ordering it around town, here are some things to consider:

• You can ask if the matcha they use is a ceremonial grade or culinary grade. However, educating yourself on what that term does and doesn’t mean is essential. The term “ceremonial grade” is not a regulated term. It is supposed to mean it was harvested early in the season and of a higher quality, but if that is not regulated, anyone can say they use it. You will see a lot of buzzwords about the quality of the matcha that some say is a Western marketing ploy. At this point, it will come down to familiarizing yourself with the tastes of different brands.

• What is good to know is that lower-level Matcha will be bitter and often relatively cheap. The more expensive it will be, the more sweetness it will have without being sweetened. I am very fortunate to have friends who travel to Japan and bring me back amazing matcha, but right now, when I purchase it online, a brand I enjoy is Aorashi (spoiler, it’s not cheap).

• When you are at a coffee shop that offers matcha, ask if they pre-sweeten it or use one that comes pre-sweetened. Matcha has health benefits, so if you are drinking it partly for that reason, having pre-sweetened matcha adds unnecessary sugar. Apart from that, it can dilute the taste.

• Check the bottom of your cup. They are not preparing it properly if you see clumps of matcha powder settling at the bottom.

• How are they mixing it? Anything but a dedicated matcha whisk is a no-go. That includes those hand frothers.

• Take note of the color. Have you ever been served matcha that looked pale and almost grey? I have! Don’t drink it.

  Try these local spots if you don’t want to make it at home.

Matcha Cafe Maiko

When asked, a true matcha fan will recommend Matcha Cafe Maiko as their first choice for where to get matcha drinks and desserts. While they are technically a chain, they offer some of the best matcha in the city.

Haan Coffee

Haan is a favorite for serious coffee drinkers, but they have a standard strawberry matcha on their menu at all times. In addition to that they usually have a matcha option among their seasonal drinks that rotate.

Deeply Coffee

Much like Haan, Deeply always keeps interesting matcha beverages on the menu like Matcha Coquito, Oreo Cookie Matcha, Blueberry Matcha, and a Pina Colada Matcha. I’ve had them all and they are all delicious.

Rosso Coffee

Rosso Coffee in Longwood doesn’t get enough credit for being a good roaster and a great little shop that has it’s own vibe and personality in a cozy space. I don’t know what kind of matcha they use, but I like their matcha-based drinks. They do a berry matcha with either strawberries or raspberries.

Cups and Pups

Matcha is always available at Cups and Pups in College Park, and when possible, they try to offer a matcha alternative to their seasonals, like the White Raspberry matcha.

Stemma Craft Coffee

If you ever see the Pear Cobbler Matcha at Stemma (most likely in the fall), you must try it. It's one of the highlights of all the matcha drinks I’ve had locally. Their other Kodemari matcha-based drinks are on the menu all year, including the Dirty Mama Match, which has Maria's homemade horchata.

Krave Tea

All boba shops have matcha, so if we went based on that, I would have to list them all, but I’m only gonna mention the places where I really enjoy their matcha drinks, and Krave is one of them.

Shen Tea

Shen Tea has a good variety of matcha drinks (lemonade, matcha milk tea) but I really like their Matcha Strawberry Latte.

The Tea Social

The first time I ever tried the Tea Social Truck, I got the Matcha Lime Cooler and it was SO refreshing. It was summertime, so I don’t know if it’s a regular menu item, but if you see this truck around pay them a visit!

Side note: There are currently two matcha pop-ups that I have not made it to yet, but look very promising.

Matcha Mami - @matchamami.orl

Noma Cha - @noma.cha_

Matcha Desserts

Koko Kakigori

Some of the best-shaved you can find in Orlando is at Koko Kakigori. Their flavors rotate and are seasonal, so you may not always find this Uji matcha with Florida strawberries, but if you follow their Instagram you can keep an eye out for the next time they have it.

Chiffon Culture Bakery

With two locations, the first in Winter Springs and the other in Audubon Park, you will find Matcha desserts here. I’ve seen more at the Winter Springs location recently, so double check before driving in either direction.

Light on the Sugar

From matcha drinks, cream puffs, and other pastries Light on the Sugar is definitely first on my list when I’m craving a matcha treat that won’t disappoint or taste artificial or overly sweet.

KrungThep

Not enough people talk about Krungthep anymore. This tea house serves up a wide variety of teas and coffees but also they have these decadent desserts built on butter toast. The Cha-Cha is freshly baked butter toast with honey and green tea pocky candy topped with matcha ice cream.

Snowbean Cafe

If you haven't heard of Patbingsu head over to Snowbean Cafe. It's a popular Korean dessert that consists of shaved ice with sweet toppings such as chopped fruit and condensed milk, among other things.  I got green tea (matcha) shaved ice with sweet and crunchy cereal and condensed milked. Think matcha cereal and go grab a bowl to enjoy out by their lake view!

Sun Pearl Bakery

Sun Pearl has an intense amount of baked goods with several options for matcha lovers. Japanese matcha red bean bun and a green tea roll, to name a few. They used only to take cash, but they now take cards as well.

Wafu

Located on the second floor of the East End Market, Wafu serves Japanese Waffles and Soft Serve. Their flavors rotate, so Matcha may not always be on the menu, but they are good about posting current flavor offerings to their social media pages.

I am not a Matcha expert, but I have been drinking it for a really long time, before it became trendy and popular, so I’ve had a lot of experience going to shops, paying $8 and being handed a gray colored matcha. I hope you find one you like.

As ALWAYS no one paid me to be included in this round up.