As someone who can’t resist the vibrant allure of matcha, I’ve spent countless hours exploring Vancouver Canada‘s matcha scene, one matcha bowl at a time. Whether you’re a fellow matcha lover or a coffee junkie turned green tea newbie curious about this earthy green elixir, let me take you on a personal tour of my favorite matcha spots in the city.
With over 20 years of tea-sipping expertise and a discerning palate, I know what makes a perfect matcha. As a teaholic and Vancouverite living just one block from Whisk Matcha Café in Mount Pleasant, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the city’s finest matcha offerings. Plus, having experienced Matcha Madness in Uji, Japan—the birthplace of matcha—I’ve experienced the ultimate in authentic green tea culture and bring those high standards to every sip I take.
Let’s dive into Vancouver’s matcha haven together!
1. Whisk Matcha Café
Walking into Whisk Matcha Café feels like stepping into a little slice of Japan right in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Vancouver. From your first sip of their signature soy matcha latte, you know you’re in for something special. The matcha here is premium quality as the Japanese owner imports it straight from Japan and makes frequent trips to various matcha regions in Japan herself.
The taste? Smooth, rich, with that perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness that you crave.
Attached to the matcha café is Level V Bakery, a gluten free vegan bakery and Softie Co. Vegan Ice Cream. So while you’re drinking your matcha you can simultaneously enjoy an almond matcha croissant, bubble waffles or their signature matcha mochi muffins made with glutinous rice flour.
And if it’s soft serve you crave, this location serves up the best vegan matcha soft serve in a charcoal cone topped with gold flakes. They have both Asian inspired and seasonal flavours like red bean, hojicha, passionfruit, ube, apple cinnamon, black sesame, london fog, and HK and oolong milk tea.
Whisk is my matcha hotspot, hence why it’s first on the list in this blog post! I love their seasonal specials and participation in the Vancouver Ice Cream Festival, the Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival and the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.
During the summer months the iced strawberry coconut matcha latte and the sparkling yuzu matcha drinks are honestly outstanding. On weekends they have the option to add bubble tea pearls to your drink!
2. Aiyaohno Café
Aiyaohno Café is where I go when I’m in the mood for something sleek and modern and the perfect relaxing space between Vancouver’s Chinatown and Gastown neighbourhoods. The minimalist décor and relaxed atmosphere including couches make it the perfect place to slow down and savour the moment.
Their matcha lattes are an experience—creamy, comforting, and just the right amount of green tea goodness. In the summer I enjoy their iced strawberry matcha latte with strawberry puree. I love pairing it with one of their delightful Japanese-inspired treats like their matcha mochi bread!
They serve outstanding dishes like uni miso butter udon and wild pacific albacore tuna cheese melt sandos. During Vancouver’s Hot Chocolate Festival, they even had durian hot chocolate—insane when you’re a durian fanatic like me! Aiyaohno is where I find my matcha zen, to the point where I even own their toque.
3. Propaganda Coffee
Propaganda Coffee is a gem I stumbled upon on East Pender while wandering through Chinatown. It’s right next to one of my favourite Korean donut shops in town, Mello. Known for high calibre coffee, I was surprised to find that the matcha offerings at Propaganda are just as impressive.
The matcha latte here has a wonderful earthy flavour you will absolutely savour. There’s something about the laid-back vibe of Propaganda with it’s primo people-watching location that makes it easy to lose track of time.
I love how every time I visit, elderly Chinese people from the neighbourhood are tsipping on quality loose leaf green tea alongside millennial hipsters with fancy matcha lattes. Whether I’m showing this place off to a friend or enjoying quiet time alone, it always hits the spot.
4. Paragon Tea Room
Paragon Tea Room is a hidden treasure—a modern tea bar with multiple locations in Richmond, Pacific Centre downtown, YVR airport (and soon to be Cambie Village again—likely by September 2025!) that’s all about celebrating tea in the coolest way possible.
The matcha here is top-notch, sourced from small farms in Japan, which makes every sip feel special. Paragon’s sleek, modern design and branding makes it a great place to unwind. I love that it’s a spot where I can explore new flavours and discover unique matcha combinations.
I’m particularly fond of their soy matcha latte and pu-erh chocolate oat in the winter months. During the summer their matcha lemonade is the perfect blend of refreshing and invigorating. Look out for seasonal specials like their ROJO: rose osmanthus jasmine oat made with Taiwanese Jasmine green tea!
My husband loves the fresh pearls in their bubble tea drinks and their bacon cheese bubble waffles. I also relish in their black sesame mochi matcha bubble waffle. It’s not too sweet and the is perfect sweet treat to pair with your tea.
5. Café Kitsuné
Café Kitsuné is where Parisian chic meets Japanese tradition, and I absolutely love it. There’s something elegant about this place, located in Vancouver’s touristy yet historic Gastown neighbourhood. From the beautifully crafted matcha lattes to the stylish décor, I feel like I’m stepping into a little piece of Paris in Vancouver.
The matcha here is smooth, vibrant, and always leaves me feeling content. Café Kitsuné is my go-to in Gastown when I want to indulge in a bit of sophistication while sipping on my favourite green drink. Menu standouts include: hojicha roll cake, matcha hot chocolate, matcha lemonade, kombucha, wine and sencha, jasmine and chrysanthemum tea.
6. O5 Rare Tea Bar
O5 Rare Tea Bar is where I go when I’m in the mood for something bold and flavourful. This is where you should head for the best matcha in Kitsilano and to take a pause from the hustle and bustle of shopping along West 4th Ave. Their matcha drinks pack a punch, and I love that they offer such a wide variety of options.
From ceremonial grade traditional tastings at the bar, to matcha lattes, to tea-infused kombucha bar on tap, there’s always something fun to try. The chill, darkly lit vibe of O5 makes it a fun place to visit, in stark contrast to the busy shopping district.
It’s also a wonderful place to pick up tea to take home as their selection is primo. I often find myself coming here whenever I’m craving a clean bright matcha flavour.
7. Nemesis Coffee
This iconic brunch spot deserves an honourable mention. With three locations in the city at Great Northern Way, East Hastings and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, Nemesis Coffee serves up a mean quality grade matcha. Though known for much more than just its matcha (excellent coffee and contender for best brunch in the city anyone?), the matcha latte at Nemesis routinely comes through.
My new favourite “secret” drink on the menu? Their purple and green ube matcha latte.
Green Tea Finale
If you’re curious about the health benefits of matcha, my husband Gavin’s blog post, Jacked on Matcha: Fitness Benefits and Where to Find the Best, dives into how this powerful green tea can enhance both fitness and wellness. Gavin is a certified Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P.) in Vancouver, BC, with a focus on sports acupuncture who runs a health and fitness coaching website, where he shares tips, evidence-based insights, and personalized guidance to help individuals achieve their health and performance goals.
Exploring the best matcha cafes in Vancouver, Canada is a true treat, with each spot putting its own spin on this beloved green tea. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a vibrant place to meet friends, these top matcha cafes each offer something unique. If you’re a matcha enthusiast like me, or even if you’re just looking for a refreshing alternative to coffee, I highly recommend checking out these locations. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have—happy sipping!
How are your Canada travels coming along? While you’re exploring the vibrant city of Vancouver on the hunt for the best cafés with WiFi downtown and best bowls of ramen, be sure to save this matcha guide to make all the top matcha cafés in Vancouver, BC easy to find!
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Happy eats!
♥ Agni
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