Matcha, the finely ground powder made from green tea leaves that is vital to traditional Japanese tea culture, has made its way into mainstream American food culture in the last few years. Matcha Cafe Maiko in Centreville is just one sign of that trend, and a quick glance at social media reviews shows that locals are all in.
Offering a range of matcha and hojicha teas, as well as soft-serve ice cream, shaved ice, and uji kintoki (shaved ice with matcha syrup, sweet adzuki beans, and sweetened condensed milk), this place offers a welcoming atmosphere to sit down and relax with friends. All the shop’s ice cream mixes, waffle cones, and toppings are made and prepared in-house daily, and teas are sourced from traditional tea houses in Kyoto. If you have a non-dairy diet, you’ll be pleased to find almond milk varieties of everything on the menu–just let the employees know what you prefer.
Open daily beginning at 2 p.m., Matcha Cafe Maiko is offering curbside takeout on its full menu of ice cream and drinks. Pro tip: Be sure to try the cafe’s signature Japanese cheesecakes!