Top five matcha spots near FIU

Whether it’s an early day of class or a long afternoon of studying, almost every college student looks for a caffeine fix. Matcha has become a popular drink of choice — it includes a unique taste and about half the caffeine of coffee. Here are the top five matcha spots near Florida International University campuses. They all offer a high-quality experience at a low cost.

Naughty Coffee’s permanent location at Dadeland Mall. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Aleman)

Naughty Coffee
Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne Blvd. 
Aventura, FL 33180

Dadeland Mall
7535 N Kendall Dr. 
Miami, FL 33156
(347) 283-5609
Matcha Price: $6 

Naughty Coffee started in 2019 as a mobile shop, traveling around Miami-Dade County in a Volkswagen Bus. A year later they parked indefinitely at Aventura Mall. In 2022, Serbian founders Milan Blagojevic and Liudmyla Zaletska collaborated with the German design company AENY to add a second location in Dadeland Mall. Both places are elegant and often have long lines. They have their own ceremonial-grade matcha brand that features a vibrant green color. Naughty Coffee’s attention to detail is reflected in the making and serving of traditional tools such as the bamboo whisk, which is called a chasen in Japanese. The drink is subtly sweet with creamy, malty, and nutty flavors. It’s perfect for those looking for a smooth and balanced matcha with a bolder taste.

An iced matcha latte served at Tea & Poets (Photo courtesy of Heidi Aleman)

Tea & Poets 
5701 Sunset Dr.
Unit 126 
South Miami, FL 33143
(786) 216-7201
Matcha Price: $5.40

Recommended for those with a sweet tooth, Tea & Poets has matcha flavors such as chocolate and lemonade. The drink is served either hot or iced and made from Japanese longleaf green tea. This matcha is creamy, dessert-like, and has a very faint green tea taste. The shop also offers alternative options such as oat and almond milk. While you’re sipping on your matcha, you can enjoy their event space, where they consistently host open mic nights. Tea & Poets also sells vintage clothing, jewelry, and art.

Brewing Buddha decor and matcha. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Aleman)

Brewing Buddha
8219 SW 124th St.
Miami, FL 33156
(786) 842-3342
Matcha Price: $6.49

Brewing Buddha was started by two brothers, Jordan and Cassidy Athos, who merged art and quality drinks. A guaranteed, ceremonial-grade matcha can be enjoyed by those who have acquired a liking for the tea’s umami taste. This drink also has a vibrant green color, an indicator of quality. Brewing Buddha has various unique flavors such as lavender, rose, coconut, lychee, and pistachio. The shop features art on its walls and its curated music playlists promote a creative environment. 

A matcha latte and menu from Cafe del Alma (Photo courtesy of Chloe Barnett)

Cafe Del Alma 
16275 Biscayne Blvd. 
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
(305) 705-4956
Matcha Price: $5.75

Cafe Del Alma has a tranquil and chic environment and sells handmade products. The decor has an English style with many quiet corners to get work done. They use the brand Matcha DNA, which is certified organic. Cafe Del Alma provides a sweeter alternative for those who find the Japanese beverage too bitter. This cafe is a great choice for those who are curious and are first-timers in tasting matcha. You can pair the drink with the cafe’s brunch options, such as omelets and sandwiches made with whole foods.

Entrance and matcha latte from specialTEA. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Aleman)

specialTEA
10766 Coral Wy.
 Miami, FL 33165
(305) 554-8327
Matcha Price: $5 

This eco-friendly cafe provides the most affordable matcha on this list and has vegan options. Whether you want to study or play board games, specialTEA provides a fun, yet peaceful environment. Another choice for those looking for a sweet drink is the matcha latte, which has a hint of green tea and a sweet brown sugar taste. The creaminess of the drink pairs perfectly with their salty dishes. If you’re looking for something to snack on, their freshly made matcha chocolate chip cookies are the way to go. This cafe is only four minutes away from FIU’s Modesto Maidique Campus and is a popular spot among students. 

Chloe Barnett is a junior majoring in Digital Broadcasting and Anthropology. After she graduates, she hopes to pursue a career as a documentary filmmaker and anthropologist.

Heidi is a junior at Florida International University majoring in Digital Communication and Media. She is interested in culture and aims to tell stories that speak to the human connection and experience. In the future, she hopes to work in the entertainment field, storytelling through visual art and music.