Top five places to grab matcha in Miami-Dade County

Matcha is a vibrant Japanese green tea that is a caffeine alternative, providing a healthier boost of energy without the jitteriness associated with coffee. In a city with a strong coffee scene, matcha has become a serious rival. For those looking to explore it, here are five places to grab matcha in Miami-Dade County.

Top5matcha image2
Server adding Honey whip atop matcha (David Brown/Caplin News)

1. Honey Veil
5748 Sunset Drive
South Miami
(305) 979-0941
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

From a pop-up bakery to a brick-and-mortar store, Honey Veil is known for its unique approach to matcha, combining modern flavors alongside traditional matcha preparation. From honey whip layered atop its beverages to drinks such as the banana bread matcha and yuzu matcha spritz, the rich Japanese-sourced ceremonial-grade matcha attracts lines wrapped around the building. With its energetic atmosphere and varied indoor and outdoor seating options, Honey Veil serves as a community hub dedicated to connecting over matcha, coffee, and their baked goods. 

Top5matcha image3
Barista at Banh preparing a strawberry zen matcha (David Brown/Caplin News)

2. BANH
3409 Main Highway
Coconut Grove
(305) 477-0866
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

BANH is a bubble tea shop located inside Books & Books in Coconut Grove. The shop brings a cafe atmosphere to the bookstore, allowing customers to browse curated book selections while enjoying bubble tea. Matcha drinks include the Emerald Sip and Strawberry Zen, made with a creamy matcha base and tapioca or popping pearls. The cafe is a great place for those who want to pursue books, with the enjoyment of a rich, syrupy matcha.

Top5matcha image4
Counter of I Think She Is. (David Brown/Caplin News)

3. i think she is
169 SW 7th St.
Miami
(305) 603-9206
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday– Saturday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Located in Brickell is a small coffee shop, i think she is. Besides the coffee selection, the shop serves iced matcha with a Caribbean twist by adding a blend of orange and strawberry juice to make what they call “Matcharitas.” The drink has a unique flavor, with the herbal taste of the matcha, the citrus flavor of orange juice, and a sweet finish provided by strawberry juice. If the combination isn’t for you, plain matcha lattes are on the menu. The cafe space also features upcoming events for residents celebrating holidays with their beverages and full brunch menu. 

Top5matcha image5
Barista at Caracas Bakery preparing lattes (David Brown/Caplin News)

4. Caracas Bakery
72 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables
(786) 647-3759
Monday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Caracas Bakery is a Venezuelan bakery with locations in Biscayne, Doral, Coral Gables and an upcoming space in the Design District. The Coral Gables location serves fresh iced and hot matcha, featuring a deep, earthy flavor and foamy top. The matcha is best served alongside their Venezuelan and French pastries, like the chicken pastelitos or pain au chocolat. 

Unnamed (49)
Display of counter at Tea & Poets (David Brown/Caplin News)

5. Tea & Poets
5701 Sunset Drive
Unit 126
South Miami
(786) 216-7201

Monday – Tuesday: noon – 8 p.m.
Wednesday: noon – 10 p.m.
Thursday: noon – 8 p.m.
Friday: noon – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tea & Poets is a tea lounge in South Miami, best known for its open-mic nights for local artists. The cafe offers matcha made from Japanese longleaf green tea for a more refined grassy flavor. The shop also offers interesting flavors of matcha, including chocolate or lemonade, with options to be served hot or cold. Tea & Poets serves well for enjoying a cup of matcha or other various teas during a quiet afternoon or a lively evening.

David Brown is a freshman at Florida International University, majoring in International Relations and Digital Journalism. Brown aspires to cover political news, specifically in conflicts, both domestically and internationally. After graduation, he looks to pursue a career in international news reporting and law.