Matcha has been around for over a thousand years. Although many people believe it originated in Japan, it actually came from China during the Tang Dynasty. When people wanted tea, they would grind a piece of green tea into powder and whisk it with hot water. Over time, the Japanese turned matcha into an art form, where it was used to represent peace and elegance. Today, matcha is widely available in stores, cafes, and snack shops. By just walking to the Q17 bus station from Townsend Harris, you can find a Dunkin that sells matcha lattes. If you step on to the Q17 taking you to Flushing, many boba shops and cafes such as Tea Pulse and Starbucks also offer rich matcha drinks. If you ever wonder what matcha to get, here are some suggestions that are budget-friendly and still taste just as wonderful.
Dunkin’ Donuts: Matcha Latte with Cookie Crumble Foam
Rating: 7.2/10
Dunkin’ takes its matcha latte up a level with the cookie crumble foam, adding a delightful twist to the classic drink. The matcha itself leans on the creamier side, with a noticeable milky taste that overpowers the matcha flavor. While it doesn’t have the strong, slightly bitter depth of traditional matcha, it’s an easy, approachable option for newer drinkers. Although the matcha in Dunkin does not have an authentic taste that can easily throw people off, it still would not be a bad option.
Besides that, the service in Dunkin was quite fast and the drink came just about five minutes after ordering. Inside, there were many seats if you wanted to sit down and chat with your friends. The atmosphere is usually upbeat, especially after school when many students come in for a snack.
Dunkin’ might not be your go-to if you’re looking for a more authentic, grassy matcha flavor. But for the others who like a milky taste or want to dip their toes into the world of matcha, this just might be your new favorite drink. It’s definitely an accessible, affordable, and quick way to enjoy matcha!
Tea Pulse: Original Matcha Latte with Boba
Rating: 9.3/10
Tea Pulse’s Matcha Latte with Boba brings together the smooth, earthy bitterness of matcha with the chewy texture of tapioca pearls. Visually, the drink certainly stands out with its vibrant green color. The flavor is both mildly bitter and creamy. Tea Pulse doesn’t overdo the sugar, which is often a common mistake with matcha lattes. The tapioca pearls bring enough chewiness to complement the matcha without overpowering it.
Inside Tea Pulse, the shop remains busy with customers even after its grand opening, especially with its growing popularity on social media. The service was honestly quite slow, taking about 45 minutes to order and receive the drink. Although the store was somewhat cramped due to the overwhelming amount of customers, the delicious and high-quality drink received after the long wait paid off. Additionally, during holiday times, the store often gives out cute decorations such as scarves for your drinks, as seen in the picture to the left.
If you are around Flushing and in the mood for some bittersweet, creamy matcha, it is a great idea to stop by Tea Pulse, though you should expect a long wait time during peak hours. Although many people dislike how bitter matcha can be, there is always time to develop a taste for different types of drinks. That being said, whether you’re new to matcha or a seasoned matcha enjoyer, their drinks definitely won’t disappoint.
Starbucks: Milky Matcha Slush
Rating: 8.7/10
Starbucks Matcha Slush is great for hot days, blending milky flavors and an earthy matcha flavor with a refreshing slushy texture. If you are worried that the matcha is overpowered because of the added milk, do not worry! The matcha flavor is still very noticeable and the milk only adds a creamy texture to the drink, though the drink is more on the sweeter side.
The atmosphere at Starbucks is comfortable and modern, with its dim lights. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or looking for a place to study, Starbucks offers a great balance of relaxation and energy, providing cozy and spacious seating along with relaxing music. Even during busy hours, Starbucks is often not too crowded due to the many locations it offers across Queens. Many locations also offer outlets and free Wi-Fi, which is great for studying outside of school or at home.
If you ever come across Starbucks on an extremely humid day, it is a wonderful idea to go in and cool down with a cold, slushed matcha drink! With its creamy and sweet flavor profile, seasoned matcha lovers might not be a fan of this drink. Starbucks uses a matcha powder that’s often mixed with sugar, so the taste might not be as pure or rich as you’d get from higher-quality matcha.
Overall, in the world of matcha, there’s always something for everyone, whether you’re new to the matcha flavor or an old-timer. Dunkin’ makes matcha approachable with its creamy, sweetened drinks that appeal to those who may be trying matcha for the first time. Their Matcha Latte offers a lighter, milder taste, making it an excellent introduction to the flavor without overwhelming your taste buds. On the other hand, Tea Pulse stands out with its authentic, rich matcha that offers a smooth and well-balanced flavor that’s perfect for anyone looking to explore matcha more deeply. With customizable options like boba, it’s a fun and trendy spot that’s gaining popularity for good reason. Lastly, Starbucks, with options like the Milky Matcha Slush, offers a fun twist on the traditional matcha latte. No matter where and when, matcha is always a reliable option to quench your thirst.
