A tale of two cities, two matcha missions. Forget your flat whites or pour-over coffee, we're talking about the good stuff. The earthy, slightly bitter, and oh-so-soothing nectar of the gods, also known as matcha.
Wa Cafe, Marylebone: The OG London Spot
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| Great Match and Hojicha latte |
First up, London. When it comes to Japanese cafes, I've been eyeing up Wa Cafe for ages, and it did not disappoint. The Marylebone branch is a little shoebox, so good luck getting a table on a Saturday without a death stare from a few other hopeful patrons. It's a proper little slice of Japan, a world away from the busy London streets outside.
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| Fluffy strawberry spongecake |
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| Great flavour but texture is a let down |
The matcha latte was a dream. Not too sweet, not too grassy - just a perfect, creamy balance that makes you feel like you've got your life together. And the cake! That strawberry sponge cake was a revelation. It was so light and fluffy it practically floated off the plate. What I really love about Wa Cafe is that they serve so many typical Japanese bakery items and cakes that you just don't see anywhere else in the UK (apart from the M&S strawberry sando I've talked about before
here). The honey toast was a bit of a letdown, sadly. A bit too hard, like it'd been sitting there for a bit too long, but the flavour was still on point. Overall, a great spot for an authentic treat.
OCHA Cafe, Birmingham: The Unexpected Gem
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| Small cosy cafe - Google Image |
Now, onto Birmingham. I was surprised to find a Japanese cafe tucked away in the Chinese Quarter. It’s a tiny place, but the vibes are immaculate. It gets busy, so be prepared to stand around looking a bit lost for a while.
While the selection isn't as vast as Wa Cafe. The matcha and hojicha lattes were solid. I’d still put Wa Cafe slightly ahead, but OCHA is by no means a slouch. Their Basque cheesecake was also very good. Creamy, rich, and with that perfectly caramelised top. But let’s be real, nothing will ever beat the one I had in Madri (
here for the review). I'm still dreaming about it. Maybe they'll do a matcha version one day and I'll book my flight back immediately.
These two cafes prove you don't need to be in Japan to get a decent matcha fix. They're both worth the trip, even if you have to fight for a seat.
Verdict: Wa Cafe wins for authenticity and pastry selection, but OCHA offers a strong, unexpected matcha moment in Birmingham.
Restaurant Info
Wa Cafe Marylebone
Address: 25 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4BB
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