Where to Find the Best Matcha Lattes in Montreal

Matcha is not just a drink, it's a lifestyle. Sure, not everyone is a fan of matcha lattes, but the following spots in Montreal might just change your mind. As someone who makes matcha at home, goes to as many matcha pop-ups as possible, and makes it a point to try matcha everywhere she travels, I'd like to think I know a thing or two about what makes a good one.

For me, a good matcha latte comes down to a few things: high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha, proper whisking technique, the perfect matcha-to-milk ratio, and, if you're adding flavour, a syrup that complements the matcha without completely overpowering it. Seems simple enough, right? Yet surprisingly few spots in Montreal manage to nail all four. Sometimes the matcha is bitter or even slightly fishy, sometimes there's way too much milk, and other times an overly artificial syrup takes over the entire drink.

So, as a self-proclaimed certified matcha connoisseur, I've rounded up some of the best spots and pop-ups in Montreal to visit when you're craving a really good matcha latte. Whether you've never tried matcha, weren't impressed the first time and want to give it another chance, or you're just as obsessed as I am, here are some of the best matcha lattes to try in Montreal.

Starting off strong with what I believe is the BEST spot in Montreal for matcha right now. Thé JinJin is a teahouse inspired by Chinese tea culture that opened not too long ago in the Plateau, and judging by the line outside almost every day, the word has definitely gotten out. Fortunately, the line moves pretty quickly, and trust me, the wait is worth it.

I've already been twice, and what impressed me most was the creativity behind the menu. One of the drinks I tried was the Strawberry & Earl Grey Matcha, made with fresh strawberries from Jean-Talon Market. Vibrant in colour and just sweet enough, you can actually taste the strawberry and Earl Grey without either one overpowering the matcha, which is exactly how a flavoured matcha should be done.

Then there's the Raw Summer Honey Matcha, a completely different experience combining Pu-Erh cold brew with honey infused with melilot, all topped with a silky matcha cold foam. The matcha is more subtle here, but the cold foam gives the drink this smooth, creamy texture that works so well with the refreshing tea base. Their menu gets even more creative with drinks like a white chocolate matcha and the Montagne d'Été, made with pandan lemonade and jasmine tea.

And don't overlook the food. Their Hong Kong-style peanut butter French toast is still living rent-free in my mind.

If you're in the area, Thé JinJin is absolutely worth a stop, but don't leave it too late. They're only open Wednesday through Sunday and close at 4 p.m., and with the regular lineups, I'd recommend showing up well before closing. After seeing what they did with their summer menu, I already can't wait to see what they have planned for fall.

I seriously can't believe I didn't try this place sooner. Located in Griffintown, REBL Cafe is tucked inside REBL Boxing Club. It's a small, minimalist café, but don't let the simple setup fool you because there's a lot of thought behind the menu.

After a quick but insightful conversation with the barista, I learned just how much testing goes into each creation before it actually makes it onto the menu. Their syrups are also made fresh in-house daily, and the barista even had me grab the bottle to feel that it was still warm from being made that morning. It's a small detail, but one that immediately made me appreciate the effort behind each drink.

I went for the Apple Pie Matcha, made with their homemade apple syrup, quality matcha, milk, cheese cold foam and a graham cracker crumble. And yes, it tasted just as good as it sounds. Cinnamon-y, apple-y and, most importantly, still matcha-y. The apple and cinnamon brought all those cozy fall flavours without completely taking over the matcha, while the cheese cold foam made everything extra creamy. They also have a Creamsicle Matcha on the menu, which sounds just as heavenly and is already giving me a reason to go back.

It's a bit of a walk from Georges-Vanier station, but trust me, it's totally worth the extra steps.

This spot in Old Montreal opened not too long ago, and while most cafés need a little time to perfect their matcha game, Matcha Haus Atelier seems to be living up to its name already.

They first went viral for their Black Sesame Matcha, a combination I hadn't really seen anywhere else, so naturally, I had to try it for myself. But of course, if I was going to make the journey all the way to Old Montreal, I couldn't order just one matcha. For research purposes, obviously. So I added the Matcha Lemonade, a drink I normally wouldn't gravitate toward, but one I definitely did not regret ordering.

As soon as the drinks arrived, the first thing that caught my attention was that vibrant green colour, followed closely by the matcha-to-milk and matcha-to-lemonade ratios. I obviously went for the Black Sesame Matcha first and immediately let out a very enthusiastic "mmmm" after the first sip. Maybe a little too enthusiastic, because my next sip was essentially a giant gulp of black sesame paste. That would probably be my only criticism. Since they use a paste rather than a syrup, it doesn't blend into the milk quite as easily at first. Give it a little time, though, and that nutty sesame flavour slowly makes its way through the entire drink.

Another thing worth mentioning is that Matcha Haus Atelier only offers alternative milks. For the Black Sesame Matcha, I went with macadamia milk, and I'd absolutely recommend doing the same. Its subtle nuttiness complements the sesame perfectly.

Now, onto the Matcha Lemonade. I won't lie, the lemon comes through strong. If you love drinks that are tart and refreshing, this one is for you. But surprisingly, I didn't find that it completely overpowered the matcha. Instead, the matcha seemed to soften some of the sharpness of the lemonade, creating a balance I wasn't expecting to enjoy as much as I did. Matcha lemonade may have been interpreted by plenty of cafés already, but this version particularly left a mark on me. If it were still the middle of summer, I'd actually order it again.

It's no secret that Spirulina makes a good matcha. With several locations across Montreal, it's become one of my go-tos when I want something reliable and, most importantly, strong. Whether it's a classic matcha latte, their somewhat controversial Banana Bread Matcha, the Sticky Date Matcha, or my most recent discovery, the Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte, Spirulina just seems to get it right.

One thing I particularly appreciate is how well they balance their flavours. Their homemade syrups are often thicker, almost closer to a paste, which means they pack in plenty of flavour without needing to drown the drink in sweetness. The Pumpkin Spice Matcha is a perfect example. It was rich in warm spices and tasted exactly like fall, but I could still taste the matcha underneath it all. And for me, that's one of the biggest tests of a good flavoured matcha.

It's especially impressive considering matcha is only one small part of Spirulina's pretty extensive menu, which covers everything from coffee, smoothies and juices to avocado toast and more. Yet somehow, their matcha creations never feel like an afterthought.

Ahh, my beloved Café MinaMina. The cutest little café that I almost always stop by when I'm visiting Atwater Market or going for a stroll along the Lachine Canal.

They were all the buzz these past few months for their Mango Cream Matcha, which combined mango purée, matcha from Camellia Sinensis, and a lactose-free mango cold foam. And if you thought it couldn't get any better, it literally tasted like a mango lassi. Needless to say, the matcha fanatic and desi in me was very sad when it eventually disappeared from the menu.

But thankfully, there's a new seasonal creation to fill the void: the Blackberry Matcha. Of course, I had to go try it for myself, and I was pleasantly surprised. I don't particularly care for blackberries, but this drink had a really nice tanginess to it, balanced with just enough sweetness without overpowering the matcha itself. Even as someone who wouldn't normally gravitate toward blackberry anything, I'd happily order it again.

And if fruity matcha isn't your thing, they also have their classic Earl Grey Matcha, which is always a reliable choice.

A list of the best matcha lattes in Montreal wouldn't be complete without mentioning Osmo x Marusan. I mean, can you imagine being a Japanese café and not having good matcha? Thankfully, they more than deliver, and honestly, there's hardly an item on their menu that doesn't hit the mark. From their sandos and curries to their coffee, hojicha and, of course, the star of this article: matcha.

Hot or iced, their matcha is consistently good, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. You can keep things simple with a classic matcha latte, switch it up with their refreshing Matcha Tonic, or try one of their seasonal creations. Their latest, the Iced Mango Matcha, has a strong, fruity mango purée that actually tastes like mango rather than straight-up sugar, while still letting the matcha come through.

Pair your drink with one of their sandos or pastries, grab a seat in their signature brutalist-style space, and you've got yourself a pretty solid afternoon pick-me-up.

Another Japanese spot on this list, Ohayo Café is an unassuming little address in the Plateau that I genuinely think deserves more hype. Considering how good both their food and matcha are, you'd almost expect to see them going viral every other week. They're definitely popular, but somehow still feel like one of those spots that more people should be talking about.

I've been once or twice, and I still remember the delicious beef keema curry I had there, which surprisingly reminded me of my mom's Indian lamb keema. But that's a topic for another article.

Their drink menu has plenty to choose from, but only a handful of matcha options, and honestly, I take that as a good sign. Rather than putting matcha into everything imaginable, they seem to focus on doing a few variations really well. You can keep things classic with a hot matcha latte or venture into their signature and seasonal creations, like the Earl Grey I tried over a year ago, the Matcha Yuzu Limo, or their seasonal Passion Iced Matcha.

From what I remember from my last visit, they were also pretty light-handed with the syrup, which meant the actual matcha flavour still came through instead of disappearing behind the sweetness. And considering I can still remember that matcha more than a year later, I'd say that speaks for itself.

Actually, as I'm writing this, I'm realizing I'm very overdue for another visit.

Pop ups and more

Matchasipp

Sometimes, you need to look beyond cafés to find a really good matcha. Luckily for me and my fellow South Shore people, Matchasipp is a home-based matcha shop in Brossard serving creations made with 100% ceremonial-grade matcha.

I had the pleasure of trying some of their drinks a while back, when I was still refining my matcha palate, and even then, I remember being amazed by the quality and creativity behind them. Matchasipp was ahead of the game. The vibrant green colour immediately caught my attention, but it was the flavour combinations that really made them stand out.

Their creations change every week, and somehow, they seem to get more original each time. Past flavours have included a Sweet Potato Matcha Latte, an Oreo Latte Matcha Cloud, and a Strawberry Matcha Latte topped with crème brûlée foam. The toppings are optional, by the way, but take it from me: get the topping.

What I find especially interesting is that you can also choose between different matcha powders depending on the flavour profile you prefer. Some lean more umami, while others are fruitier, more floral, or have completely different characteristics. Once you start noticing those differences, ordering matcha becomes a whole other experience, and it's yet another reason Matchasipp is worth discovering.

And despite being home-based, they've made ordering surprisingly convenient. They offer free delivery within Brossard, with small delivery fees for other areas, as well as pickup options around Montreal. You can even order your matcha in to-go pouches, which makes bringing one along for the day (or on a little road trip) that much easier.

With flavours changing regularly, your best bet is to check out their Instagram page to see what they're whipping up that week.

Goodluck Matcha

I went to my first Goodluck Matcha pop-up earlier this summer and was instantly hooked. Gabriel, the genius behind Goodluck Matcha, hosts one or two pop-ups every month during the summer, each time with a new lineup of creative matcha drinks. I first discovered his creations through TikTok, and when I saw that an upcoming pop-up would feature a Mango Sticky Rice Matcha, obviously I had to go. But once I got there, I couldn't resist ordering the Jasmine Matcha too. Yes, I got two matcha lattes for myself. Don't judge.

The Mango Sticky Rice Matcha was somehow even better than I expected because it genuinely tasted like the actual dessert. The mango wasn't overly strong, which was a good thing because you could actually taste the sticky rice part too. There was coconut, creaminess and…rice? I wasn't sure at first because I genuinely couldn't believe he would put actual rice in a drink. A few weeks later, I bumped into Gabriel and asked him about it, and sure enough, he confirmed there were actual pieces of rice in there. Gabriel was clearly not joking when he called it Mango Sticky Rice, and I was rightfully impressed.

As good as that one was, the Jasmine Matcha might have been even better. Made with milk and premium jasmine tea and topped with matcha cream, it hit me with those floral jasmine notes from the very first sip. The matcha flavour in the cream was more subtle, but paired beautifully with the jasmine and gave the whole drink this smooth, creamy finish.

Naturally, I went back for a second Goodluck Matcha pop-up in July. This time, the theme was fruit cart, with four drinks on the menu: Guava Oolong Matcha, Blueberry Pie Matcha, Peaches & Cream Matcha and Banana Pudding Matcha. You best believe I ordered all four. Again, don't judge.

I went in convinced the Banana Pudding would be my favourite, and while it did end up near the top, the Guava Oolong completely took me by surprise. Similar to the Jasmine, it was topped with matcha cream, while the base combined oolong tea, guava nectar and milk. It tasted tropical and unexpected, but still had that comforting tea-forward quality I loved so much about the Jasmine.

And if reading this is giving you FOMO, there's still one more chance. Goodluck Matcha is hosting its final pop-up of the season on September 26 and 27, and they're bringing back some of their biggest crowd favourites, including the Jasmine and Guava Oolong. Just take my advice and show up early. The lines can get long, and the drinks tend to sell out quickly.

See you at the next pop-up! And yes, I'll probably be the one ordering multiple matcha lattes again.

Mashukin Cafe

Matcha pop-ups are always on my radar, so when I found out Mashukin Café was doing one at DIX30, literally a few minutes from my house, you already know I had to check it out. Mind you, this was just a few hours before I had to leave for the airport, so if that doesn't prove my commitment to matcha research, I don't know what does.

I first discovered Mashukin Café through social media and had been keeping an eye on their pop-ups ever since. The story behind it makes the concept even more interesting. Maxine, the owner, left her career as a teacher to start her own matcha business and spent months taste-testing matcha from different farms across Japan before settling on the one she wanted to serve. She explained that the matcha she chose has a milder flavour profile, without the strong bitterness that can sometimes turn people away from matcha altogether. So, if you're new to the matcha world and still worried it's going to taste like grass, Mashukin Café might be a good place to start.

At her August pop-up, I obviously couldn't settle for just one drink, so I tried three: mango, strawberry and lavender. What I found interesting was the way the flavours were incorporated. Rather than having the fruit or lavender completely take over the drink, each one was topped with a flavoured cold foam, keeping those notes more subtle while adding an extra layer of creaminess. The matcha itself had enough sweetness to balance everything out, making each drink approachable without losing the matcha underneath.

Mashukin Café's next pop-up is happening on September 18 at Marché Angus, so if you've been looking for an excuse to give matcha another chance, this might be it. And maybe don't do what I did and squeeze it in right before heading to the airport.

And that's a wrap on some of the best matcha lattes in Montreal! Yes, I'll admit this list is on the smaller side, but that was completely intentional. Every spot mentioned above is somewhere I've personally tried, genuinely loved, and felt deserved a place on this list. No hearsay, no "I saw it on TikTok so it must be good." Consider this one thoroughly matcha-tested.

That being said, my matcha research is far from over. There are still so many places on my list to discover, not to mention new spots that haven't even opened yet, like Café Jiji, whose opening I'm already looking forward to.

So, for now, these are my picks. But knowing Montreal's matcha scene, I have a feeling this list is only going to get longer.

Happy matcha testing!