Isa Matcha
1540 W Alabama St, Houston, TX
Crema's Take
“This Houston matcha specialist has earned a devoted following for thoughtfully crafted matcha drinks that actually let you taste the matcha beneath the sweetness, especially their praised vanilla classic and creative seasonal offerings like carrot cake matcha. The newer Menil-area location moves lines impressively fast without sacrificing care, and regulars rave about the homemade vanilla foam and the team's genuine friendliness. If you've been burned by overly sugary matcha lattes elsewhere, this is the spot to experience matcha done right.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
I ordered an iced matcha latte after reading the reviews. Many mentioned the matcha was very sweet, but as a “true matcha drinker” who enjoys the actual taste of matcha, I still wanted to give it a try. I ordered the classic with half sweetness, as suggested in other reviews. It wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t exciting. I could barely taste the matcha—even with half the vanilla—and it mostly tasted like oat milk. There was also a lot of large ice chunks, so after 3–4 sips the drink was basically gone. For $9, I’d rather go somewhere else for a straightforward matcha. For comparison, Matcha Mia in Montrose offers ceremonial-grade matcha and does it really well. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t return.
Tried their new spot across from the Menil. There was a long line and line moved quickly. I had read reviews where their drinks might be to sweet. I ordered a hot matcha with their home made vanilla bean and asked for least amount of sweet and it was just right! Even ordered the marshmallow rim. Would highly recommend this spot
Pretty solid spot for matcha in Houston! If you want a matcha that’s NOT too sweet try the vanilla classic one. It does get a little sweet towards the bottom where the syrup is but it’s still a pretty good balance. The banana one was too sweet. The banana cream itself was well made but it overpowers the tea. The hojicha was surprisingly good too! Nice and nutty. Again, I could ask for half the cream next time but it wasn’t TOO sweet. (my personal preference is just less sweeter)
went on a Saturday at 11am, quick service, and great choices! I got the carrot cake matcha and my bf got their coconut cream. The carrot cake is on the sweeter side but thats to be expected and I liked it! Coconut cream was great too. My bf isn’t even a fan of matcha but he said it was really good. 10/10 & I will be back!
I absolutely love their matcha! Definitely coming back! Super friendly service, their cold vanilla foam was amazing! A bit sweet but good ice ratio, milk ratio and taste, and especially matcha taste!
Crema Reviews
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