If you’re a matcha lover who follows a vegan lifestyle or simply enjoys plant-based treats, London has a vibrant café scene that caters to your tastes. This list highlights some of the best matcha-focused cafes across the city where you can savor expertly crafted matcha drinks alongside a variety of vegan snacks. Whether you want a creamy matcha latte or a refreshing iced matcha, paired with wholesome vegan cakes or savory bites, these spots deliver quality and flavor.
Matcha Mylkbar
Located in Shoreditch, Matcha Mylkbar is renowned for its high-grade Japanese matcha, which they source directly from Uji, Kyoto. They offer a fully vegan menu that includes matcha lattes made with oat or almond milk, alongside vegan matcha brownies and energy balls. The café’s minimalist aesthetic and focus on health-conscious ingredients make it a top choice for those seeking authentic matcha paired with clean, plant-based snacks.
Gail’s Bakery (Selected Locations)
Gail’s Bakery, with several locations across London, has embraced the matcha trend by offering matcha lattes alongside an expanding range of vegan pastries and snacks. Their vegan matcha cake and matcha-infused granola bars are particularly popular. While not exclusively matcha-focused, Gail’s provides a reliable option for a quick vegan snack and quality matcha drink in a cozy setting.
Farmacy
Situated in Notting Hill, Farmacy is a plant-based restaurant and café that prioritizes organic and sustainable ingredients. Their matcha lattes are made with ceremonial-grade matcha and a choice of plant milks. Vegan snack options include their famous raw cakes, such as the matcha and pistachio cake, which is both indulgent and nourishing. Farmacy’s commitment to health and sustainability makes it a must-visit for matcha and vegan enthusiasts alike.
Vegan Yes
Vegan Yes in East London is a fully vegan café and deli that offers a variety of matcha drinks alongside a creative menu of plant-based snacks. Their matcha latte is made using stone-ground matcha powder, providing a rich, authentic flavor. Snack offerings include vegan cookies, matcha-flavored energy balls, and seasonal fruit bowls, making it a great casual spot for a matcha fix and a light vegan bite.
Earth Café
Earth Café in Soho specializes in raw, vegan, and gluten-free foods, with matcha drinks crafted from ceremonial-grade powder. Their vegan matcha smoothie bowls and matcha chia puddings are popular choices that blend vibrant flavors with nutritious ingredients. The café’s focus on whole foods and superfoods ensures that every snack complements the health benefits of matcha.
Wild Food Café
Wild Food Café in Covent Garden offers a plant-based menu inspired by wild and foraged ingredients. Their matcha drinks are carefully prepared with organic matcha, and vegan snacks include raw cakes and nut-based treats infused with matcha. The vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes make it an exciting destination for those who want their matcha experience to be adventurous and wholesome.
Pelicana Matcha
Pelicana Matcha, tucked away in Camden, is a specialist matcha café that serves traditional Japanese matcha in various forms, all vegan-friendly by default. Their vegan matcha mochi and matcha-flavored rice crackers provide authentic Japanese snacking alongside matcha teas and lattes. For fans of Japanese culture and matcha, Pelicana offers an immersive, authentic experience.
Black Sheep Coffee (Selected Locations)
While Black Sheep Coffee is primarily known for its coffee, several locations have introduced matcha lattes made with organic matcha powder. Vegan snacks such as their oat-based flapjacks and vegan muffins complement the drinks well. It’s a convenient stop for matcha drinkers on the go who want reliable vegan snack options in a lively café environment.
Wild & The Moon
With locations in Soho and Marylebone, Wild & The Moon is a plant-based café focusing on organic, locally sourced ingredients. Their matcha lattes are made with ceremonial-grade matcha and a variety of plant-based milks. Vegan snacks include matcha energy bars and raw cakes, all crafted to boost energy and wellness without compromising taste.
Bone Daddies
Bone Daddies, a popular ramen spot with several London branches, surprisingly offers a vegan matcha latte option alongside some vegan-friendly snacks like edamame and seaweed salad. While not a dedicated matcha or vegan café, its matcha drinks are well reviewed, and the casual atmosphere is perfect for a quick matcha break with light vegan bites.
How to Choose
When choosing a matcha café with vegan snacks in London, consider the quality and origin of the matcha powder, as this greatly affects flavor and health benefits. Look for cafés that use ceremonial or stone-ground matcha directly sourced from Japan, which offers a more authentic and vibrant taste. Next, evaluate the vegan snack options—whether they are freshly made, use whole ingredients, and cater to your dietary preferences such as gluten-free or raw. Ambiance and location also matter if you plan to linger or work, while price points can vary widely. Finally, check if the café offers alternative plant milks like oat, almond, or soy, since these influence the creaminess and flavor of your matcha drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes matcha different from regular green tea? Matcha is powdered green tea made from shade-grown tea leaves, which are ground into a fine powder, offering a more concentrated flavor and higher antioxidant content than regular brewed green tea.
Are all matcha drinks vegan? Not always. Matcha itself is vegan, but many cafés use dairy milk by default. Always check if plant-based milk options are available to ensure your drink is vegan.
How can I tell if a café’s matcha is high quality? High-quality matcha is usually bright green, finely ground, and sourced from reputable regions like Uji in Japan. Some cafés specify their matcha origins and grades, which is a good sign.
Are vegan matcha snacks usually gluten-free? Not necessarily. While many vegan snacks are gluten-free, some may contain wheat or gluten ingredients. Always check the menu or ask staff if gluten-free options are important to you.
Can I buy matcha powder from these cafés? Some matcha cafés sell their powder for home use, often imported directly from Japan. It’s worth asking if you want to replicate the experience at home.
Is matcha safe to consume daily? Moderate daily consumption of matcha is generally safe for most people, but due to its caffeine content, it’s best to limit intake to a few cups per day.
Final Thoughts
London’s matcha café scene is thriving with vegan-friendly options that cater to both matcha aficionados and those exploring plant-based lifestyles. From dedicated matcha bars to plant-based restaurants and bakeries incorporating matcha into their menus, there’s something for every palate and occasion. Prioritizing cafés that serve high-quality matcha and thoughtfully crafted vegan snacks will ensure you enjoy a flavorful and nourishing experience. Whether you’re after a quiet spot to sip a matcha latte or a vibrant café to share vegan treats with friends, London’s matcha cafés deliver on authenticity and taste.
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