Matcha guide: Where to get matcha in Cape Town, Durban, and Joburg

Once a quiet wellness ritual, matcha has officially gone mainstream — and we have “day in the life” TikToks and Pinterest-worthy café culture to thank. South Africans didn’t just scroll and crave; we fully embraced the matcha movement. From city cafés to sleek pop-ups, the green latte has become a café essential.

Whether you’re a long-time devotee sampling matcha from every new spot or finally giving in to the peer pressure (and wondering where to start), we’ve rounded up a few must-try matcha bars across Cape Town, Durban, and Joburg.

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Wake up and dance: Nice Café’s coffee raves are shaking up mornings

What is matcha?

Originating in China but refined in Japan, matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves — traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies that date back centuries. The word “matcha” literally means powdered tea, and its preparation is as much about mindfulness as it is about flavour. Unlike regular green tea, which is steeped, matcha is whisked directly into hot water or milk, meaning you consume the entire leaf — and all its nutrients.

@nekohama Have you ever wondered what is matcha and how it is made? Matcha is a delicate product that requires many different steps to be produced. This process is one of the most important aspects that contribute to having a good quality and non-bitter tasting cup of matcha. For a full tour of our matcha farm and facility head over to our YouTube channel! 🍵 #matcha #japan #healthy #matchalatte #facts #howitsmade #japanesefood ♬ vertigo - insensible & énouement

Cape Town

Nice To Matcha

If you’re after a vibey matcha experience, Nice To Matcha is one of the city’s most Instagram-famous cafés. Located in Sea Point, this spot is known for its organic matcha and unique seasonal flavour combos like strawberry, mango, vanilla bean, and sea salt — making every sip a treat. With its bright, coastal décor and friendly energy, Nice To Matcha is both a social hub and a sanctuary for matcha lovers.

@azande.dube New matcha spot in Sea Point. ✨🤍🍵 I will soon be a regular 😭 #studentlife #matcha #rating #delicious #fyp #trendy #obsessed #aesthetic #food #capetown #amazing #fy @nicetomatcha ♬ Yacht Club - MusicBox

Love Matcha

If you haven’t swapped your morning coffee for matcha yet, Love Matcha is the perfect place to start. Light, serene, and picture-perfect, it’s the kind of café that feels like a fresh start to your day. Behind the aesthetic, the team is all about honouring the ritual of matcha while keeping it modern, fun, and accessible. With locations in Sea Point, Kloof Street, Tygervalley, and Somerset West, you’ll find their ceremonial matcha latte front and centre. For a twist, try one of their creative blends like strawberry, vanilla, or mango — or opt for an iced version when Cape Town turns up the heat.

@zoggiez Love Matcha in Sea Point📍💚🩷 #capetown #southafrica #fyp #capetownsouthafrica #capetownfoodie #capetowntravel #southafricatiktok #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #seapoint #matcha #matchacafe #lovematcha #capetownmatcha #matchagirl ♬ luther - Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Durban

DRNK. Matcha

Umhlanga’s new obsession, DRNK. Matcha, is the definition of feel-good green energy. The café honours Japan’s centuries-old matcha ritual, using only ceremonial-grade matcha sourced directly from Japan. The vibe? Warm, aesthetic, and buzzing. Whether you’re sipping a strawberry matcha post-Pilates or popping in for a midday pick-me-up, DRNK brings matcha culture to life — clean, vibrant, and community-driven. Come for the matcha, stay for the movement.

@ti.simone New obsession 🍓🍵 🍋@DRNK.matcha 📍Umhlanga Rocks #matcha #umhlanga #durban #drnkmatcha #trending ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ - kittikmr - veesun95

Humble Coffee

Situated on Florida Road, Humble Coffee is a minimalist dream. Known for its easygoing charm and excellent baked goods, it’s also a hidden gem for matcha drinkers. Their hot or iced matcha lattes strike the perfect balance — approachable for beginners, satisfying for purists. It’s a simple, stylish spot to slow down, sip something green, and enjoy Durban’s laid-back rhythm.

@abidowns This Matcha Latte from Humble did not dissapoint - everyone said we must try Humble if we are looking for the best Matcha in Durban. The flavours were so balanced abd there was no ‘grass’ taste. I got mine with almond milk and without vanilla syrup🍵✨🤍 #matcha #matchadurban #humblecoffeedurban #CapCut ♬ original sound - abidowns

Johannesburg

Plato Coffee

Sleek, minimalist, and effortlessly cool, Plato Coffee proves that matcha has officially entered the Joburg mainstream. Famous for their clean design and strong coffees, they also serve up ceremonial-grade matcha lattes that are smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced — offering that gentle energy lift without the caffeine crash. Whether you’re catching up with friends or working from your favourite corner, Plato’s matcha is the city’s ultimate pick-me-up.

@plato.coffee Yes, we do! 🤍 #fyp #tiktoksa #matcha #platocoffee #coffee #relaxchillbreathe ♬ Matcha - Kyle Umemba

Popo Tea House

Nestled in Rosebank Mall, Popo Tea House has earned a cult following for its creative tea offerings — and its matcha is no exception. The must-try? The Matcha Tea with Brown Sugar Bubble, which blends earthy matcha with caramelised brown sugar and chewy tapioca pearls for the perfect sweet balance. For something simpler, the classic matcha latte delivers a creamy, frothy comfort — whisked to perfection and equally delicious hot or iced.

@curious_kaylee1 Matcha in Johannesburg. Where is the best Matcha in Joburg?? 📍Popo Tea house - Rosebank Mall #macha #tiktoksouthafrica #cafe ♬ MMS - Asake & Wizkid

Where to get matcha in all three cities

If you’d rather ease into the green without venturing too far out of your comfort zone, you can’t go wrong with the classics. Bootlegger Coffee Company, Vida e Caffè, and Starbucks all serve their own takes on matcha — so no matter the city, your next fix is never far away.

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