Matcha Matcha cafe review: Is it worth the hype?

The Matcha Matcha cafe is that viral spot all over your TikTok feed. It blew up long before its downtown Toronto doors even opened. Now, with a brand new Markham location, the same wave of excitement has taken over. And when I say excitement—I mean lines. Long lines. Out-the-door, wrap-around-the-building lines.

So naturally, I’m not going. Not yet.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about trendy cafés, it’s this: let the hype simmer down before you pop in. It saves you time, sanity, and sometimes disappointment. So while the Matchamob flocks to Markham, I’ll take a moment to share my quiet, peaceful experience at the original downtown location—on a very empty Sunday morning.

A name you won’t forget

The name Matcha Matcha? It sticks. It’s fun to say, catchy enough to chant, and does a great job of letting you know what you’re in for. With matcha being a global trend (so much so that there are whispers of a worldwide matcha shortage), it’s not surprising that a café like this would catch fire.

But they don’t just serve your standard green tea. Matcha Matcha has built a whole aesthetic around the “lab” vibe, with a creative drink menu that pushes the boundaries of tradition. Think Coconut Pandan Matcha, Blueberry Taro Matcha, and even Tokyo Fog Matcha—which is exactly what I ordered.

Trying something new: Tokyo Fog Matcha

I’m a London Fog girl at heart. So when I saw Tokyo Fog Matcha on the menu, my curiosity sparked. A blend of comfort and surprise.

Was it the best matcha I’ve ever had? No.
Was it good? Yes.
Would I go back to try another drink? Absolutely.

That’s the thing about Matcha Matcha—it doesn’t promise to be the most artisanal, hand-whisked, ceremonial-grade matcha spot in the city. But it is fun. It’s curated for content, for curiosity, and for the kind of person who loves sipping something new in a beautiful space.

Matcha marketing magic

I have to say—the marketing team at Matcha Matcha deserves a slow clap. They know their audience. From TikTok teasers to that Instagrammable interior, they’ve crafted a brand people want to experience.

But good marketing only gets you so far if the in-store experience doesn’t match the hype. Standing in line for over an hour for a cup of tea might not be everyone’s idea of a relaxing café moment. Especially when your order disappears in three sips.

So unless you thrive on the buzz, my advice? Wait it out.

Looking ahead: matcha in Markham

I’m still curious about the Markham location. It’s newer, and judging by the line-ups, it’s already wildly popular. But when I visit, I hope it’s during a quieter time—when I can actually grab a seat, set up my laptop, and sip slowly. I’d love to try more of their flavour options without the pressure of people hovering for a spot.

Until then, my Matcha Matcha café review comes from the downtown location. Calm, quiet, and line-free.

And honestly? That was the best part.