Spring is Here: My Green Obsession Returns!
Last summer, I was completely obsessed with Matcha Lattes. While I lean towards milk tea in the winter, the refreshing green hue of Matcha makes it my go-to as soon as the weather warms up. Maybe it’s that cool, vibrant color that makes it feel so refreshing? Haha.
Personally, I’m quite picky about my Matcha. I dislike overly sugary versions; for me, the perfect latte has that sophisticated, slightly bitter edge with just a hint of sweetness.
Is the “Matcha Craze” Real in the U.S.?
I’ve heard in the news that there’s been a massive “Matcha Craze” in the United States. I’m actually quite curious—is it really that popular across the whole country, or is it just a trend in certain areas?
Anyway, as winter fades and spring arrives, my craving for Matcha has returned. On my way back from lunch with my colleagues, I stopped by SUPER MATCHA in Seongsu-dong. It was so nice to see their “Whisking Robot” again after a long time! ^^
Meeting the Whisking Robot at SUPER MATCHA
One of the highlights there is the Whisking Robot. Watching the robotic arm perform the traditional “Chasen” (whisking) motion with such precision is always a fascinating sight. It’s the perfect blend of traditional tea culture and Seongsu-dong’s high-tech, hip vibe.
There are countless cafes that serve Matcha Lattes, but SUPER MATCHA has a distinctively premium taste that stands out. I was curious why, so I did a little digging—and I think I found the secret!
Only the Best: Ceremonial Grade Matcha
They exclusively use organic, domestic Matcha from Jeju Island that is “Ceremonial Grade.” For those who don’t know, this is the highest quality available, traditionally reserved for tea ceremonies. The higher the grade, the smoother and less bitter the flavor, making it perfect for drinking straight or in a delicate latte.
Sweetness Without the Guilt
What’s even better? They use natural, zero/low-calorie sweeteners(or Stevia / Xylitol) instead of refined sugar. It explains why the sweetness feels so clean and doesn’t overpower the earthy, sophisticated notes of the tea.
Finding out these details makes me realize—my taste buds weren’t lying! That “premium” feeling was real. Haha.
A Pink Surprise in Seongsu: The New Vibe at SUPER MATCHA
When I stepped into the SUPER MATCHA store today, I had to double-check if I was in the right place! Known for its signature “Forest Green” aesthetic, the entire interior had been transformed into a vibrant, eye-catching pink.
The reason for this dramatic makeover? A brand-new line of Barley-based beverages has just launched! It seems “Pink” is the key color for this collection, and the fresh look has completely taken over the space. Even with the dramatic shift from forest green to vibrant pink, SUPER MATCHA hasn’t lost an ounce of its “Instagrammable” vibe. If anything, the new look feels even more trendy and bold.
Caffeine-Free Choice for the Afternoon
While Matcha has about half the caffeine of coffee, this new Barley drink is a Caffeine-Free alternative.
I’m exactly the kind of person this was made for—I love my morning coffee, but I try to avoid caffeine in the afternoon to get a good night’s sleep. In Korea, we grew up drinking roasted barley tea (Bori-cha) instead of plain water, so the nutty, comforting flavor feels like home. It’s the perfect “guilt-free” treat for your afternoon slump!
The Glow-Up of Barley: From Kitchen Staple to Seongsu Chic]
What I found most fascinating was how they reinterpreted something so ordinary. To us Koreans, Barley Tea (Bori-cha) is just the everyday water we drink at home—nothing particularly “special.”
But seeing it rebranded so hip and vibrant at SUPER MATCHA was such a fun twist. Taking a humble, traditional staple and giving it a high-end, “Pink” makeover is exactly the kind of creative energy that makes Seongsu-dong so unique. It’s a perfect example of how even the most familiar things can become trendy when seen through a fresh lens!
The Perfect Finale: Matcha Ice Cream After a Spicy Feast
So, what did I finally choose amidst all that pink? I stuck to my original plan and went with the Matcha Ice Cream.
Just before stopping by, I had a bowl of spicy, savory Mushroom Kal-guksu (Korean knife-cut noodles). After that kick of spice, I desperately needed something cool and refreshing to cleanse my palate.
The rich, earthy flavor of the premium matcha was exactly what I needed—a “palate cleanser” that felt both sophisticated and satisfying. I’ll definitely have to come back another day to try the new caffeine-free barley drinks, but for today, the classic matcha was the undisputed winner!
Tell Me: What’s the Hottest Matcha Trend in Your City?
With so many innovative Matcha variations popping up these days, I’m dying to know what’s trending in your corner of the world!
In the U.S., I’ve seen everything from Strawberry Matcha Lattes (that beautiful pink and green layer!) to Matcha Lemonade for a zesty summer kick. Some places even serve Matcha Tonics with a splash of sparkling water and a twist of citrus.
I’d love to hear from you. What kind of Matcha drinks are popular where you live? Are there any unique local twists I should try on my next “Matcha quest”? Please let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for my next favorite sip
Until next time, take care and stay inspired!
MJay from Seoul.
+
Curious about more hidden gems in Seongsu-dong? Check out my other cafe guides in the link below!
Leave a Reply