If you enjoy mingling with the crowds in Mauerpark at the weekend and could do with a cool refreshing drink on the way there, you should definitely stop off at Kai Matcha House on your next visit. However, you should bring one prerequisite with you: As the name suggests – it’s all about matcha! Traditional matcha drinks with a modern twist have been on offer here since the beginning of June 2024. In addition to the Matcha and Hojicha Americano, the Iced Latte is particularly popular in its many different variations. From fruity options such as the Iced Strawberry or Mango Matcha Latte, to unusual specials such as the Iced Kurogoma or Iced Sakura Cold Foam Matcha Latte – anyone who thinks they have already tried matcha in all its variations will be proven wrong here. (There is currently no plant-based alternative for the cream topping, but they are already working on a “vegan cold foam”!). You can also order croissants and tiramisu at the counter – for these, Kai Matcha House works closely with Giomecca Pastry, which itself runs a small store in Schönhauser Allee.
For the drinks, the café uses a “Ceremonial Grade Matcha” from Kyoto, which means a particularly high-quality matcha that meets the high standards of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Kaito Vezzoli, founder of the café, grew up with Japanese tea culture in Switzerland: his mother, Noriko, was born in Shizuoka, a city in Japan that is popular for its green tea. He has been involved in tea culture from an early age and has assisted his mother at traditional tea ceremonies and performances – he now wants to share his know-how with everyone in his café, together with his girlfriend Tatiana Timofeeva, who has been supporting him since day one. So, if you fancy a little matcha ceremony, head for Mauerpark!
Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Savannah van der Niet
Kai Matcha House, Eberswalder Str.2, 10435 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
@kaimatchahouse
