Final Thoughts: 3.00/5
New matcha spot within the downtown SJ area. Location is perhaps not the best for night time, but my friend and I are always down to try a new spot. Love that this location is closer to us than some other spots. Drinks are overall just alright for me. Toppings are good, but matcha itself could have some improvements. Will be a 3 stars for me today.
Drink:
Pistachio Matcha Latte: 3.0/5
This drink is interesting. You taste the pistachio and that's mostly it. It leans more on being a pistachio milk than a pistachio "matcha" latte. It has the natural nuttiness, creaminess, and sweetness to it. The matcha is very light in this drink when it's mixed. The foam itself is good, which is a plus, but when fully combined, the matcha is overpowered. Texture is a little gritty too. You can kind of see it in the picture, actually. This picture was also taken right after it was gotten, so the fact that it separated like that already. Not sure if the matcha is batched or not, but it could definitely need more whisking to get that smooth consistency. Could perhaps use an additional shot of matcha.
Mango Cake Matcha: 3.0/5
My drink that I chose for today. Looks to a be a matcha latte that is topped with a full piece of mango cake/tiramisu of sorts. The top is piled and towered high with ?lady fingers, mangoes, and cream. The cake is honestly my favorite part of this drink. Perhaps it's just the sugar. Because of all the components, I think my preference would be if they were consumed separately. When the cake is mixed into the drink, it doesn't really work together as much because the cake doesn't mix or thoroughly dissolve into the drink. Not the best if you leave it in there either because again, the items won't be thoroughly incorporated. Ends up just being mangoes, cream, and matcha. My drink was essentially the same as my friend's pistachio matcha latte. Very subtle matcha flavor overall and perhaps even more subtle than my friend's drink given the topping and the amount on it. The milk comes through more, as well, so difficult for me to find the matcha.
Mango Smoothie: xx
My friend's drink today. I didn't try it. Seems to be a typical mango smoothie.
Menu:
Just a side note, they do seem fairly new and perhaps getting into the flow of it and how much to make daily. I really really really wanted the banana pudding matcha latte, but alas, they were out when we came just after dinner time. Not too big of a concern perhaps, but just a little disappointed that I couldn't try t.
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Quality: Aiight
The quality of their items seem alright. Honestly, my favorite part is the cake. Seems like they make a whole sheet or pan of it and then scoop a heft portion of it on top. I really wanted to try their banana pudding matcha one, but they were sold out. Quite the bummer, but if there is another opportunity, hoping to try this one.
Price: Average
Their prices are pretty standard. Around $7 to $9 per cup depending on what you get. They do have different sizes too, so just a note on that. Their cups are larger than the standard sizes that I've gotten from other matcha shops, so seems to be alright. Would love the additional shot of matcha in this cup though given the size.
Service: Limited
Very limited interactions with the employees. They just call out our names and then we go to get our drinks. Seem very sweet though. Nothing too significant to note.
Ambiance: Chill vibes
The interior is very small. Has a very interesting layout. Not the best exterior, but the inside is fine and may be nice for a quick matcha run if you're in the area. There is one nice spot. Its like a spot under a staircase kind of vibe. Pretty bright inside with a counter at the front. All the ordering is done at the right side of the corner where 2 kiosks are and then pick up at the other side.
Location/Parking: Not my preference to be here at night
This location is interesting to put it lightly. Per my friend and a sign outside, this used to be a Subway shop. This location is within the downtown San Jose area, which is a place that I would not personally like to be at alone at night. Wouldn't necessarily want to park my car in the back either. The lighting is a little dim...so just caution at night. Daytime is probably better, but again, wouldn't say it's the best area. There is a parking lot in the back that can fit a fair amount of cars. Might be a problem if there's no more parking spots and then you'll have to do a complete 360 to get out. read more