Often debated about for tasting like grass or being too earthy, Riyadh’s matcha connoisseurs seem to enjoy the acquired flavors of SoMatcha’s high-quality caffeinated beverages with a creative twist.
Known for its distinct umami flavor and its abundance of powerful antioxidants, matcha, which originates in China and Japan, is a finely grounded green tea powder that can be prepared hot or cold.
There are two types of matcha — ceremonial and culinary grade. Ceremonial grade matcha is naturally sweet and is a rich green shade, whereas culinary is light yellow-green and can be bitter.
SoMatcha uses ceremonial grade matcha, giving their beverages the beautiful forest green color.
On entering the cafe, you are greeted with the delicious smell of matcha and the many flavors: Original, rose, lavender, and a sweet secret recipe.
My favorite drink is their iced matcha latte with vanilla cream foam. The velvety smooth foam is like a sweet cloud, followed by the refreshing matcha latte.
For a lighter drink that will provide ample energy, try the matcha fuel; pure matcha with a shot of water and ice is earthy and delicious.
Launched in 2021 by Saudi businesswoman Yara Al-Namlah, SoMatcha has grown into an online website and has three locations in the capital: In King Salman Neighborhood, Rabwah and An Nada district.
