Winnipeg matcha guide in the Exchange District and downtown area

By: Alyssa Tomchak

It’s no secret that matcha’s popularity has been steadily rising over the past three years.

From hidden gems to trendy new cafés, this guide will lead you to the best places to get a cup of matcha in Winnipeg’s Exchange District and downtown area.

Exchange District

Across the Board Game Café (opens in new window) | 103-211 Bannatyne Ave.

Looking for matcha and something to do? Grab some friends and head over to Across the Board Game Café for a day full of flavour and fun! They use matcha mix from Blyss Matcha, made locally in Selkirk, Manitoba. First, choose between their Iced Strubarb Matcha Lemonade (Strawberry Rhubarb Matcha) which is the perfect refresher, or a regular hot matcha latte or fog, for a cozy and creamy treat! Pick your favourite board game or try a new one because what’s more perfect than matcha and board games?

Hours: Tues-Thurs: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. – Midnight; Sun: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Amsterdam Tea Room (opens in new window) | 211 Bannatyne Ave.

Not looking for the traditional matcha drink? Amsterdam Tea Room offers a boozy take on this traditional tea — matcha cocktails. Drinks vary from cold to hot just like their Raspberry Matcha Sour or their hot Tokyo Fog tea, and don’t worry they also offer a unique matcha mocktail that reinvents a classic mojito by using matcha tea, lime, sugar, mint and soda.

Hours: Sun-Thurs: 4 p.m. – Midnight; Fri-Sat: 4p.m. – 1 a.m.

Ilycha Matcha (opens in new window) | 468 Main St.

Ilycha Matcha started as a pop-up shop and now has their residency at 468 Main St. from Friday to Sunday. They serve Yame matcha, which has a sweeter profile without any bitterness. Enjoy creative creations like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Star Vanilla Bean Matcha.

Hours: Fri: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Kopi (opens in new window) | 91 Arthur St.

You can find Kopi inside Aarkibo, a vintage clothing shop. Grab a matcha and sip while you shop. The perfect combination. They aren’t afraid to explore bold flavours like Buko Pandan Matcha, Mango Kalamansi Matcha Cloud or the Biko Matcha. Keep your eye out for their limited weekend features like the Matcha Tiramisu Latte!

Hours: Tues-Thurs: noon to 8 p.m.; Fri-Sat-: noon to 9 p.m.; Sun: noon to 6 p.m.

Little Sister Coffee Maker (opens in new window) | 171 McDermot Ave.

Little Sister Coffee Maker just opened a third location in the heart of the Exchange District. It’s a spacious and bright café which offers plenty of space to bring your laptop to work all day or catch up with a group of friends while sipping on an iced matcha latte. It’s open every day of the week so you can always get your matcha fix in!

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Maro Matcha (opens in new window) | 91 Albert St.

Maro Matcha’s flagship store is located in the heart in a historic building in the Exchange District. Their matcha is directly sourced from two of Japan’s most respected regions, Kyotanabe and Uji, both known for producing some of the highest quality matcha in the world. Try their signature Frozen Matcha drink which is perfectly cold and creamy for a sunny day or opt for the tasty Earl Grey Matcha.

Soft opening: Nov. 5 & 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Grand opening: Nov. 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mas Coffee Co. | 70 Arthur St.

Mas Coffee Co.’s matcha is the perfect balance of creamy, sweet and earthy. This place is great to grab a quick cup of matcha and go for a nice walk in the Exchange District. They hand-whisk stone-ground ceremonial matcha to get the perfect texture and flavour. Try their delicious Strawberry Matcha.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Passage Café (opens in new window) | 474 Main St.

Previously known as Parlour Coffee, Passage Café opened up this super chic and artsy café located in the Exchange District. This matcha isn’t too sweet and is more on the umami flavour side.

Their specialty drink that is a must-try is their mint matcha latte. It has a subtle amount of mint leaving the drink creamy, refreshing and not overpowering. Go to their social media to see different evening events they host.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saigon Grind | 333 William Ave.

Inside Little Saigon and through to the right is this hidden café that serves amazing premium matcha from Japan with a cold foam top. Perfect for students at Red River College Polytechnic as it’s less than a 5 minute walk. Try their matcha chocolate latte and you won’t regret it!

Hours: Mon: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tues: Closed; Wed: 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thurs-Fri: 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Saintuary | 1-123 James Ave.

Saintuary is a relatively new space in the Exchange District, offering a great open space to grab a matcha with a friend or for a study sesh. They hand-whisk stone ground ceremonial matcha from Kyoto Japan, which gives it a vibrant green look and a luxurious umami flavour. Try a classic matcha or one of their creative flavour combinations like the blackberry maple matcha.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sam’s Place Coffee (opens in new window) | 140 Bannatyne Ave.

A place where everyone belongs. They may specialize in coffee, but that doesn’t stop them from creating delicious matcha combinations for all seasons like their summer flavour Mango Matcha Lemonade, or their fall flavour Banana Bread Oat Matcha.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Downtown

Empty Cup Collective (opens in new window) | 365 Main St. #4

Strawberry matcha, blueberry matcha or banana caramel are only a few matchas on Empty Cup’s secret menu. But if you’re not adventurous with flavours you can’t beat their creamy and sweet original matcha. Try their fall flavour, sweet and salty matcha, for a salty twist on the classic matcha or the strawberry shortcake matcha.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sat-Sun: Closed

Fools & Horses Coffee | 1 Forks Market Rd.

You can get a hot or iced matcha latte that’s smooth and creamy. For their matcha, they use ceremonial matcha mixed with their in-house syrups. From there, the lattes are mixed with cold milk and poured over ice for a creamy treat to start your day. Another refreshing option is their matcha lemonade which is zesty and tangy in the best way! In summer, they bring in their strawberry matcha, so if you like sweet and fruity, this one is for you.

Hours: Mon-Sun: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Lavanda | 185 Smith St #3

Grab a friend and head to Lavanda. Lavanda is known for its fully plant-based food menu, homemade goods and amazing drinks. Hot or cold, this matcha is one for the books. Lavanda is open everyday so you can try their matcha latte with lavender syrup any day!

Hours: Mon: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Tues-Thurs: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri: 7– 10 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m. –10 p.m.; Sun: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Monday’s Café | 305 Broadway Ave.

Monday’s Café is a local woman-owned café that opened earlier this year, offering different specialty coffee drinks and, of course, matcha drinks. This café is nice and spacious, making it perfect to go to with friends or to cram in some studying time.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat- Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Modern Electric Lunch (opens in new window) | 232 Main St.

Right on Main Street, Modern Electric Lunch has great breakfast and lunch options, which is, of course, best paired with a cup of matcha. They have an amazing hot matcha, and if you want some extra flavour try it with their strawberry milk!

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m.– 2 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Muse Café (opens in new window) | 185 Carlton St.

Muse Café is a hidden gem located on the downtown skywalk, and they are not shy to get creative with their flavours. From their Matcha Mocha, Matcha Fog, Matcha Sunrise, Oatberry Matcha, Cocoberry Matcha or Pink Matcha, there’s a special combination of matcha for anyone whether you prefer your matcha with milk or orange juice, Muse Café has you covered!

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.