If you’ve walked past a cafe counter recently and spotted a strikingly bright green drink, chances are it was a matcha latte. But what is a matcha latte and how is it made, exactly? This blog breaks down the process, the ingredients, and why this drink has become such a regular fixture on modern cafe menus.
At Little Loaf in South Fremantle, our Matcha Latte and Iced Matcha are made properly, using genuine matcha rather than shortcuts, so the flavour actually reflects what the drink is meant to taste like.
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and shade-cultivated green tea leaves. Unlike regular tea, where leaves are steeped and then discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf in powdered form — which is part of why it delivers a more concentrated flavour and caffeine content than standard green tea.
Good matcha powder is sifted first to break up any clumps, ensuring it blends smoothly rather than leaving gritty bits in the final drink.
A small amount of hot (not boiling) water is added to the matcha and whisked briskly, traditionally with a bamboo whisk, until it forms a smooth, slightly frothy paste. This step is what prevents the bitter, clumpy texture that poorly made matcha drinks are known for.
Steamed milk is then poured over the whisked matcha, blending the earthy, slightly grassy flavour of the tea with the creaminess of the milk — similar in structure to how a traditional latte is built, just with matcha replacing espresso.
A matcha latte can be served hot, or poured over ice for a refreshing cold version — both are popular depending on the season and personal preference.
You can try both our Matcha Latte and Iced Matcha directly through our online shop, alongside our full range of coffee and specialty drinks. If you’re new to the cafe, our About Us page shares more on how we approach food and drink at Little Loaf.
For more background on matcha’s origins and traditional preparation methods, you can also refer to Japan’s official tourism resource on matcha.
Smooth, properly whisked, and made with genuine matcha — that’s what is a matcha latte and how it’s made the right way.
Order your Matcha Latte online or visit us in South Fremantle to try one fresh.
A matcha latte is a drink made by whisking matcha green tea powder with hot water into a smooth paste, then combining it with steamed milk, served either hot or over ice.
Not quite — matcha has a more concentrated, slightly earthy and sometimes slightly sweet flavour compared to standard brewed green tea, since you’re consuming the whole leaf in powdered form.
Matcha generally contains a moderate amount of caffeine, often described as providing steadier energy than coffee due to how it’s absorbed.
Yes, our Iced Matcha is available alongside the hot version, perfect for a refreshing option on warmer days.
Yes, matcha is a popular alternative for people who enjoy a warm, milky drink but want to avoid coffee specifically.
