UncategorizedMatcha drinkers tend to fall into two camps. The purists want to taste the tea itself, grassy and smooth and nothing more. The adventurers see matcha as a starting point and want to know what else can go in the glass. Palmy’s matcha menu has room for both, and it’s one of the more inventive lineups you’ll find in Pacific Beach.
First, what does “ceremonial grade” mean?
Every matcha drink at Palmy’s is made with ceremonial-grade matcha. Generally speaking, that’s the highest grade available. It’s made from young tea leaves that are stone-ground into a very fine powder, and it’s traditionally whisked with water and enjoyed on its own. In practice, it means a smoother, brighter cup with far less of the bitterness you might get from lower grades.
For the purists
If you want to taste the matcha and nothing else, order the classic Matcha Latte. It’s simply ceremonial-grade matcha with your choice of milk, with no syrups or toppings to hide behind. That’s exactly why purists love it, and it’s also the best way to judge any café’s matcha.
For when you’re mentally on holiday
The Lilikoi Matcha with Macadamia Nut Cloud is a little trip to the islands. Lilikoi is the Hawaiian word for passionfruit, and its tangy brightness pairs beautifully with creamy matcha and a nutty macadamia cloud on top. If the Burnt Pineapple Matcha with Salted Honey Cloud sounds unusual, that’s because it is. The combination of burnt pineapple syrup and salted honey is sweet, salty and a little toasty all at once, and it’s the drink regulars love making their friends try.
For the sweet tooth
The Mango Sticky Rice Matcha is dessert disguised as tea. It’s a riff on the classic Thai dessert, with mango purée, matcha and your choice of milk, finished with a salted coconut cloud that stands in for the coconut cream. Prefer something softer? The Blueberry Lavender Matcha is gentle, floral and just a little sweet, and it looks gorgeous in the glass.
For something light and refreshing
On warm afternoons, reach for the Coconut Matcha with Matcha Foam. It’s made with coconut water rather than milk, so it’s lighter and more refreshing than the lattes. Think of it as the matcha you drink after a swim.
Hot, iced and what to eat with it
Every matcha can be made hot or iced, any time of day. As a general rule, the fruitier options like Lilikoi, Mango Sticky Rice and Coconut really shine over ice, while the classic Matcha Latte and Blueberry Lavender are lovely served hot on a cool morning.
If you’re making a meal of it, a few pairings work especially well:
- A classic Matcha Latte with a Butter Croissant, for a simple, perfect breakfast.
- The Mango Sticky Rice Matcha with Chia Seed Pudding, for something cool and fruity.
- A Coconut Matcha alongside a poke bowl, for a light lunch on the patio.
Quick answers
Is Palmy’s matcha ceremonial grade?
Yes. Every matcha drink on the menu is made with ceremonial-grade matcha, from the classic latte to the fruitier creations.
Can I get matcha dairy-free?
Each matcha latte comes with your choice of milk, so just ask for your preferred alternative when you order. The Coconut Matcha is made with coconut water instead of milk.
Is matcha available all day?
Yes. Matcha is on from opening until close, every day. Found your matcha mood? Order ahead or explore the full matcha menu.