The new tropical health bar features matcha lattes, matcha iced teas, toasts, smoothie bowls, and even matcha waffles.
There seems to be no stop to new and exciting establishments arriving in Chicago this year, particularly those on the healthy side. In addition to several new vegan additions Wicker Park, the country’s first plant-based empanada shop opened in Lincoln Park and now the affluent north side neighborhood is also home to Chicago’s first matcha-focused café.
Matchacita is an Instagram-worthy, superfood-sanctuary selling an array of specialty drinks, breakfast items, and pastries all revolving around matcha. Literally translating as “fine powdered tea”, matcha is a well-documented superfood first used in China that boasts several health benefits and has consequently seen a huge surge in popularity around the globe in recent years.
Coming from the same plant as green tea, matcha is extremely high in antioxidants but it has also been reputed to have stress-reducing effects, boost brain function, improve heart health, aid in weight loss, and prevent cancer.
According to Pearson, “Matchacita, a play on ‘mamacita,’ is a brand I’ve been envisioning for a while. I saw an opportunity to bring a fully matcha-fied menu to Chicago, where people could enjoy a delicious drink, grab a bite and snap a selfie in a one-of-a-kind café.”
Other drink options are equally as exciting. The Charcoal Matcha comes with activated charcoal and sprinkled with edible flower petals and a Lavender Iced Tea arrives swirled with lavender syrup while a mouth-watering Golden Latte is made with turmeric, ginger, honey, and a milk of your choice.
Open for pick up and delivery, Matchacita’s opening times are from 7 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday and 8 am to 4 pm on weekends.