A good matcha has its characteristics — vibrant green colour, fine, silky texture, and an aroma that’s almost vegetal, sometimes even buttery. But beyond the basics, what makes a “good” matcha really comes down to personal taste. Some kinds lean nutty with hints of pistachio, others sway toward a subtle sweetness, offering notes of watercress umami or roasted walnut. There’s a whole spectrum to explore.
Lately, matcha — especially the flavoured kind — has been having quite a moment. After committing to at least one glass a day for the past 2 months (maybe not the best for your iron levels), and even diving into making my own, I’d like to think I’ve earned a bit of merit for deciding a good matcha. Still, taste is wonderfully subjective, so I try to keep things open and inclusive.
That said, here’s a roundup of some of the best matcha spots in JB, starting from just RM9 (~S$3), with unique flavours like strawberry, blueberry, and more waiting to be sipped.
1. Inkside
Sometimes, the best matcha isn’t tucked away in a polished cafe with curated playlists and artisanal pastries. You want to talk hidden gems? Let me take you to a real one. Nestled just outside the equally hipster Downtown Barbershop in Taman Mutiara Indah, Inkside Mocktails is an unassuming outdoor pop-up that just might be serving up some of the finest matcha in town.
Finding it was a bit of an adventure (read: a few wrong turns), but trust me, it’s worth the mild detour. And don’t get lost like I did; they’ve got just one location for now, and the exact address is listed at the bottom of this post.
A classic Matcha Latte here starts at RM12, but if you’re up for something a little more tart and sweet, we highly recommend the Strawberry Matcha Latte (RM16) and Blueberry Matcha Latte (RM16). They use Niko Neko’s Yuri matcha powder which is well-loved for its rich, nutty notes, and blended beautifully with the classic Monin fruit puree.
17, Jln Mutiara Indah 1, Taman Mutiara Indah, 81100 Johor Bahru,
Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6017 745 0583
Wed to Mon: 12pm – 10pm
Closed on Tue
Instagram
2. Slow Day Cafe
Slow Day Cafe in Mount Austin is a dream for matcha lovers, and it’s as Instagrammable as they come. From the moment you climb the staircase to the front door, every detail of the decor feels intentional — warm, cosy, and effortlessly chic.
Their menu offers a delightful spread of matcha drinks and desserts, but 2 items stand out above the rest. The Signature Hojicha (RM16.90) is hands down one of the best I’ve ever had, even outshining some of KL’s top spots. Don’t let its pale colour fool you; the flavour is deep, layered, and beautifully roasted. Then there’s the Matcha Nama Cake (RM28) which is a decadent, 3-layered cake with a dense, ice-cream-like sponge base, rich matcha fudge in the centre, and airy mousse cream on top.
While their Signature Matcha (RM16.90) and Signature Strawberry Matcha (RM17.90) are crowd favourites, I find that the choice of Marigold Barista milk gives the drinks a thick, creamy texture which can overshadow the matcha’s natural notes. Still, if you’re into that, they’re worth a try!
No. 2-01, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6014 615 7395
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 6.30pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. The Three @ Y Space
The Three, located at Jalan Yahya Awal blends the worlds of specialty coffee and traditional Chinese tea into a menu that feels both timeless and refreshingly unique. It’s the kind of place that honours tradition while still keeping things contemporary.
Their matcha selection is minimal but memorable. They serve Matcha Ajisai in 2 forms: a Dirty Matcha (RM22), where espresso meets earthy matcha, and a standard Matcha Latte (RM21) for a smoother, classic experience.
2, Jalan Yahya Awal, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6013 672 3005
Mon, Tue & Thu: 11am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Closed on Wed
Instagram
4. Alley & Daisy
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media, or wandered down Jalan Trus, you’ve likely come across Alley & Daisy, a charming spot known for its Bridgerton-esque interior and overall vintage decor.
While their tiramisu often steals the spotlight, the matcha offerings deserve a moment of appreciation too. For something simple, the classic Matcha Latte at RM14 is a lovely choice, or indulge a little with the Creamy Matcha at RM17 which is a richer twist on the original.
128, Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru Town, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6013 795 1177
Daily: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Facebook | Instagram
5. Podd Cafe
Tucked away in the tranquil Market Place @ Austin Lake, Podd is where woodsy charm meets industrial elegance. With plenty of parking and a calming “slow living” philosophy, it’s the kind of place that encourages you to linger.
If you’re easing into their menu, their signature matcha series is absolutely special. There are 3 options: Ajisai (RM20), a light and nutty blend with subtle hints of soybean; Kiku (RM30), offering a deeper umami profile for those wanting a bit more complexity; and Ren (RM50), a luxurious, connoisseur-level experience that’s rich, creamy, and layered with pistachio and umami notes, along with a clean aftertaste.
Market Place @ Austin Lake
Jalan Austin Perdana 1, Taman Austin Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6019 994 1394
Mon, Wed & Thu: 9am – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 11pm
Closed on Tue
Instagram
8 best art studios in JB for creative souls — decoden, tufting, pottery & more workshops
6. Grind.jb
Grind.jb (or just Grind.) in Taman Sentosa may be best known for its curated coffee and hand-brews, but don’t sleep on their matcha — it’s absolutely worth the visit.
Their matcha lineup is refreshingly simple: Matcha Latte (RM12), Dirty Matcha (RM15), and Strawberry Matcha (RM15). Each one is thoughtfully crafted and holds its own against the cafe’s coffee-centric reputation. While you’re there, treat yourself to their tiramisu. It’s not matcha-related, but it’s worth mentioning. And be sure to say hello to their adorable resident furbaby!
222, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6016 852 2250
Wed to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Closed on Tue
Facebook | Instagram
7. KACJ Coffee
KACJ Coffee is your quintessential all-rounder cafe — serving everything from solid coffee and non-coffee options to hearty hot meals and desserts. While the coffee might take centre stage, their matcha lattes deserve a quiet round of applause too.
The matcha lineup is small but thoughtfully curated, with 3 classics: Matcha Latte, Hojicha Latte, and Sea Salt Genmaicha Latte — each priced at RM15. With its inviting ambience, KACJ makes for a great spot to unwind, whether you’re there for a quick sip or a slow afternoon.
32, Jln Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6010 554 3131
Thu to Tue: 9.30am – 5.30pm
Closed on Wed
Instagram
8. Furiku
Furiku is a go-to for matcha lovers who’d rather skip circling shophouses in search of parking. This JB-based chain is conveniently located in malls like AEON Tebrau and Sutera Mall.
Exclusively focused on matcha, Furiku offers a playful, customisable experience with an impressively wide menu. The concept is simple and fun: build your own drink in 3 steps. First, choose your matcha intensity — Easy (RM9), Intermediate (RM11), or Advanced (RM14). Then, pick a base like Hojicha Jelly or Strawberry Yogurt. Finally, top it off with treats like Honey Comb or Matcha Gelato.
If you prefer to keep things straightforward, there are fixed-price classics too — like the Matcha Latte (RM9), Hojicha (RM10), and Matcha Shake (RM15).
For a list of outlets, click here.
9. MUWU Cafe
MUWU Cafe at Taman Johor Jaya is a cosy, underrated spot serving up comforting Japanese fare, including drinks and desserts that deserve just as much attention. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with a quiet passion for quality, especially when it comes to their matcha.
Their matcha menu is surprisingly extensive, and if you’re curious about the brews, the staff are more than happy to share insights into their hand-brewing methods.
Options include Uji Matcha Latte (from RM13), Rakki Matcha Latte (from RM15), Dirty Uji Matcha (RM13), and Rakki Uji Matcha (RM15). For those looking way and beyond, they also serve Hojicha Latte and Genmaicha Latte (both RM13), among other comforting creations.
31-A, Jalan Dedap 4, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6011 1086 1819
Thu to Mon: 1pm – 9pm
Closed on Tue & Wed
Facebook | Instagram
10. Matcha Lalu
Matcha Lalu is one of those delightful discoveries that began as a humble pop-up and has since found a cosy, permanent home in Kota Jail — perfect for when you’re craving a matcha moment and want to lepak.
Their menu offers everything from the Classic Matcha Latte (from RM12) to more adventurous blends like Pistachio, Mango, Caramel, and Strawberry Matcha Lattes (each from RM14).
Penjara Lama Johor Bahru (Kota Jail), Jalan Ayer Molek, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Instagram
