BEST Uji Kyoto Matcha in Hoian!!!
The ONLY Matcha spot in Hoi An which I HAVE ASCENDED after and i’m not gatekeeping because it deserves more hype!!! 😱🙇🏻♀️
This EXQUISITE experience I have never had in Japan and I wanted to share with you all!! Went back the next day just to try other matcha! 🍵
From ordering matcha to drinking it, the staff patiently and kindly shared the process with us, letting us smell the different matcha powders and the cold whisk paste 🥺🥺 The experience felt very heartwarming 🫶🏼🫶🏼
we even got to choose our preferred colour/design of the chasen bowl!!!!! 🍵 SO COOL RIGHT?! These chasen bowls were collected personally by the owner over 10years, with unique designs ranging from light to dark colours (for dine in only!)
While the matcha was served to us, the staff taught us how to enjoy the matcha and preserve its quality,, they even chilled the chasen bowl to keep the matcha cold and the quality for a longer time 😱😱 these small details made me as a matcha lover appreciate the art of drinking 🍵
🌟 THE REVIEW 🌟
I have tried 3 different gradings of ceremonial matcha! and these are my rankings!
TOP 1: UJI-ENWA 👑
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
BEST of the BEST. The flavour is the richest yet not too bitter, smooth mouthfeel. It has subtle umami but not too strong!
💰 Price: 179,000 dong (Had 10% discount for their opening so I paid $7.90!)
TOP 2: SAMIDORI
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5
I personally think that the umami taste was the strongest for this! More bitter and less rich than UJI-ENWA. Strongly RECO to those who prefer matcha with more umami!!
💰 Price: 209,000 dong ~ $10.25 (not cheap but its the highest grade they have there so for the experience!!)
TOP 3: KYOREI
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
This had more grassy taste with little bitterness and astringency. Not bad for those who prefer a lighter choice of matcha 😽 but as someone who likes their matcha GAO,, pick uji-enwa!!
💰 Price: 169,000 dong ~ $8.29
My friends tried hojicha latte and they said it’s decent!! esp for those who prefer non-matcha it will be a nice drink to try heheheh
•Oatmilk and Almond milk 🥛 are available for those who don’t like freshmilk!!
•Sweetness can be adjusted (0, 25 or 50%)😽 I chose 25%!
•Matcha powders and chasen whisks are available for purchase too
✨THE TIP for the best experience is to opt for dine in and to secure a seat at the matcha bar counter!! the staff will naturally chat with you 😚
They have branches around Vietnam in Hanoi, HCM, Nha Trang and Hoi An! Gonna go back again when I come back vietnam <33
📍Address: NAGOCHA Matcha Specialty & Tea House @ Hội An Old Town (The entrance is in a smaller alleyway!)
It’s beside a famous photobooth! Take photos after your matcha experience 📸
When visiting a specialty matcha tea house like NAGOCHA in Vietnam, it's remarkable how detailed the preparation and presentation of matcha can elevate the entire experience. From my own experiences visiting matcha cafes outside Japan, I've noticed that the authentic Japanese matcha art is often diluted, yet here, the focus on ceremonial-grade Uji matcha powders—from varieties such as UJI-ENWA, SAMIDORI, and KYOREI—offers a genuine taste of Kyoto’s finest green tea culture. One of the standout features that truly impressed me is the opportunity to select your own chasen whisk bowl, a rare treat that personalizes the ritual and makes the tasting more intimate. The bowls, collected over a decade by the owner, vary from light to dark shades and are specifically for dine-in customers, emphasizing the ceremonial atmosphere. A key tip to enhance your experience is to dine in and secure a spot at the matcha bar counter. Here, the baristas don’t just serve your tea—they guide you through the subtle aromas of different matcha powders and demonstrate techniques such as chilling the chasen bowl to preserve the matcha’s quality and flavor longer. This attention to detail highlights the care and respect given to this centuries-old drink. Also noteworthy is the option to customize sweetness and choose milk alternatives like oat or almond milk, accommodating modern preferences alongside traditional flavors. For non-matcha drinkers, trying a Hojicha latte at NAGOCHA is a delicious alternative, providing a gently roasted tea flavor. For those interested in taking home a piece of the experience, the shop offers authentic matcha powders and handcrafted chasen whisks imported from Japan. These are excellent souvenirs or a way to recreate the enchanting taste and ritual of Uji matcha at home. The NAGOCHA brand’s presence across Vietnam—in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang, and Hoi An—makes it accessible for tea enthusiasts wanting to immerse themselves in Japanese tea culture without traveling to Japan. The cozy alleyway entrance in Hoi An Old Town adds to the discovery feel, and don’t miss the photobooth next door for a perfect memento after your matcha session. Overall, NAGOCHA offers more than just tea; it’s a heartwarming cultural experience that celebrates the intricate art of premium matcha drinking, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Vietnam’s vibrant tea and cafe scene.
