Matcha Latte is one of the most searched drinks in Paris right now. Here is everything you need to know about what it tastes like, how it is made and where to find the finest version of Matcha Latte in Paris.
What Is a Matcha Latte?
A matcha latte is a drink made from two things: finely ground green tea powder and steamed milk. The powder is whisked directly into a small amount of hot water to form a concentrated paste, and milk (hot or cold) is added to bring it to volume and softness.
The result is a drink that sits somewhere between a tea and a café au lait: earthy and vegetal in flavour, creamy in texture, and gently sweet without any added sugar when made well. It is naturally caffeine-containing but considerably gentler on the system than espresso, which is part of why it has found such a devoted following among people who want something warm and sustaining without the sharp edge of coffee.
Is Matcha Latte Hot or Cold?
Hot matcha latte is the classic. The warmth draws out the full fragrance of the green tea and wraps around the milk in a way that feels grounding and unhurried. It is the version for slow mornings and cold afternoons.
Iced matcha latte has become, arguably, even more popular in Paris — particularly through warmer months. The matcha paste is whisked with a small amount of warm water, then poured over cold milk and ice. The contrast between the intense green layer and the pale milk beneath, before they are stirred, has made this one of the most photographed drinks on café terraces across the city.
The Taste of a Matcha Latte
If you have never tasted a matcha latte before, the closest comparison is this: imagine a green tea, but with all its sharp edges smoothed out by milk, and a natural sweetness that emerges when the powder is of good quality and properly prepared.
The dominant note is umami – a savoury, almost marine depth that is characteristic of high-quality Japanese green tea. Around it, depending on the milk and the ratio, you will find a gentle creaminess, a slight grassiness, and if the matcha is ceremonial grade, something almost floral at the finish.
What it is not: bitter. A bitter matcha latte is a sign that either the powder is low-grade, the water was too hot, or the ratio of matcha to milk is off. A well-made version should feel smooth from start to finish.
How to Make a Matcha Latte at Home
If a good matcha latte has inspired you to try making one at home, the good news is that the process is fairly simple.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 1–2 teaspoons ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 60 ml hot water (80°C, not boiling, which scorches the matcha)
- 200 ml whole milk or oat milk
- Optional: a teaspoon of condensed milk for sweetness
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1. Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl or glass. Sifting breaks up any clumps and ensures a smooth result.
Step 2. Add the hot water and use bamboo whisk (chasen) to whisk until the powder is fully dissolved and a light foam appears on the surface.
Step 3. For a hot latte: steam or gently heat the milk, then pour matcha paste over. Stir to combine. For an iced latte: pour the matcha paste directly into a glass filled with ice and cold milk. Stir and drink immediately.
Step 4. If you want the Vietnamese approach, add half a teaspoon of sweetened condensed milk at the end and stir.
Where to Drink a Matcha Latte in Paris – Cộng Cà Phê
In a city with no shortage of matcha lattes, Cộng Cà Phê offers something most café menus in Paris cannot: a setting and a story that make the drink feel like it belongs somewhere specific.
The café is located at 18 Rue Volney, in the 1st arrondissement, open every day from 8:30 to 20:30. The interior draws its aesthetic from the neighbourhood shops and communal spaces of Hanoi in the 1980s – an era defined by a particular kind of resourceful warmth, where nothing was wasted and everything was made personal.
The matcha latte at Cộng Cà Phê is served in the Vietnamese style: attentive to texture, generous in character, and shaped by the understanding that a drink should have a point of view. Whether you order it hot or iced, you are getting something made with the café’s approach to balance.
Looking for a matcha latte in Paris? Visit Cộng Cà Phê and experience a refreshing take on this café favorite, thoughtfully prepared in a space inspired by Vietnamese coffee culture. Open 7 days a week, 8:30 to 20:30. For the full menu and café information, visit congcaphe.fr.
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