Matcha Town and Matcha Matcha Bring Authentic Japanese Tea to San Jose

San Jose has added Matcha Town to its roster of specialty tea spots with a location at 1704 Oakland Road. This spot centers on ceremonial-grade matcha imported from Japan with five concentration levels available, from a light Jasmine blend all the way to the robust No. 5 for those who know their preference.

Matcha Matcha has also established a presence in the city through its tea trailer stationed at Spark Social, the food truck and entertainment venue. The operation sources its matcha from Nishio in Aichi, Japan, and already runs another site on Saratoga Avenue.

In nearby Cupertino, BonBon Matcha readies a new cafe that will emphasize convenient grab-and-go service along with creative drinks such as strawberry matcha lattes and traditional Japanese desserts. The roughly 1,000-square-foot space expects to generate about six positions once it begins operations.

The arrivals expand the choices available for anyone seeking a refined tea experience or a refreshing twist on a familiar favorite. Whether you prefer the pure taste of whisked ceremonial matcha or a sweeter strawberry-infused latte, these new destinations give you more ways to enjoy unique matcha experiences.

Source: SVBJ

Chayakada Brining Custom Chai to San Jose

San Jose gains a unique spot for tea lovers with the opening of Chayakada at 117 Bernal Road, Suite 80, where each cup of chai gets brewed from scratch on the stovetop to match individual tastes. Owner Aleena Thomas, hailing from Kerala in southern India, brings the concept of a traditional chayakada to life as a dedicated tea shop with snacks and bistro food, marking what she describes as the first of its kind in the United States. After leasing the 4,000-square-foot space in November 2024 and securing permits in May, the cafe welcomed guests starting June 1, filling a gap in personalized chai options often overlooked in favor of standard recipes at restaurants.

The menu extends beyond drinks to include dozens of homestyle meals and baked snacks, all prepared in-house by a five-person team without outside investors. Thomas envisions the space as more than a quick stop, incorporating a kids library, game room, lounge area, and multipurpose hall for events to encourage lingering and connection. On opening day, around 500 visitors arrived, leading to nearly 600 free cups of chai served, while the first week saw 1,000 people, five catering events, and hundreds more cups poured, as shared on their Instagram.

This addition highlights San Jose's growing diversity in culinary experiences, drawing from global traditions to create welcoming environments. With its focus on accessibility and customization, Chayakada invites residents to explore new ways to enjoy chai while fostering a sense of belonging in the community.

Source: SVBJ