Ever since ordering my first matcha frappuccino from Starbucks, complete with whipped cream and raspberry syrup it has become one of my go-to orders. While some people dislike the “grassy” taste or chalky texture of matcha, I quickly developed a liking for the distinct flavor, regardless of the form: ice cream, tea or latte.
Since arriving at Dartmouth, I’ve grown accustomed to matcha at The Fern and Novack Cafe. I always order a small iced matcha latte with oat milk. While I enjoy these drinks on campus, I was also curious to explore the matcha Main Street has to offer. There’s no shortage of coffee shops in Hanover, so I was eager to answer a question I’ve had for a while: Where can I find the best matcha latte in Hanover?
4. Umpleby’s
I went to Umpleby’s last Saturday and immediately noted the lively environment, full of bustle and chatter. Though this meant a long wait — both to order and to receive my drink — I liked the warm, sun-lit atmosphere. The first thing I noticed about Umpleby’s $4.99 matcha was the color, which resembled a sea blue-green rather than the typically vibrant shade of green. The latte tasted strongly of herbs — almost like grass with a little bit of honey. The consistency was very watery, and though it was not chalky, it had a very weak matcha flavor. I liked that the latte was not too sweet, but otherwise I did not enjoy it overall.
3. Dirt Cowboy Cafe
The next day, I made my way to Dirt Cowboy Cafe and was enveloped in its homey and rustic feel. They gave me the option to sweeten my latte, and I accepted. While I usually avoid sugar or sweeteners with my matcha, I thought the latte achieved a good level of sweetness with this addition. The latte had a murky color similar to Umpleby’s, but did not have the same herbal taste. The texture was a little chalky, the matcha flavor was a little weak, but it was still enjoyable. This made it a contender for the title of “Best Iced Matcha” in my book, even at the price of $6.30.
2. Still North Cafe
Nestled inside a bookstore, the cafe section of Still North has a bustling yet charming atmosphere. I enjoyed starting my morning with matcha while perusing the bookshelves. While Still North’s iced matcha latte was the most expensive, priced at $5.70 before tip, it was well worth the extra dollar over the two options above. I was pleasantly surprised by the light green color that did not look too watered down or diluted. However, I thought the oat milk taste was stronger and overpowered the matcha. The latte reminded me of Novack’s matcha latte but with a weaker matcha flavor and less sweetness.
1. My Brigadeiro
I’ll be honest — I already love My Brigadeiros’ comfortable and warmly lit cafe with scrumptious coffee and acai bowls. Still, their matcha latte was by far my favorite from Main Street. Like most cafes on Main Street, there are limited seating options within the comfy cafe. While the matcha was not very strong, I enjoyed the flavor and smooth texture. It was not extremely sweet, had a more subtle taste and the color was the deep green shade I prefer. I thought paying $4.76 before tip for 16 ounces was a good deal.
Of course, the Fern and Novack will always offer more convenient options for a quick matcha latte, and I will probably return to them for my regular matcha fixes. However, if I’m ever in the mood to switch it up, I will be sure to visit My Brigadeiro. I would recommend sticking to a regular coffee or latte at the rest of Main Street’s cafes, even as a matcha fan. Still, I enjoyed venturing off campus and spending my mornings amid the bustle of early-bird students and community members. If your DBA is running low at the end of the term or you are looking for a drink to boost your study motivation, each cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of caffeine, whether matcha or otherwise.
