Matcha at +Bake Cafe

Every drink in the series starts with matcha and milk. The fruit versions add a compote or banana, which sweetens the drink and softens the grassy edge of the tea. If you've never had matcha, the strawberry is the easiest place to start. If you already drink it straight, try the plain matcha latte first.

Both are Japanese green teas, prepared differently. Matcha is shade-grown tea ground into a fine powder, so you drink the whole leaf: bright green, grassy, and higher in caffeine. Houjicha is green tea roasted after drying, which turns it brown and gives it a nutty, toasted flavor with less caffeine.

If you want something bright, or something with fruit, stay with matcha. If you usually order a latte for the warmth and the milk, try the houjicha.

Any matcha drink can be made with oat, almond or coconut milk for $1 more. Ask at the counter, or pick the milk when you order on Toast.

Matcha foam is a $1 add-on: a layer of whipped matcha on top for a stronger tea flavor in the first few sips. Ask for it at the counter or add it on Toast.

Matcha goes well with something savory or something with warm spice. The garlic cream cheese croissant and the Pandan Biscoff Snickerdoodle are the two we'd put next to a strawberry matcha.

+Bake has free Wi-Fi, indoor seating and a patio with umbrellas, and plenty of people settle in with a matcha and a laptop. We're open daily from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and there's free parking in the Sunrize Center lot out front.

Every matcha drink is on Toast for pickup, next to the pastry case. Order before you leave, pick your milk and add any sweetness notes, and it will be waiting at the pickup shelf when you walk in to 8685 Base Line Rd, Ste B.