If your social media feed is looking a little less green lately, you’re not imagining things. With matcha’s recent craze and cult following, the world is facing a critical matcha shortage. But instead of settling for low-quality powder, it’s the perfect time to add a rich, toasty, and earthy flavor to your daily drink rotation; meet Hojicha.
What exactly is Hojicha?
While matcha is made from shade-grown green tea leaves that are steamed then stone-ground into a vibrant powder, hojicha is roasted over charcoal and produces a deep golden brown color. Because it’s roasted, the process naturally burns off a lot of caffeine, so it’s a great alternative afternoon or evening drink that won’t make you palpitate like crazy. Unlike the grassy, almost vegetal, taste of most matcha, hojicha also leans into a richer, smoky, and nutty flavor profile.
Ready to trade your usual bright green for a cozier brown? Here is our list of five excellent hojicha lattes to try in the Metro, rated by flavor and intensity.
Matcha Later – Chairo Hojicha (PHP250)
Photos courtesy of @matchalaterph
For beginners who also love chocolate
If you’re hesitant to leave your sweet comfort zone, start here. You get their signature hojicha cloud layered on your choice of either white chocolate or plain chocolate oat milk. The mix of light roasted tea with the sweet, creamy chocolate base is a masterclass in balance: not too sweet, and not too bitter. This hojicha is the kind of drink you finish too quickly and immediately crave again.
📍 5385 Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati
More Coffee – Hojicha Latte (PHP190)
Photos courtesy of @morecoffeeph
For picky eaters and sweet tooths
Don’t let the name fool you; this one is definitely tea, but it’s tailored for the sweet tooth. This brew is noticeably more earthy in color, with a deep, rich brown that looks promising. However, the hojicha taste itself is on the lighter side, making it ideal for people who want the subtle nutty warmth without the full intensity. It’s a well-crafted latte that prioritizes easy, sweet drinkability.
📍 The Block at SM North Edsa, Quezon City
📍 The Podium, Ortigas, Mandaluyong
Egghouse – Hojicha Latte (PHP180)
Photos courtesy of @egghouseph
For hojicha lovers who like it strong
When you’re ready to commit to the roasted flavor, this one is your ticket. The latte itself is already made with oat milk, and the profile is undeniably nutty, with a strong roasted aftertaste that showcases the intensity of the leaves. This hojicha hits the perfect level of warmth and slight bitterness, making it an adult-level tea that’s complex yet so satisfying.
📍 Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Baclaran, Parañaque
📍 Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa
Bubu – Hojicha Latte (PHP200)
Photos courtesy of @bububars
For texture-obsessed cafe junkies
Who knew an ice cream shop could make a great oat hojicha? Bubu’s version makes the experience all about smooth satisfaction. The nutty flavor is forward, much like Egghouse, but the non-grainy texture is what sets it apart. Throughout the entire cup, you get a consistently creamy, velvety sip. This spot proves that the quality of the grind matters just as much as the quality of the roast.
📍 27th Street, cor 9th Ave, BGC, Taguig
Otaku Room – Uji Hojicha Latte (PHP210)
Photos courtesy of Rubylyn Dionillo
For splurgers and green tea connoisseurs
Brought to you by the team behind Yardstick, this spot is the hojicha big leagues. If you want a tea that feels luxurious, their premium Uji hojicha is incredibly rich and almost savory. This latte is satisfyingly creamy and full-bodied, even bordering on becoming a full-on dessert. It’s a sophisticated cup that respects the tea’s heritage while still giving you a decadent, smooth finish. This is your treat after an especially difficult week.
📍 3rd Ave, BGC, Taguig
The age of frantic matcha hunting is over, because the best green tea spots in Metro Manila have already made the pivot, offering a hojicha experience for every palate. From the nutty richness of Egghouse, to the smooth finish of Bubu, hojicha is your new cozy upgrade to your usual matcha latte. It’s time to make the switch and go for that perfect zero-regrets sip your rotation has been missing.
