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Emirates Woman
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
10 unique matcha cafés for the globe-trotter
Matcha cafés have taken the world by storm and most certainly our Instagram feeds. When it comes to searching, leave that to the matcha experts at Emirates Woman . Unique matcha cafes around the world blend traditional Japanese tea culture with modern culinary creativity, offering immersive and flavorful experiences. From Matcha Cafe Maiko in Honolulu, where matcha soft serve and parfaits are crafted with Kyoto-imported tea, to Nana's Green Tea in Tokyo, a sleek chain that modernises traditional Japanese desserts, these spots have garnered cult followings. In Sydney, Cre Asion stands out for its minimalist, Zen-inspired design and its artisanal matcha pastries and macarons. Meanwhile, Cha Cha Matcha in New York and Los Angeles brings a pop-art, Instagram-worthy twist to matcha lattes and soft serve, appealing to a global youth audience. Each café showcases regional influences—whether it's ceremonial-grade matcha, inventive fusion desserts, or eye-catching aesthetics—making them distinct destinations for tea lovers and trend seekers alike. These cafés not only serve exceptional matcha but also provide unique atmospheres and experiences that highlight the global appreciation for this vibrant green tea. MACCHA HOUSE Matcha Kan – Tokyo Here, they serve a menu featuring carefully selected matcha from 'Morihan,' a long-established Kyoto tea house with over 180 years of history. Popular items include matcha lattes, matcha soft serve ice cream, a DIY matcha whisking experience, and their renowned matcha tiramisu. For an authentic experience this is a must-visit specialty matcha cafe. Koncrete – Dubai View this post on Instagram A post shared by KONCRETE®️ (@koncretespace) If you're thinking clean spaces – Koncrete is the place to be. This Emirati-owned café showcases a spacious, sleek and minimalistic space to unwind. Visitors can savour drinks such as the Coco Matcha – an organic and refreshing blend of coconut water, topped with premium creamy matcha. This delicious beverage combines an exciting blend of both tropical and earthy flavours which stem from the matcha powder itself. Cafe Cre Asion – Sydney Known for its Japanese minimal design and food since 2011. Cre Asion is a hidden gem nestled in the laneways of Surry Hills, Sydney, offering a serene escape with its minimalist Japanese-inspired ambiance and exceptional matcha-infused. The café's name, 'Cre Asion,' is a play on 'creation,' reflecting its dedication to crafting unique and artistic treats. Guests can indulge in a variety of matcha-based offerings, including matcha lattes, matcha fondants, and matcha muffins. The matcha flavor is authentic and rich, appealing to true matcha enthusiasts. UMAMI Matcha Café To Go – Paris This charming takeaway spot nestled in Paris's 17th arrondissement, offers a delightful array of matcha-infused beverages and Japanese-inspired treats. Located at 5 rue Pierre Demours, near the Ternes metro station, this café caters to matcha enthusiasts seeking quality on the go. Their menu features a variety of hot and cold matcha drinks, including lattes and specialty beverages, all crafted with high-quality Japanese matcha. Additionally, patrons can enjoy an assortment of matcha-flavored pastries and desserts, such as matcha cheesecakes and yuzu-infused treats. The café also boasts a delicatessen corner, offering a selection of Japanese products and ingredients for those interested in recreating the flavors at home. With its minimalist décor and friendly service, UMAMI Matcha Café To Go provides a cozy stop for a quick yet satisfying matcha experience in Paris. Maja Spa & Wellness Studio – Bali View this post on Instagram A post shared by PAULA SANZ (@paulasanzb) At Maja Spa & Wellness Studio in Canggu, Bali, matcha enthusiasts can indulge in a refreshing cold matcha latte, expertly crafted with high-quality tea and often complemented by pastries like banana bread. This serene café offers a tranquil environment, making it an ideal spot to relax after a rejuvenating spa treatment or a revitalizing Pilates session. Whether enjoyed in the cozy ambiance of the spa or conveniently delivered via Grab, Maja Spa's matcha offerings provide a delightful blend of taste and wellness. Ksana Matcha – Bangkok With a store designed to look like a cave, they aim to make the cafe a hideout for people to recharge and get rest from the busy city, a very cool concept of 'escape from chaos'. The café is a matcha specialist and importer delivering the finest ceremonial matcha directly from Japan. Cha Cha Matcha – New York View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cha Cha Matcha (@chachamatcha) Cha Cha Matcha is a vibrant and trendy café chain in New York City, known for its high-quality matcha beverages and Instagram-worthy aesthetic. Founded in 2016 by Matthew Morton and Conrad Sandelman after a trip to Japan, the brand has become a staple in NYC's matcha scene . Innovative combinations like the 'Blue Drink' with collagen and lavender honey and the matcha soft serve are perfect for a sweet treat. Peaq Wellness – Dubai The first social wellness club in the Middle East is all about matcha. For more information visit So, for your next travel plans, you'll definitely be Matcha-ready! – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied Feature Image: @majaspa
Campaign ME
12-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
New Balance's Grey Days return with series of activations
New Balance has launched the 2025 iteration of Grey Days, a month-long celebration of its signature colour. This May, consumers in the region can look forward to several activations that showcase the brand's new collection such as the Grey 5k Runs and staggered 'Grey drops' over the month. The initiative's inspiration comes from how central the colour grey has been to the New Balance identity since the late 1970s. While competitor brands gave athletes and runners shoes in white, that would quickly get dirty, New Balance introduced 'sneakers that wouldn't show dirt' as a solution for urban runners. The brand kicked off its Grey Days campaign in the region with an activation in Dubai. Collaborating with exclusive pre-saler Ounass at Koncrete, a café donned in grey interiors at Jumeirah. 'In the Middle East, consumers are drawn towards brands that offer a unique identity yet still a sense of community,' said Ana Elisa Seixas, Head of Marketing – MEAI, New Balance. She explained that the month-long campaign is dedicated to the people who have supported the brand from its humble beginnings. 'Grey Days is a thank-you to our community including the loyal fans who've supported New Balance for decades, and newer demographics discovering it for the first time. It's a moment to look back and forward, simultaneously,' she said. The activation was crafted with a keen attention to detail and included a 'grey' menu, displays of the Grey Days collection including the 1906 Loafer, interactive photo moments and more. 'It's all about offering a space that blends community, culture and creativity while creating an experience that we hope will be truly memorable,' Seixas said. The next installation of the Grey Days campaign is a 5K run set up on the 17th of May at the New Balance store at Nakheel Mall. To keep the recurring campaign fresh every year, Seixas explained that the New Balance team does a deep dive analysis of its consumers. 'Each year, our strategy for Grey Day evolves through a blend of consumer insights, cultural relevance, and product innovation,' she said. 'We look at what's resonating, from the rise of retro silhouettes to the demand for versatile lifestyle pieces, and build activations and product drops that reflect those shifts. Hence every year, we honor our heritage, but not without tailoring the format to meet the evolving expectations of our audience in every region, every year.' Seixas also proved the campaign's effectiveness in the region. 'In terms of results, we've seen an encouraging and similarly positive sentiment on different levels including store visits, event attendance numbers, OOH views, Google search keywords, as well as overall sales across the region,' she said.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
05-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Best Matcha in Dubai: 16 Cafes That Need To Be on Your Radar
Rapidly gaining in popularity, matcha cafés are embracing the deliciously smooth coffee alternative loved by many around the world… Matcha has been a cult drink flavour in the UAE for a long time, but now the flavour is flowing into chic culinary dishes too, popping up in Matcha cafés and elegant eateries across Dubai. Matcha addicts can now indulge in baked goods such as pancakes, ice cream or brownies – the list is endless. What Are The Benefits? Obtaining its vibrant green colour from the Japanese green tea leaves found in the Camellia sinensis plant, matcha contains profound nutrients like hardworking vitamins and fibres, offering multiple health benefits beyond its on-trend appeal. Matcha powder contains powerful antioxidants such as catechins, which can help prevent cell damage and decrease the risk of some diseases. The beverage also includes a gentle caffeine boost, making it the perfect option to gradually release energy – without those coffee jitters. Here, Bazaar Arabia rounds up some of the most adored matcha lattes in the UAE. Best Matcha in Dubai: 16 Cafes That Need To Be on Your Radar Blu Matcha Café Located in Dubai Marina, this café specialises in all things matcha, with over ten unique flavours to explore. The branch is particularly enthusiastic about the benefits and relaxation properties of matcha – using homegrown matcha made especially for its customers. Location: Dryp Studio, Orra Tower, Dubai Marina Koncrete This Emirati-owned café showcases a spacious, sleek and minimalistic space to unwind. Earlier this year, Koncrete introduced Coco Matcha – an organic and refreshing blend of coconut water, topped with premium creamy matcha. This delicious beverage combines an exciting blend of both tropical and earthy flavours which stem from the matcha powder itself. Location: 787 Jumeirah Street, Dubai Oath Oath boasts a soft and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy a good book and a tasty treat. This gorgeous café embraces all things matcha and experiments with innovative desserts, such as the Matcha Soft Serve. Location: Jumeirah 1, Wud Flowers Bkry With expertise in crafting premium grade matcha – Bkry has truly embraced the creative art of matcha making, having just recently released two new flavours: Strawberry Hibiscus, which boasts strawberry cloud foam and white chocolate meringue, and Blueberry Lavender, which adds a touch of blueberry foam and lavender meringue. Location: Alserkal Avenue, Street 17, Al Quoz, Dubai IYKYK Dubai This spot is a community club with a unique and creative edge. In a Bazaar Arabia exclusive, Villa Aumédan founder Ahmad AlMuhassin discusses the innovative beverages curated specifically for their customers to indulge in, with the 'Matcha with Coconut Milk' being its must-try drink. This stylish café has put a creative spin on Matcha through the launch of their Matchagato – a French vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with hot matcha. Location: Jumeriah 1, Dubai Cult Matcha by TRIO This gorgeous matcha pop-up in partnership with ELEVENiSH is an expansion of the branch TRIO – and delves into all things matcha. The cosy café includes a takeaway menu, an outdoor seating area, and even a drive-through for when you fancy a matcha on the go. The cult favourite beverage is said to be the Strawberry Foam Matcha. Location: Eithad Towers, Abu Dhabi Knot Bake House This chic bakery launched Spring, 2014, and has become a big name in matcha – offering a range of delicious items, from desserts and pastries to classic lattes. The indoor seating area provides a chilled place to sit and socialise with friends or family, with a variety of delicious matcha flavours to try, such as the salted caramel matcha. Location: 403 Jumeirah St, Al Athar Street, Dubai Matcha Union This wellness company founded by Louisa Birkhahn, specialises in premium and ceremonial grade matcha – designed to give you a boost towards a healthier lifestyle, whilst indulging in self-care. Matcha Union incorporates sustainably sourced Japanese matcha for a delightfully smooth and rich finish. Location: The Edit, Warehouse 48, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai Crème With the recent launch of their new Blue Matcha range featuring; Blue Milk matcha, Blue Coconut matcha and Blue Green Matcha – Crème bring a distinctively refreshing approach, truly elevating your matcha experience. Locations: Dar Wasl and The 77 Valley, Dubai Café Kitsuné For an enhanced experience featuring bold and smooth flavours, visit Café Kitsuné. This chic Parisian-inspired café is a great place to unwind, featuring sleek and contemporary interiors. They have recently launched a custom made ceremonial matcha powder, with a selection specially curated beverages to try, including Matcha Bergamot Fizz. Location: The H Residence, Al Safa, Dubai Paus; Paus; Dubai is perfect for those looking to escape the city and have a quiet moment with a refreshing drink in hand. The lush greenery and multistory villa make for a cosy spot to catch up with friends. Their selection of matcha is sourced from entirely organic ingredients, with dynamic flavours such as Green Coco matcha and Pistachio matcha on offer. Location: Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim, Dubai Tania's Teahouse Enjoy a refreshing cup of matcha at the picturesque rebranded Tania's Teahouse. The café features vibrant pastel hues and whimsical patterns which are the perfect backdrop for an Instagrammable snap. They serve a range of drinks with dynamic infusions, such as Minty matcha and Chai matcha. Location: Dubai Hills Estate، Business Park 3, Dubai Pekoe tea & bread bar Indulge in a rich array of matcha drinks at Pekoe tea & bread bar, including their signature mix, The Amazon, an inviting blend of high-grade matcha, milk, and honey. This cosy artisanal bakery is the perfect place to relax while enjoying fresh pastries and a smooth, rich beverage. Location: Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 59, Dubai More Matcha Matcha enthusiasts will love this sage café serving a myriad of matcha-infused desserts and freshly brewed drinks. Choose from their extensive menu with a special selection of seasonal winter drinks, including cinnamon matcha. Location: DIFC, Gate Avenue Joe & The Juice Globally loved franchise Joe & The Juice is the perfect place to grab a cup of matcha on the go. With delivery options and multiple branches around the city, you can easily order your daily fix of hot or iced matcha hassle-free. Location: The Galleria Mall, Dubai Design District, Mall of the Emirates and others. Nette Enjoy a cup of premium matcha in the luxe and green surroundings of Nette, a French-Japanese restaurant nestled in the picturesque Matcha Club Al Quoz. Their freshly made matcha is the perfect blend of creaminess and bold flavour, accompanied by the scenic beauty of the venue.
