Welcome to Kettl Tea - Greenpoint

"Stylish Japanese café with a strong tea and latte game. A friend of mine swore this is his favorite Japanese café in the city, so I came by on a weekday morning to see for myself. The dining space had warm wood décor and a calm vibe that seemed perfect for reading or working, but at 9:30 a.m., the space was surprisingly empty. Anyways, for matcha they offered three varieties, and while they recommended that I try hot to taste the real difference, I opted to have it as an iced matcha latte. After a short discussion with the barista, I went with soy milk in Shirakawa Matcha latte to bring out the umami/salty notes, and it was a good call. Started a bit grassy, but once it settled, it was rich, round, and savory—just as described. I also got the Sobacha latte and the Hojicha late and both were great. Really liked that they didn’t rely on sugar or honey to smooth out the bitterness. The hojicha, made with pistachio milk, was nutty, mellow, and full-bodied despite having zero sweetness. Sobacha latte was the most monotonic of the three, but exactly what I needed on a 100°F day. Light, nutty, and mild—very reminiscent of quinoa shake that I used to love in Korea, but with a more roasted finish. Weekday food options were limited to pound cakes and cookies. The sake azuki pound cake, served cold, was soft with just enough sweetness to pair well with the drinks. The matcha cookie was solid."

"Kettl certainly sets the standard, easily establishing itself as a top source for exceptional matcha quality. Tried the Hukuju from Yame, a blend I found to be quite bold and aromatic. Its profile offered a clear umami depth, reminiscent of fresh seaweed? I look forward to returning soon to compare their full range of matcha offerings in a tasting"