Ooika — Restaurant in Lawrence Township

Ooika really is the next big thing in the US for authentic, high-end Matcha degustation.

I stumbled across this place while stopping through the area. Little did I know I would find a nook entirely dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of this delicacy in its purest and freshest form. I drink a lot of Matcha and I have to say this one stands out from the rest. Their iced Matcha latte was excellent. Be advised they do limit their milk selection to oat milk only. I think they are soon allowing byo milk, which is good (I drink my Matcha lattes with soy milk, for reference).

I decided to purchase their Matcha for my own at-home use. I got the Yoshida Samidori Matcha and thought it was fantastic. I enjoyed it best as koicha, which best allowed me to enjoy the complexity of the flavor profile.

The only piece of feedback is that one of my 10g Matcha packets was not sealed properly and as result, after storing and opening, the Matcha in this packet was dried up and granular. I can still consume it, but I have to break up the pieces with my sieve. The last few sips of my usucha end up grainy.

This being said, I have no doubt Ooika will end up as big if not bigger than Matchaful and Kettle (both of which I personally think are backed up by good marketing, but actually just have alright Matcha). I can't wait until Ooika grows. I do hope they update their packaging, but they're nailing the fresh small batch strategy, as is appropriate for Matcha!

Edit: Ooika has receptive and responsive customer service. They are committed to serving quality and it shows!...

found out about Ooika through an instagram ad last week and RAN to lawrenceville on saturday around noon. definitely was busy, but i was expecting it! although it was busy, our drinks came out pretty quickly after ordering.

we ordered the cold foam matcha latte, cold foam strawberry matcha latte, and matcha cookies. i thought that the strawberry and matcha paired very well together! however, i personally enjoyed the matcha latte more! i think i just really enjoy the matcha flavor on its own. they also mill their own matcha in house and as an avid matcha drinker, it was so cool to see it in person. for both drinks, you could taste each component on its own even after mixing which i like! there is the perfect amount of sweetness in both lattes. i personally haven’t been fond of oat milk until i tried it in Ooika’s matcha lattes and i am a changed person LOL i love the richness of their matcha and am even considering purchasing it! that rich green color is to die for! the matcha cookies were also fantastic!

i’m really happy that Ooika opened up fairly close to me (i’m around the cherry hill area) and i’m willing to take the 40 minute drive every week to come!!!!! i usually take small trips up to Princeton, so i’ll definitely be stopping here every time! hopefully they expand and open up a cafe closer one day overall, this cafe is amazing and i would recommend to anyone who drinks matcha or is...

A Matcha Revelation:

Ooika Matcha offers a unique and delightful experience for matcha enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. Their focus on freshly roasted, high-quality matcha is akin to the third-wave coffee movement, highlighting the vast difference between premium and everyday matcha.

Tasting the Difference:

The first sip is a revelation. Ooika's matcha boasts a vibrant color, rich aroma, and smooth, nuanced flavor. It's a far cry from the overly sweetened powdery pre-made matcha drinks made at a popular nearby chain that rhymes with Starshucks.

Beyond the Product:

Marc and team's dedication extends beyond the exceptional product. The warm and welcoming service creates a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, even during peak hours - we were greeted with a smile. Their use of non-dairy oat milk creates a perfect complement to the matcha's flavor, further elevating the experience and making it allergy and vegan friendly.

On a personal note, I would love to see them offer a few more vegan treats. They had a granola bar from Lillipies Princeton when I was there. It would be amazing if they offer more in the future.

Overall:

Ooika Matcha is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly exceptional matcha experience. The freshness, quality, and dedication to customer service make it a standout in the...