Junbi Matcha — Restaurant in Richardson

This review is long overdue--kind of like my library books, but here we are. I've been visiting Junbi for about a year now, and I think that qualifies me as a semiprofessional matcha consumer.

The Hojicha lattes here are solid, but I'm a Matcha person through and through. That earthy, robust flavor speaks to my soul (and my caffeine dependent personality). I always go for the iced Matcha latte in the summer because it is creamy, refreshing, and made just right every time. This place gets bonus points for consistency!

The inside of Junbi is clean, cozy, and ideal for couples, solo sippers, or a small group trying to escape the Texas heat with a matcha in hand. There are even a few tables out front if you're into fresh air and judgmental squirrels. Ordering is a breeze there's a kiosk if you want to avoid human interaction, but usually there's a friendly face at the register ready to take your order without judgment, even if it's your third visit that week. ;)

Let's talk about the matcha ice cream: it's rich, creamy, and honestly kind of luxurious. I like to throw in some aloe bits because I live on the edge and also, it just tastes really good together.

Now for my one teeny-tiny gripe: while the Hojicha is good, it doesn't quite hit peak freshness compared to another mystery café in Richardson I frequent (I won't name names, but they know who they are). Still, Junbi wins on convenience, friendliness, and that cheerful yellow décor that kind of makes you feel like everything's going to be okayyyy even if your latte budget says otherwise.

Final verdict? Definitely recommend if you're in the area and craving a solid, creamy matcha fix or a Hojicha latte. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your Instagram followers. (also, I'm sorry for not posting pictures. I always mean to, but the drinks and ice cream disappear wayyyy too...

Absolutely horrendous attitude and lack of training from the 3 amateur teenagers running the shop. The film lid machine failed to work. So the young girl at the cashier decided to cover my cup with a coffee cup lid without mentioning it or an apology. I have toppings in the drink that will not work with a coffee lid. And it is a to go order so the loose lid will spill the drink. Young counterpart came in and he has no idea how to fix it. The cashier girl avoided the issue and walked off. Another girl from the kitchen came over and face time the manager while struggling with the lid machine. I watched the entire face time fiasco on her phone and not once did anyone apologize but instead mumbled that I should leave. Girl from kitchen even raised her voice saying it is not her fault that the machine sucks. I left and dumped my $8 drink in the bin. This entire team has zero training in customer service. Will never go back and will make it my life goal to tell all my friends to avoid this establishment. I will post this review in every online outlet till I get a reply from management.

REPLY TO MANAGEMENT: The lid machine issue has been going on for months. No backup machine when this is part of a critical work flow of your business ? Every boba shop has at least two of these. The young girl at the cashier used a black plastic coffee lid. Not a clear one. And she walked away immediately to avoid any kind of conversation. The most aggressive employee is the one from the kitchen who was FaceTiming the manager. I am loss for words when she opened her mouth. The product is good but it is only as good as the...

i believe this location has gone through a owner change (could be wrong) after the service and quality had been consistently worsening after the first few months of their opening date, but i had stopped coming here for nearly a year, then decided to give them a second try. first revisit last month was fantastic and drinks were amazing. i thought junbi was finally back and reflecting the LA locations great rep. but the last 3 visits since february have been so bad and uninviting that i dont think i can bring my support to junbi ever again. drinks are always a hit or miss, some employees eyeball measurements which makes flavor and quality inconsistent— often the milk serving. my drinks are always made so milky that they appear close to white and they’re extremely hesitant to remake or refund drinks for you. there is no one ever present up front. just conversing in the back room until someone decided to walk out and check for customers. terrible attitude problem with all the baristas, like they’re forced to be there. this girl who appears to be white and in her teens is always in a bad mood with non existent customer service skills. i used to be a junbi customer upwards of 4 times a week when they opened, and im glad there are still people with good experiences walking through and out their door, but when that’s 1 in maybe 5 there is still improvement and training that needs to be addressed...