Matcha in Zurich: Best Cafés and Where to Buy in 2026
Zurich is the Swiss city that adopted matcha culture earliest and most seriously. Its established Japanese community, one of Europe's most developed specialty coffee scenes, and an internationally accustomed clientele have created the conditions for a genuine offer. The city now has several addresses worth visiting, starting with one that stands as an absolute reference.
Matcha addresses in Zurich
Ju Matcha Bar
Ju Matcha Bar is Zurich's matcha reference, and probably the country's. Entirely dedicated to matcha and Japanese green tea drinks, the bar offers an experience structured around ritual: matcha is prepared with a chasen, in a pared-back, attentive setting. This is the address to choose if you want to understand what matcha can be when treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The menu includes several preparations, from traditional usucha to more accessible variations. The place has become a reference in Zurich's tea and specialty coffee circles. If you visit for the first time, order a traditionally served matcha first — it is the best starting point.
Specialty coffee shops
Beyond Ju Matcha Bar, several Zurich specialty coffee shops include matcha on their drinks menu. Quality varies by supplier. Some addresses in Langstrasse, Kreis 5 and Wipkingen have integrated matcha seriously into their offer. Ask — the barista's answer tells you a lot about the level of attention given to the product.
Japanese grocery stores
Zurich has a few Japanese grocery stores — mainly around the city centre and main station — selling imported matcha. Variable quality, often without a region or grade indicated. Useful in a pinch, less useful for building a serious practice.
Buying quality matcha in Zurich
For matcha with a verifiable origin and a grade documented by Japanese standards, Maison Genkai (Colombier, Neuchâtel) imports directly from Yame (Fukuoka) and delivers to Zurich in 1 to 2 business days. It is Switzerland's most transparent supplier on grade criteria: first harvest only for ceremonial, minimum 21 days shading, stone-ground.
- High Ceremonial Matcha 50g — CHF 39.90: first choice for traditional preparation, comparable to what you might taste at Ju Matcha Bar
- Ceremonial Matcha 50g — CHF 29.90: first harvest, stone-ground, accessible daily
- Premium Matcha 50g — CHF 19.90: for lattes and cooking
- Organic Hojicha 50g — CHF 14.90: roasted, gentle, very low caffeine
Free shipping from CHF 60, 1 to 2 business days across Switzerland. Japanese preparation accessories also available.
For Zurich professionals
Zurich cafés, restaurants and hotels looking for a reliable Swiss matcha supplier: Maison Genkai offers a structured B2B programme, formats from 500g to 25kg, white label from 5kg, free samples. See the matcha wholesale page or write to contact@maisongenkai.com.
How to evaluate matcha quality at a café
Before ordering, ask your barista one simple question: where does your matcha come from? Authentic, quality matcha must be Japanese in origin, ideally with a specific region named — Yame (Fukuoka) being the most prized for its smooth, umami-rich character. Matcha with no declared origin is rarely of a grade suited to a genuinely good drink.
At Maison Genkai, we only offer matcha of Japanese origin, sourced directly from Yame (Fukuoka). It is our only non-negotiable criterion.
Related reading
- Understanding matcha grades
- How to prepare matcha
- 5 best matcha cafés in Switzerland
- Matcha in Basel
FAQ
What is the best matcha café in Zurich?
Ju Matcha Bar is the absolute reference in Zurich for an authentic matcha experience. Entirely dedicated to matcha and Japanese green tea drinks, with chasen preparation.
Where to buy Japanese matcha in Zurich?
A few Japanese grocery stores in the city centre. For fully traceable matcha delivered in 1 to 2 business days, Maison Genkai ships from Neuchâtel.
Which matcha supplier for a Zurich café?
Maison Genkai (Colombier, NE) has a B2B offer for professionals across Switzerland: contact@maisongenkai.com.
