Welcome to the DTLA Iced Matcha Latte series, where I try out the different iced matcha lattes around town and let you know the hottest spots. Everyone needs a good iced matcha fix once in a while. The challenge is finding a shop that offers good-quality matcha, is accessible, and doesn’t break the bank. I got you covered, so you don’t have to go out and experiment yourself.
The Iced Matcha Latte
DTLA might not be the ideal location for a good iced matcha latte, considering the cost of doing business, but there is an opportunity considering the competition. Higher-quality matcha has a smoother, more savory taste, while lower-quality matcha tastes bitter and metallic.
DTLA Iced Matcha Latte Ranking
The ranking for the best DTLA Iced Matcha Latte will be a bit different. We’re looking at totally different factors, considering parking SUCKS no matter what. This list is probably ideal if you’re working in DTLA and need a mid-day pick-me-up. The order is from the better lattes at the top to my least favorite at the bottom. Let’s be real, none of these compares to the iced matcha latte in SGV. The trend is blatantly obvious, and the quest continues.
| Price for Standard Size | Recommended? | |
| Surfboy | $6.00 | Meh |
| Go Get Em Tiger | $7.50 | No |
| Nice Coffee | $7.00 | No |
Surfboy
Surfboy had a pretty good service experience, but this place is better known for their cofee. If it weren’t for their recommendation to add vanilla syrup, then the iced matcha latte might be a bit on the plain side. I am not sure if I would absolutely recommend this place for an iced matcha latte. It might hit the spot for a couple of hours, then you’ll start having regrets and think about Molly Tea or something.
Go Get Em Tiger
I didn’t know that Go Get Em Tiger is a coffee chain, but I tried the one in Grand Central Market. I was a bit weirded out that the staff tossed out yesterday’s water from the kettle and refilled it with fresh hot water without washing it. They market their drink as the iced honey matcha latte, which has honey added to the matcha latte. Overall, it was okay, but I wouldn’t recommend ordering an iced matcha latte here. Stick with the coffee or save your matcha craving for somewhere else.
Nice Coffee
Nice Coffee is an open-air coffee stand in the middle of the Flower Street plaza. A long line will form during peak break hours, but everyone else is generally there for coffee. My first reaction after sipping the iced matcha latte was… “What the fuck?” as in, why is this the plainest iced matcha latte I’ve ever tasted; there’s no hint of matcha, and there is nothing ceremonial about it. I do give credit to this place for at least not trying to mask any of it with syrup flavoring. This is NOT the place to get an iced matcha latte. There’s a moderate wait here.
