Where to find the best matcha in Gdansk? Discover our green hit in the Old Town.

Just a few years ago, the green powder from Japan was merely an intriguing curiosity in Poland. Today, it is one of the most frequently ordered drinks in Gdansk's Old Town. Guests happily receive green cups from baristas, while many myths and fascinating stories have grown around the brew itself.

If you typed "where to find matcha in Gdansk" into your search engine or are simply looking for a delicious, healthy alternative to coffee while strolling through the historic Downtown – sit back and make yourself comfortable. Let us take you on a journey into our green world!

What actually is matcha? Discover its biggest secrets

Many people think that matcha is simply ground green tea that you can buy in any store. However, the truth is far more complex and fascinating. The process of its creation is a true art, and drinking matcha itself brings benefits that are rarely talked about.

Here are some fascinating facts worth knowing before you order your next cup:

  • The Secret of Shade (the Kabuse process): About 3 to 4 weeks before the planned harvest, the tea bushes (the Tencha varieties) are completely shielded from sunlight using special mats. This lack of sun stresses the plant, forcing it into a desperate, heightened production of chlorophyll and amino acids (primarily L-theanine). This is exactly why high-quality matcha has such an incredible, almost neon, emerald color.
  • You consume 100% of the leaf: When brewing regular green tea, you only drink the water infusion and discard the leaves. With matcha, the leaves are ground into an extremely fine powder using granite millstones. By drinking it, you consume the entire leaf along with all its vitamins and minerals.
  • The drink of Buddhist monks: The tradition of drinking matcha dates back hundreds of years. It was the favored beverage of Zen monks, allowing them to maintain a state of "calm alertness"—enabling them to meditate for hours on end, fully focused but free from jitteriness or anxiety.
  • Color and taste reveal everything: Bitter, astringent, and pale matcha? That is a sign of using cheap, culinary-grade powder (intended for baking). A good cafe uses exclusively ceremonial or premium-grade matcha. It boasts a wonderful aroma and a delicate, slightly sweet taste known in Japan as umami. At our cafe, we do not compromise, always prioritizing the highest quality powder.
A layered, iced green drink in a carved glass, decorated with fresh mint and a lemon slice. Next to the glass lie a bowl with mint leaves, a wooden plate with lemon and cucumber ribbons, and a water pitcher in the background.

Coffee or Matcha? Why it's the perfect choice for exploring Gdansk

Why do our Guests so often choose green tea over a classic espresso? The answer lies in the chemistry of the body:

  • Stable and sustained energy boost: The caffeine in matcha (often called theine) works in tandem with the amino acid L-theanine. It is released into the bloodstream much more slowly than the caffeine from coffee. This helps avoid sudden spikes in blood pressure and the subsequent energy crash (the so-called caffeine crash). It is the perfect choice if you are planning a long, multi-hour tour of Gdansk's Old Town.
  • A powerful dose of antioxidants: A single cup is a true health powerhouse. Matcha is one of the world's richest sources of catechins (especially EGCG), which support immunity and slow down the aging process.

Cafe Favorites – What will you find on our menu?

The traditional matcha brewing ceremony requires focus, a bamboo whisk (chasen), and a bowl (chawan). In a cafe setting, we pay tribute to this tradition while happily blending it with modern, refreshing flavors.

Here are the absolute hits from our Piwna Street location:

Classic Matcha Latte

For lovers of creamy harmony. We traditionally whisk the green tea and then combine it with perfectly frothed milk.

A tip from our baristas: this drink tastes absolutely extraordinary in its plant-based version! If you are looking for vegan options in Gdansk, ask for your Matcha Latte with oat milk. Its natural grain sweetness perfectly enhances the Japanese umami.

Iced Strawberry Matcha

Whenever the sun shines brighter over Gdansk, this drink breaks popularity records. A three-color masterpiece: a layer of sweet, homemade strawberry puree sits at the bottom, cold oat milk and ice cubes fill the middle, and we pour an intensely green matcha essence over the top.

Just stir before drinking. It is an absolute must-have for summer walks and the star of many culinary Instagram feeds.

Flavor Experiments – Lavender & Coconut

Love exploring new flavors? On our menu, you'll also find a refreshing variation with lavender syrup and freshly squeezed lime, and for fans of sweeter, liquid desserts – a version with coconut milk, topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.

Iced strawberry matcha latte along with summer drinks with lavender and mint in the garden of Pikawa Cafe in Gdansk.

Where to enjoy the best matcha in Gdansk's Old Town?

Every day, we put our hearts into ensuring that the drinks leaving our bar are nothing short of perfect. If you feel like having a green refreshment, a vegan Matcha Latte, or an iced strawberry version, drop by and visit us on Piwna Street.

We are located right around the corner from the monumental St. Mary's Basilica. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to work on your laptop (we offer fast Wi-Fi!) or planning a break with your four-legged friend after exploring the Tricity (we are dog-friendly) – our doors are open.

Check out our full menu, book a table for yourself and your friends, or simply step in from the bustling street. We will brew the best matcha in the heart of Gdansk for you. See you at the bar!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Matcha in a Nutshell

Does matcha energize you the same way coffee does?
Yes, matcha contains caffeine, but it works a bit differently than the caffeine in classic coffee. Thanks to the presence of L-theanine, the energy is released into the body gradually, preventing sudden energy crashes and jitteriness. It provides a pleasant effect of "calm focus".
Do you serve matcha with plant-based milk?
Of course! What's more, we highly recommend this choice. Our Matcha Latte tastes absolutely extraordinary when combined with oat milk, which naturally highlights its exquisite, herbal notes.
Can I order matcha to go and go for a walk around Gdansk?
Absolutely. Both traditional hot matcha and our refreshing, iced hits (such as Iced Strawberry Matcha) are available in convenient "to go" cups. It is the perfect companion for a stroll down charming Piwna Street or Długi Targ.
What sweet treats do you recommend with matcha?
The perfect complement to the herbal, slightly dry taste of Japanese tea is our home-baked selection of cakes. We particularly recommend our iconic Gdansk Pascha cheesecake or our aromatic apple pie served warm. This combination will brilliantly complete your afternoon relaxation!
I've never had matcha before. What do you recommend for a first-timer?
High-quality matcha has a unique, herbal profile with a subtle, delicate sweetness (so-called umami). If this is your first time trying this Japanese tea, we highly recommend a classic Matcha Latte (preferably with oat milk) or our sweet, fruity variation – Iced Strawberry Matcha. These are the perfect flavors to start with!
Where does the matcha you serve come from?
We do not compromise on quality. We use only authentic, high-quality Japanese matcha (ceremonial or premium grade) sourced from trusted farms. This is exactly why our brew has such a beautiful emerald color and lacks the bitter, unpleasant astringency often found in cheaper alternatives.
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