Bienvenido a Miami, the Magic City!
Have you been to Miami? It's a popular destination with its stunning beaches and big-city appeal, two things that can be incongruent with each other, but Miami somehow makes the combination work. Famed for being a playground, if not outright home, to the rich and famous, Miami clearly has so much more to offer.
Sign I Found on a Street... I Love the Relaxed Feeling Here
During my recent visit, I was curious to see if the article claiming a tea renaissance in Miami had any merit. I'm always up for checking out the green tea experience in the places I go, so I was eager to see how the green tea trend was faring in Miami.
When you think of Miami, green tea probably isn't the first beverage to come to mind. Understandably, the cafecito or Cuban espresso is the primary drink to experience to be able to say that you properly imbibed the culture of the city. Cocktails like daiquiris and mojitos would most likely come in second, considering Miami's party atmosphere - again, another Cuban influence. (Check out my article for visiting Cuba here)
At Little Havana, even the MacDonald`s Sign Feels Like Miami!
Still, there is an underlying tea culture that is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the younger population's hipster preferences and the healthy lifestyle warriors' campaign for a more wholesome diet. No matter the reason for Miami's thriving green tea market, I was determined to get a firsthand experience of the city's distinct offerings of my favorite drink, and I made it my mission to find the best green tea places and their top menu choices to share them all with you.
MATCHA FAVES (Angelina’s - Midtown)
One of the best places to visit for a superb matcha experience is Angelina's Eatery + Cafe in Midtown, one of Miami's major urban shopping areas. You can start your day there since this charming place is known for its amazing breakfast and brunch menus. These are conveniently available all day, or, at least, until mid-afternoon. Store hours are from 8am to 3pm.
I can always appreciate a cup of perfectly brewed ceremonial-grade matcha, and it was clear to me that Angelina's Eatery + Cafe definitely knew how to do matcha right. Their Matcha Lattes are absolutely delightful, made with high-quality, vibrant matcha and tailored to individual preferences. The menu includes a comprehensive list of beverages available, and matcha is also offered as a booster for the other drinks. I really like that concept of offering matcha and other healthful ingredients like chia, spirulina, goji berries, etc. to further fortify a drink.
These matcha-laced drinks wonderfully complement Angelina's Eatery + Cafe's breakfast and brunch fare. There is a wide selection of dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options. The menu considerately includes pertinent indications such as spicy, keto-friendly, organic, and etc., so you can be sure to make informed choices to guarantee your satisfaction.
Angelina's Eatery + Cafe is pretty casual, but its design is very chic. I really enjoyed the comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, the attractive decor, and the friendly staff. You can tell that it's a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. Good thing outdoor seating is also available.
Angelina’s - Midtown
@angelinascafemiami
3451 NE 1st Ave #102b
Miami, FL 33137
(786) 494-9623
MATCHA MAGIC (AVO Miami)
Located in Sunset Harbour Shops on Bay Rd, AVO Miami is a must-visit for those who love fresh, hearty, and innovative cuisine. While everything on the menu is wholesome, the list offers a lot of variety. There are plenty of choices for all, no matter their preference or sensitivity. I found my food to be healthy, tasty, filling, and thoroughly satisfying. It's just the ticket if you want fortification before a day of touring or replenishment after a tiring itinerary.
This is a terrific place to visit any time of the day or evening. I love how the water is a mere stone's throw away. They have outdoor seating, too, so you can take full advantage of a gorgeous Florida day.
If the outdoor tables are all occupied or if you're up for some respite from the bright sunshine, there's no need to feel like you're missing out on the harbor vibe. AVO Miami's interior complements its location, boasting an attractive combination of natural materials and modern design. Its ambiance is beachy without the kitsch. In fact, the interior is very tasteful and elegantly invigorating, suffused as it is with greenery. The overall effect is inviting, cozy, and laid back.
Besides its delicious, wholesome dishes, AVO Miami is also known for its refreshing beverages, particularly its Matcha Latte offerings. On its menu is the classic Matcha Latte, made even healthier with the use of top-grade green tea powder and coconut sugar. Meanwhile, those seeking a fresh twist to the drink can opt for Blue Matcha, its bright blue hue coming from the marvelous butterfly pea. Like its green equivalent, it's also made with the finest ingredients and packed with antioxidants.
AVO Mathca - made with the finest high-grade matcha sourced directly from Japan, mixed with coconut sugar.
A perfectly refreshing, antioxidant-rich pick-me-up!
AVO Blue Matcha - filled with butterfly pea, coconut sugar, ginger, and oat milk. Packed with antioxidants, crafted to boost your metabolism and support healthy digestion.
If you ever find yourself in The Magic City, I recommend dining at AVO Miami. It's situated on the ground floor of Sunset Harbour Shops, an upscale commercial center with a very distinct facade. You can't miss it.
AVO Miami offers so much more than excellent food and drinks. You can tell that the welcome you receive is genuine and that the place aims to be a haven for those in pursuit of healthy and enjoyable living through delicious and nutritious food.
Avo Miami
@avomiami
1834 Bay Rd
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 397-8881
MATCHA ADVENTURES (Vanilla Café)
In most cities, downtown is where it's at, and this is certainly true for Vanilla Cafe. There's no doubt that you'll want to visit this area, so if you'd like to start your day here or brace yourself for more activities (because there's always plenty to do downtown, and this one is right near the water too), I strongly recommend that you stop by Vanilla Cafe for some breakfast or dessert.
It's a lovely space with a vibrant verdant motif (green walls, green counters, green tables, green ceiling…), reinforced by plants hanging everywhere, their leaves trailing down from overhead. It's all very appealing and refreshing to the eyes.
As attractive as the interior is, the number one eye-catcher in the place is the cake display chiller with its mouthwatering array of cakes and pastries. Vanilla is definitely a fitting name for this cafe since its selection of baked goods is an extra sumptuous list. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll find this cafe absolutely thrilling.
Since I'm all about green tea, I checked the menu for a matcha-infused dessert, and I was very pleased to note the offering of Matcha Cheesecake. I immediately sought it out in the display case and found this divine green and brown confection. No doubt about it, it was also absolutely delectable.
As awesome as the cheesecake was, I got even more excited by the variety of matcha drinks available on the menu. First and foremost, there's the Ceremonial Matcha that's prepared in the traditional way with high-quality matcha and the special utensils for creating that full-bodied flavor and smooth texture. It goes really well with sweets and functions as a palate cleanser to boot.
Then there were the cold matcha concoctions that were really genius. Of course, they have their Matcha Latte, which you can get hot. If you want a cold version, their Iced Matcha is very revitalizing. Also served cold is their Blue Matcha. Like AVO Miami's, this is also made with butterfly pea flowers. They got extra creative, though, and came up with Matcha Grape and Matcha Lemonade, which are also available in blue. With all the matcha you can experience there, Vanilla Cafe was really a delightful stop for me.
Vanilla Cafe`s Ice Blue Matcha, Matcha Lemonade, and Matcha Grape
Vanilla Café
@vanillacafe.us
9422 NW 109th St
Medley, FL 33178
(305) 902-7972
MATCHA FLORIDA (Navi Coffee & Flowers)
Did you know that "florida" is Spanish for "flowery?" If you want to experience matcha in a setting abundant with flowers, make sure to visit Navi Coffee & Flowers in Coconut Grove. Now, Coconut Grove, or "The Grove" as it's more popularly referred to, is a point of interest in itself. It's an upscale area with everything from a state park with a mangrove forest to a museum, a sailing club, a multitude of chic shops and sidewalk cafes, etc.
On the subject of sidewalk cafes, Navi does have outdoor seating, so customers can enjoy the balmy weather and feel the ocean breeze blow in from just a couple of blocks away. Add the profusion of beautiful flowers, and you feel like you're in paradise. Add the amazing matcha drinks, and it's virtually heaven on earth.
Navi offers regular Matcha Tea, but there's nothing regular about its quality. The matcha is a hundred percent pure, sourced from generational green tea farmers in Japan. The preparation of Navi's Matcha Tea is authentically traditional so the purists can rest assured that everything about the matcha they're drinking is correct.
Nonetheless, if you simply like matcha's flavor and you're open to fusing it with a fruity element, Navi Coffee & Flowers offers a cold version of the tea fused with its homemade yuzu lemonade. Yuzu is a kind of citrus that looks a lot like a clementine. It's mainly available in East Asia. The combination with matcha is a winner; if you're curious, Navi will let you experience it.
Of course, it also offers Matcha Latte that you can get hot or cold. Either way, it's beautifully crafted with the swirls between the white and green colors looking very pretty. I don't know about you, but I do find food and drinks that are splendidly presented to be more enjoyable. By the way, Navi's Matcha Latte also comes with a coconut milk option in case that more tropical variation appeals to you.
Ice Matcha Tea with Homemade Yuzu Lemonade & Matcha Latte with Coconut Milk
The yuzu lemonade and coconut milk varieties of Navi's matcha drinks are summer specials. Still, you have to remember that it can be summery in Florida all year round, so these drinks won't necessarily be incompatible with the winter months.
Although Navi makes fantastic matcha drinks and is very much committed to the matcha experience, its coffee offerings are incredible. Even though the shop is relatively new, having just opened earlier this year, it has already established a reputation for excellent coffee.
Navi sources its coffee beans from small-lot farmers in Cusco. This reminds me of my trip to Peru and my experience with the country's rich and colorful coffee culture. You can read all about it.
In any case, with its offer of beverages, baked treats, and flowers, Navi presents an exceptional selection of products in one shop. The space itself is sublime, matching the choice and classy feel of the neighborhood without sacrificing cozy comfort. The staff manifests passion and demonstrates knowledge while also exuding warmth and friendliness. All these elements make for a delightful visit, and I'm pretty sure I'll be back.
Navi Coffee & Flowers
@navi.miami
3213 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove
Miami, FL 33133
FINAL THOUGHTS
I count myself lucky that I get to see different places and indulge my obsession with green tea at the same time. It's wonderful to be able to see these different establishments and be inspired by their concept and the work that was put into carrying the vision for their being.
Besides that, I also find it gratifying to see evidence of how green tea, particularly matcha, has won the world over.
So, this wraps up the Miami guide. Since I truly enjoyed the city's bienvenida, I just bade it "hasta luego" instead of "adiós." Without a doubt, I hope to see it again soon.
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University
Kei Nishida is a Japanese green tea enthusiast, a writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Green Tea Co., a Dream of Japan Company. His passion for introducing America to the tea of his homeland was the catalyst for creating the only company that brings high-quality tea from Arahataen Green Tea Farms to the rest of the world. Learn more about Kei
