Inside the strawberry matcha trend in Saudi Arabia– and where to get your fix
Just in time for summer
Trends come naturally to us here in Saudi Arabia; in fact, we’re always doom-scrolling on TikTok (just us?), hunting down the next one. Lately, we’ve been seeing another round of strawberry matcha in Saudi Arabia light up our feeds, and if you’ve been trying to find the best ones, we’ve got you covered.
Bringing together the earthy notes of matcha with the sweetness of strawberry to create an irresistible drink that we can’t quite stay away from. First emerging back in 2024, the trend took Riyadh by storm, and this time around, bigger chains are cashing in on the fun. Here’s everything we need to know about the strawberry matcha trend in Saudi Arabia (and where to try the best ones across the country).
Riyadh
KURO
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Straight from Japan to Riyadh’s Midtown complex, KURO is the home of Japanese soufflé pancakes and matcha. The cosy spot is the ultimate place to be for a quick matcha break. The strawberry matcha was launched alongside the mango and ube, and is the ultimate sweet treat after a long day at work. Come early, as the spot is always packed (and we’re speaking from experience here).
Location: Midtown
Timing: Sat to Thu 7am to 1am & Thu to Fri 7am to 3am
Moon Shell
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One of Riyadh’s few and far-between vegan restaurants and cafes, Moon Shell is the ultimate boho-chic venue to go to when you’re tired of the regular cookie-cutter cafes. Serving up acai bowls, smoothies, salads, and so much more. Moon Shell’s strawberry matcha is made with matcha, strawberry jam, coconut water, and coconut milk, making for a top-tier refreshment that’s set to cool you down with every sip.
Location: King Abdullah District
Timing: Mon to Wed 6am to midnight & Thu to Fri 6am to 1am, Sat 6am to midnight & Sun 6am to 12.30am
SoMatcha
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The darling of Saudi Arabia’s matcha scene, SoMatcha is owned and operated by Yara Alnamlah, a homegrown blogger, skincare junkie, makeup artist, and entrepreneur. For pink matchas here (since we know that’s what the trend is really about), you can take your pick between the so rosy (infused rose petals and matcha) and the strawberry cream matcha (strawberry puree matcha with strawberry foam).
Location: Various locations including Olaya, Eastern Ring Branch Road, and more
Whoa Tea
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One of the coolest tea shops in Riyadh currently, Whoa Tea & Desserts, serves strawberry matcha with a twist. Think the classic earthy notes paired with a refreshing strawberry flavour and boba. Lovingly called the pink cloud matcha, you can take your pick between with boba or without, but to try something different, we’d recommend the boba to try something new.
Location: Various locations
Across Saudi Arabia
Half Million
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Homegrown chain Half Million is also debuting its very own version of the strawberry matcha, with some drinkers even going as far as saying Half Million never disappoints. Topped with dried strawberries and strawberry foam, and made with their signature blend of matcha, Half Million is the perfect place for a quick strawberry matcha fix.
Locations: Various locations
Toby’s Estate
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Fresh strawberry coulis meets vibrant ceremonial matcha in a delicious drink available across all Toby’s Estate branches. Sip on the instant, refreshing mood lifter today.
Locations: Various locations
Urth Caffe
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Looking for a spot where strawberry matcha isn’t just a drink but becomes an experience? The search ends here. Cosy seating, an inviting ambience, and a matcha blend like no other. This is where you need to go for the ultimate berry bliss fix, paired perfectly with the earthy notes of matcha, making for a balanced drink you’ll want time and time again.
Location: Various locations across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar
