Calling All Matcha Lovers! This Medan spot is delicious, but has an attitude.
qponx
2026-03-06
Nendō Matcha in Medan is a must-visit for serious matcha lovers, serving top-tier, authentic drinks in a stunning, minimalist setting. While the ceremonial-grade matcha is a showstopper, this spot isn't without its flaws. Get the full scoop on the disappointing desserts and potential service issues before you go. This guide tells you if the incredible drinks are worth the mixed experience, offering tips on parking, crowds, and what to order for the perfect visit.
Before coming to Medan, countless friends recommended Nendō Matcha to me, calling it "the best matcha in Medan"[1]. To be honest, I'm always a bit skeptical about these kinds of titles. But the moment I stepped into that minimalist, all-white space and saw the sunlight filtering through the glass onto the huge bonsai tree in the middle, my expectations were instantly maxed out. When it comes to atmosphere, it's truly Mantap! 🤌
I went straight for their signature item. I ordered a Tsuyu Matcha[2], which the staff whisked on the spot with a bamboo whisk—very ceremonial. I was genuinely amazed by the first sip. The texture was incredibly smooth, and the balance between the tea's umami and sweet aftertaste was just right, with none of that cheap, artificial sweetener feel. This quality can definitely go head-to-head with the famous matcha shops in Kuala Lumpur. My friend who was with me ordered the Hojicha[3], and the roasted tea's smoky aroma was also very rich—the kind of flavor you won't forget after just one sip.
OK, enough with the praise, let's get real. The drinks are king, but the desserts are a bit disappointing. The officially recommended Matcha Cheesecake[4] was a bit too heavy for my taste; I got tired of it after just a few bites. I also heard that some people had a bad experience with the tiramisu. What made me most uncomfortable was seeing more than one comment while scrolling through reviews mentioning that the staff's attitude differs towards customers of different skin colors, and there were even serious complaints about being served spoiled milk[5]... Anjay, an oat milk matcha latte for 74,000 Rupiah[6] isn't cheap. If this experience is real, it's a huge turn-off.
A Girl's Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls
Overall, if you're a pure matcha head and you're here for that authentic taste, this place is definitely worth a visit. But if you care more about the overall experience and service, you might want to think twice.
- Want some peace and quiet? Pick your time! This place gets as crowded as a wet market during peak hours. If you want to Nongkrong quietly or take photos, it's best to come around 4:30 PM on a weekday[7].
- Parking is a huge pain. The parking spots out front are extremely limited, so be prepared to search for a spot forever[8]. If you're driving, think twice.
- Ice assassin? Some people complain that they give you too much ice, and the drink gets watery towards the end. I personally thought it was fine, but if you're a slow drinker, you can ask the staff for less ice beforehand.
- There's only one restroom, and it's upstairs. The queue can get a bit awkward when it's crowded[9].
- Step into Nendō Matcha's pure white space, where sunlight hits a giant bonsai tree. The vibe alone is worth the visit [1].
- Order the Tsuyu Matcha, whisked fresh. It's silky smooth with a rich, sweet aftertaste, rivaling the best matcha in KL [2].
- Don't skip the Hojicha either. Its deep, roasted aroma is unforgettable from the first sip [3].
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