Stop getting ripped off by chain stores! This Jakarta matcha shop lets you choose: bitter or umami.
qponx
2026-01-24
Escape the chain stores and find your perfect matcha at Gincha, a hidden gem tucked away in West Jakarta. This quiet, Zen-like cafe offers a unique experience for tea enthusiasts. The main attraction? You can choose your matcha powder for their signature latte: go for the intensely bitter "Haru" or the savory, umami-forward "Meiko." Paired with their must-try, melt-in-your-mouth Matchamisu, it's a top spot for anyone seeking authentic, high-quality matcha flavor.
Honestly, I've tried, if not a hundred, then at least eighty matcha shops in Jakarta, and most of them are just sugary, trendy stuff that you forget as soon as you're done drinking. But this place I dug up today in a West Jakarta apartment building, Gincha, Anjay! I've finally found my people!
This shop has perfected the"hidden gem" vibe, tucked away in a corner of the Metro Park Residence apartment complex[1]. If you weren't specifically looking for it, you could pass by a hundred times and never notice it. The shop isn't big, but the atmosphere is on point. The whole space has that Japanese Zen feel, super quiet and clean, with a faint aroma of tea floating in the air, playing chill music. It's definitely a god-tier spot for WFC (Work From Cafe)[2].
A 'Final Exam' for Matcha Lovers
As soon as I sat down and looked at the menu, I knew I'd come to the right place. The most Mantap thing about them is that you can choose your own matcha powder for their signature matcha latte! Two options: Haru (Spring) has a stronger flavor, with a bitter aftertaste; Meiko (Bright Light), on the other hand, highlights the umami of the matcha[3]. This is basically a soul-searching question for any matcha lover!
As a hardcore fan like me, of course I went for the Haru. That pure bitterness and rich tea aroma melted in my mouth, and in an instant, all those so-called"big name" brands I'd had before felt like little brothers[4]. The sweetness level was controlled just right; it didn't overpower the matcha's own flavor at all.
Desserts: A Surprise and a Small Gripe
I ordered two desserts, and I have to be honest:
- Matchamisu[5]: A must-order! Promise me you'll order it! The texture is super soft, it just melts in your mouth. They were so generous with the matcha powder, the sweetness is touchingly low, and it's so delicious I wanted to get another one to go.
- Matcha Roll Cake[6]: Hmm... this one was pretty average. The cake itself was a bit too dry for my taste, and the cream was a little heavy. Although the matcha flavor was there, it wasn't as amazing as the Matchamisu. You can try it if you're curious, but if you're on a budget, I'd suggest skipping it.
The Editor's Heart-to-Heart Guide
Finally, a few straightforward tips for my girls:
- 1. How to choose? If it's your first time and you're afraid of bitterness, start with Meiko to experience the umami; if you're a seasoned pro and want to experience the true character of matcha, go straight for Haru.
- 2. Wallet warning: Given the quality, the prices aren't exactly cheap[7], but it's absolutely worth the money, leaving some trendy chain stores miles behind.
- 3. Best time to go: The place isn't big, so if you want to Nongkrong quietly or get some work done, try to avoid the weekend afternoon rush. Coming on a weekday is just the best.
- 4. Important reminder: The shop only accepts cashless payments[8], so remember to top up your GoPay/OVO before you go. Don't show up with a pile of cash and be left scrambling
- Signature matcha latte: choose your matcha powder! Haru offers rich, bitter notes; Meiko boasts prominent umami. A matcha lover's ultimate dilemma![1]
- Tucked in an apartment, this Japanese Zen hideaway fills with tea aroma. Jakarta's rare WFC gem, it's so peaceful you'll want to get lost in the calm.[2][3]
- A must-try! Their Matchamisu is incredibly soft, melts in your mouth, with generous matcha powder and perfectly low sweetness. You'll want another![4]
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