The Rise of Matcha: Why Everyone's Talking About It

By: Soon Shao Han (25J07)

Recently, a green wave has swept through River Valley. A new café, Noob Coffee, has opened its doors near our school, and its star attraction is none other than matcha. Students of all levels have been flocking there after class, sipping on iced matcha lattes and trying out creative matcha-inspired drinks. But what exactly is matcha, and why has it suddenly become so popular recently?

So… what is matcha? Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and removed, matcha is whisked into hot water or milk and consumed whole. This means with each sip, you’re getting the full benefits of the tea leaf, from antioxidants to vitamins. Its taste is unique: earthy, slightly bitter, yet smooth, and pairs well with both sweet and creamy flavors.

Two glasses of matcha

Matcha isn’t just a modern café trend. It has deep cultural roots dating back over 800 years. Originating in China during the Tang dynasty, the practice of grinding tea leaves into powder was later popularised in Japan by Zen Buddhist monks. In Japan, matcha became central to the traditional chanoyu (tea ceremony), symbolising mindfulness, respect, and harmony. For centuries, it was associated with meditation and focus, making it a drink of both spiritual and cultural significance. 

Matcha’s origins

The recent rise of matcha can be linked to a few factors. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are believed to boost metabolism, improve concentration, and even help with relaxation due to its natural compound L-theanine. Its vibrant green color makes it highly “Instagrammable,” attracting students and young adults who enjoy sharing their café experiences online. Cafés like Noob Coffee are experimenting with matcha, blending it into lattes, frappes, and even desserts like matcha brownies or tiramisu, making it fun and approachable.

Matcha has also started a new trend recently, which is the increased awareness of “performative males”. Performative males are men who do things not for the sake of enjoyment, but for the approval of women. This includes listening to Clairo or beebadoobee, carrying a tote bag, reading feminist literature, and, you guessed it, drinking matcha. There have been competitions held for men to decide who can be the most performative, which has gained traction online. The hashtag #performativemales has also been trending on TikTok lately, garnering a lot of attention from viewers.

A “performative male” competition in Chicago

I have interviewed a friend, who shall remain anonymous, about why they enjoy frequenting Noob Coffee. They replied: Noob Coffee being so close to our school makes it a unique and easily accessible point of interaction. One of the main reasons why I like going there is because of its relatively lower prices compared to other places, and also because of the taste of the drinks there. Visiting it with my friends during our one hour break between lessons also makes it a memorable and unique experience, and cultivates a sense of place that reinforces my sense of community and belonging.

For many students at River Valley, a trip to Noob Coffee is about more than getting a caffeine fix. It’s a chance to relax with friends, try new flavors, and take part in a global trend that connects tradition with modern lifestyles. What was once seen as a ceremonial drink has now become a lifestyle statement: healthy, trendy, and cultural all at once. So next time you see a classmate carrying a cup of that bright green latte, you’ll know it’s not just another café fad. Matcha has traveled across centuries and continents to find its way into our daily routines.

Matcha from the Noob Coffee

Hence, do go to Noob Coffee to try out their matcha! It’s a relaxing event for when you’re done with your tests, or simply when you just want to have a break. Remember, matcha is not just a drink, it’s an experience.