This drink blends matcha's clean taste with ensaymada's sweet-salty notes
Super Matcha Seoul crafts a unique drink for its Philippine debut
By John Legaspi
When it comes to food creations, trends often rise when iconic eats are merged into one. Think of cronuts, bibingka cheesecakes, sushi pizza, espresso tonic—the list goes on. Not only are these food and drink hybrids visually striking and curiosity-inducing, but they also tap into a sense of familiarity while offering something entirely new. The latest on our radar is the coming together of matcha and ensaymada in one cup.
Ensaymatcha Latte
When Super Matcha Seoul debuted in Manila on March 14, 2026, with the opening of its first Philippine store in SM Megamall, it also introduced a country-exclusive drink. Dubbed the Ensaymatcha Latte, the drink features the brand’s expertly crafted matcha latte, topped with queso cream and shaved queso de bola. The result is a new way to enjoy matcha and ensaymada through a medley of smooth umami notes and creamy, nutty flavors with a sweet undertone.
Established in 2017, Super Matcha Seoul is a tea brand known for leading Korea’s post-coffee movement. It introduced matcha that is clean-tasting, smooth, and sustainably crafted, offering a gentler, more balanced alternative to coffee. Unlike Japanese matcha, which is known for its stronger vegetal notes and rich, intense, savory taste, Korean matcha is more refreshing, with minimal bitterness and a slightly floral aroma. It is clean and balanced, making it ideal for exploring drink creations that feel approachable rather than distant or strictly ceremonial.
These themes are also echoed in Super Matcha’s store in SM Megamall. The space brings the traditional Korean Pyeong-sang—a low wooden communal platform that historically symbolized openness and equality—to the Philippines. Four backless benches are combined to evoke the spirit of the traditional Pyeong-sang, creating a space where people can gather without rigid boundaries, reflecting the brand’s belief that matcha is for everyone. The store also mirrors the brand’s sustainability mission, with seats crafted from Haunji, an eco-friendly, high-performance vegan leather.
The menu features a variety of drinks, including Pure Matcha Brewed Tea, Matcha Lemonade, lattes made with coconut and oat milk, and the Super Matcha Latte made with a zero-calorie sweetener. The store also offers baked goods to pair with its drinks. Gluten-free options include the Black Roll Cake with matcha cream and the Strawberry Roll Cake, a matcha cake with strawberry cream filling. For an on-the-go bite, the Sablé Butter Cookie is available in four flavors: calamansi, coconut, espresso, and matcha.
Super Matcha can also be enjoyed at home or wherever you are. The brand offers ceremonial-grade matcha in single-serve retail pockets—precisely portioned squares that require no measuring or scooping. This allows everyone to enjoy high-grade organic matcha without compromising quality or preparation standards.
Whether enjoyed in-store or at home, these thoughtful matcha creations invite both curious newcomers and longtime enthusiasts to discover something new in every sip, proving that sometimes, the best creations come from bringing two worlds together.