For college students, sweet treats are an absolute necessity for endless studying. It’s a way to get out of your dorm to explore Boston and see more of the city. 

My sweet treat of choice is an iced matcha latte, and it will always be. As someone who is a die-hard matcha fan, I’ve amassed some favorites close to Northeastern University’s campus that I would recommend. If you want a sweet treat that is still healthy, matcha is the perfect option; it’s a drink that’s rich in antioxidants and boosts energy and focus.  

  1. My favorite spot in Boston is definitely Matcha Cafe Maiko in Fenway. It’s expensive, and a little further from Northeastern, which means I don’t go too often. However, it’s creamy and is the perfect balance between sweet and savory matcha. Although there isn’t usually much seating available, Fenway is a cool neighborhood to explore. They offer soft serve and a variety of different matcha flavors. 
  1. Tatte’s matcha is controversial, but it’s one of my favorites. The trick is to add vanilla to enhance the flavor of the matcha. It’s bitter, but sweetened and perfect when you add the vanilla. Tatte’s matcha is super accessible as it’s located in Marino Recreation Center in the heart of campus. 
  1. Pavement’s matcha is a close third — it’s delicious and milky. The only downfall is that Pavement matcha is expensive, and on the sweeter side. Despite the expense, Pavement is always crowded, and it’s a very popular place to study. I love sitting and working in the cafe. 
  1. Render Coffee is another place very close to campus that I recently discovered. It has pretty good matcha — it’s on the bitter side, but you can add a sweetener. It’s a lovely coffee shop, and a super good place to work. It’s a very whimsical space, and has great matcha. 
  1. My last recommendation is Saxby’s. They use matcha from a place in New York called Matchaful, and it’s pretty good. I like the quality of the matcha they use, but the drink is a little bit on the milkier side. It’s less pricey though, which is a bonus.

If you are ever having a bad day and are in desperate need of a sweet treat, I hope this list helps you find your next favorite matcha. There are so many matcha places within 15 minutes from campus, and it’s one of the reasons I love going to college in Boston.