A New Shade of Green in Palo Alto

Matcha has always been a distinct taste loved and hated by many, but Downtown Palo Alto’s new matcha shop, Maruwu Seicha, uses its expansive menu, ranging from matcha-flavored lattes to matcha gelato, to provide an enjoyable experience for anyone.

Located on the corner of University and Ramona, Maruwu Seicha is a popular chain that has recently expanded to the US and opened in Palo Alto toward the tail end of 2024. 

Matcha’s rise has been felt worldwide, but it has also reached the Palo Alto High School community, with Paly students incorporating matcha into their lifestyles. 

“I see a lot of people coming to class with matcha now,” Paly Junior Paul Wang said. “I think a lot of Paly students are consuming internet culture, and they consume more matcha as a result.”

The timing of Maruwu Seicha’s opening was immaculate, with its pop-up in Palo Alto showing firsthand how the popularity of matcha is exploding. Over the past six months, matcha has evidently gained popularity and become a viral trend on social media.

According to BBC News, the matcha craze can be attributed to its gain in popularity on social media. Influencers are posting videos on their favorite matcha spots, brewing tips, and their followers are eating it up. A BBC article states that the “Matcha Tok” hashtag has recorded tens of millions of views.

The inside of the restaurant is flooded with natural light provided by three large windows that put the bustling streets of University Avenue on display. 

Maruwu Seicha offers indoor and outdoor benches and cushioned chairs, with each piece complementing the wooden-like interior nicely. The smooth shades of brown are interrupted only by matcha green, which creates a cozy and aesthetic atmosphere inside. 

As people wait in line to order, menus and seasonal promotions are presented to them, with customers surveying the vast menu before placing their order at a kiosk.

Matcha Latte + Snow Top ($7.50) — The matcha latte plus the snow top is a little bit on the pricey side, but its sweet, creamy top sprinkled with matcha powder makes up for it. It has a green tea-like taste with a more earthy flavor. The snow top is a layer of sweet cream that lies on top of the drink and is sprinkled with matcha on top. The matcha and the milk work well together and the blend creates a sweet, savory taste that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Matcha Gelato ($6.50) — A unique aspect of the Matcha Gelato is that instead of waiting for your order number to be called, your receipt can be exchanged immediately at the pick-up counter, where you are served a freshly scooped cup of gelato on the spot. However, the cup’s small size can be deceiving, as the tightly packed gelato can prevent you from finishing it before it turns into liquid. Although the gelato offers a rich taste and a creamy texture, the density of this item can be overwhelming, so sharing this with a friend is perfect. 

Matcha cheese tart ($4.50) — One of the more unique items on the menu features a buttery, flaky crust with a creamy matcha filling, which consists of a mixture of cheese, eggs, sugar, and milk on the inside. The matcha filling is not too tart or too sweet and creates a nice medium between the two. The crust has a crunchy texture and crumbles in your mouth as you eat it. The matcha cheese tart should be seen as a snack to enhance your overall experience at Maruwu Seicha.

Maruwu Seicha offers quality matcha-themed food, and given their prime location on University Avenue, their prices are reasonable. Inside their doors, an enjoyable atmosphere full of life will raise anyone’s spirits, and provides an amazing experience that matcha lovers and newcomers can appreciate.