Setsugekka East Village

Well worth the experience to taste authentic matcha, prepared as it should be. We tried the hot matcha and it was strong and delicious. However, the store is very small and a bit confusing. They only offer take out and no indoor seating, the matcha is prepared in front of you at their counter. I'll definitely come back to try the milk variants.

Exceptional experience all around. Our server, who prepared the matcha, was mesmerizing in their rituals. They offered lots of information about our matcha such as origin and flavor profile which was also appreciated. The matcha koicha affogato with a shot of sweet potato shochu was delicious. The matcha itself was thick and had a delicate taste and was complimented well by the gelato. Would definitely come back and hope I get the same server!

I'm a big fan of teas and matchas, so I was very excited to visit this place given the hype. We ordered an iced matchappucino, but it was so watery that we couldn't appreciate any matcha flavor. The matcha wasn't whisked properly, leaving grains in our drink. We also tried a regular matcha affogato, which was much tastier since the matcha wasn't diluted. Overall, this place is overhyped and I definitely make better matchas than this :()

Cutest matcha shop I have ever been to. I have been trying to become more knowledgeable about matcha and its flavor profiles. Typically, whenever I go to a place that serves matcha, it never tastes very good with a sharp bitterness remaining after you drink it. However, this place was such a wonderful experience. The location is a bit small, which is probably why it is a take out cafe, but there were patrons that sat around the tatami(?) area. When you sit, you are greeted by a worker who explains the matcha that they are offering. When I visited, they had the Yamenohana matcha, which was explained to be fully bodied with chocolate-ly undertones, the House Matcha, which was stronger with purple yam flavors and the Seiho, which was light. The menu changes depending on what they had available, and the coolest part for me was that they tell show you in the menu where each matcha comes from in Japan. You can get your matcha in a variety of different ways, including cold/hot, straight or with milk, and as an affogato. I went with the workers' recommendation of an iced Yamenohana matcha. It was so good. The color was such a vibrant green, and there were no strong bitter tones. The flavor was so well balanced but yet matcha strong in a good way. I have a friend who is not the biggest matcha fan, and she said it was very good, and she liked even as an individual who doesn't like the flavor a lot. I loved it so much that I asked if I could purchase some, and they do sell some of the matcha either in a 20 g container or 40g. Both of the workers were so sweet that I wish I could shout them out on here. When I come back to New York, I will definitely visit again to try a new matchs possibly purchase more powder. Thank you for the experience and the great matcha 🍵

The experience was ok. They make the matcha in front of you but once they’re done making your drink they will ask you to move away from the bar. The cups are in togo cups so you can leave anytime. To me, this doesn’t give off a very relaxing atmosphere. But maybe that’s not their goal here. The matcha is ok as well, nice color and not too bitter.

Very watery matcha with a hefty price tag. The space inside was very suffocating. They put on a show by scooping a generous amount of matcha just to dilute it with so much water. The whisking was also half-hearted. My matchappuchino had only milk foam and no milk. My friend got the matcha latte and also thought it was flavorless.

We stopped by for matcha after a slightly spicy lunch. There is a bar counter where you can sit and watch matcha powder being whisked. You can choose between three types of matcha (graded by flavor/price), and they can be prepares as regular matcha tea, latte (with oat milk), cappuccino-style, affogato (over ice cream), and a few other ways. It was a fun and relaxing experience. It’s a good place to stop by if you like matcha or want to try it out.

Definately get here ~1hour before closing due to the line/wait time. The place is very small but the service has a quick turn around. There were two baristas and one person taking the orders on line which made it a smooth transition for picking up our drinks/affogatos. First time visiting I ordered a hot matcha latte that comes with oat milk only. (My lactose intolerant body thanks you!) You have the option of choosing from 3 types of matcha. Starting off from of a grassy bitter note to a more velvety sweet flavor. There are 2 menus with given to you before ordering which made choosing what you want faster. The hot matcha latte was lovely. Definately very smooth and velvety but was not overly sweet which made you appreciate the matcha flavor. The oat milk was a nice touch for that milky aspect that didnt overshadow the matcha flavor. I would love to go back to try the affogato next time it looks delicious!!

Great quality matcha that opened my third eye in the East Village! I got a hot matcha latte with the cheaper option (I forgot the specific variety), which was recommended to me since the more expensive option is better for straight matcha tasting. For the moment, they only made matcha lattes with whole milk, which was my preference. It was amazingly smooth, with nutty and grassy undertones that weren't bitter at all. For ~$8.50, it was well worth the quality and experience. The shop is super super quaint and had a personal and traditional feel to it. The staff was very welcoming and helpfully guided me through the different options. Will be sure to come back if I'm in the mood for high-quality matcha in a calm setting!

I've heard so many good things about Setsugekka, so I had to visit while I was in East Village. As soon as I walked in, a nice lady greeted me and took my order. I got the Seiho iced matcha latte for $13, and I was very disappointed. They didn't sift the matcha and only whisked it for about five seconds, which made the drink really grainy. They also poured the boiling matcha directly into the iced cup which immediately watered it down. Pouring the milk first would have helped prevent this. I think they did it this way so we could taste the matcha before adding milk, but instead, it just ended up tasting like watered-down matcha. Overall, the place is cute, and watching them make the matcha right in front of us is a nice touch. But the drink itself was really disappointing- it felt like I threw $13 down the drain. I only drank about a third before tossing it unfortunately.

This is my second time here and I got to say, the service here still remains exceptionally well kept and still serves matcha the traditional way as advertised. The ambiance is quite serene, I like how zen it is. The affogato is quiet delicious, definitely recommend it when the weather gets warms again. The matcha drinks, overall, are quite delicious. Doesn't matter which variety you chose, they're all phenomenal. So yes, I would encourage everyone to give this establishment a try

Super tiny establishment where you can maybe fit max 7-8 people inside. It was great being able to see our drinks being made right in front of us but because it's so small, we did end up being asked to leave not too long after getting our drinks. I got the hoshinotsuyu (mild) iced matcha latte but it tasted quite bland and watered down. The matcha affogato was delicious though and you could definitely taste the richness of the matcha.

Setsugekka is seriously worth the hype!! This was my first time visiting so I didn't know the process. For those wondering, this place is walk-in only. There was a pretty lengthy line today but not too bad. After entering, there is someone explaining the menu for the day and the different types of matcha available. I ordered the iced matcha latte made with the Hana matcha which was amazing!! The lattes are made with oat-milk which is perfect if you're dairy-free/vegan. You're able to try it before they add the oat milk and the flavor is so delicious and earthy! I'm definitely someone that strongly dislikes sweet matcha so it was perfect, but you can adjust the sweetness or type of matcha depending on your personal preference!! This is a pretty small tea shop, but perfect for an intimate gathering. The tea ceremony is lovely and it's really nice to learn more about where the matcha is coming from. The price is comparable to local coffee shops that don't even offer the same experience as Setsugekka. This is one of the best matcha places I've had in NYC and I definitely will be returning.

Great experience and nice ambiance. The staff are so friendly and knowledgeable. The matcha was great!

I know this place is on a lot of people's "must try" matcha spots, so I'll preface this review by saying they only offer non-dairy milk options for a matcha latte. I don't particularly like plant-based dairy, especially when used for a matcha latte. I've tried a few but just can't get into it - so I need a whole milk option to enjoy the flavors. On top of that, I honestly didn't find their matcha to be flavorful / enjoyable. I've gotten just their iced matcha to experience the natural flavor of their matcha, and was a bit disappointed. Tasted pretty grassy to me and it was surprisingly quite clumpy. While this is not my go-to spot, the experience itself is pretty cool. It's a very, very small shop so you may need to wait (but the line goes quick). You can watch them make your drink at the counter and take yours to go or sit on one of the stools to enjoy your order.

Small matcha shop with several different types of matcha from around Japan, ranging in price. She makes the drink right in front of you and shares the flavor profile of the matcha you pick! Depending on the matcha, drinks can range from around $6-$12.

I've been trying to come here for a few years, but every time I am in the area this is unfortunately closed (check the hours in advance!!!). I'm so happy I finally made it here on a cloudy Wednesday -- perfect weather for enjoying a warm matcha drink. It's so cozy inside and we were able to get seats at the counter without waiting. Not sure if she was the owner, but the one who greeted us and made our drinks was soooo nice. Both of us got the matchapuccino (comes with oat milk) which was so yummy. We stayed and had pleasant conversation for about half an hour before departing.

I really wanted to visit a tea room in NYC, but I may have been expecting more than I felt we experienced. Because there are so few seats, there is a waiting room area before you get to the matcha preparation table, but then you are pretty rushed and the process does take very little time when you're getting one drink. It's nice to watch, but it is definitely not a necessity to come by. The one good thing about the experience is that the drink itself is reasonably priced and you get to try some really high quality matcha flavor profiles. It's nice to be able to taste something with boldness or richness beforehand. Overall, I did expect a location a little less cramped and maybe more decorative, with more time and opportunity to ask questions, but it's nice that they are so great about walk-ins! Just be weary of longer lines on the weekends!

Wow this was an outstanding matcha affogato! There are three grades of matcha to choose from and not matter what your going to get a great brew from of professional matcha regardless. Each cup is given the most highest attention as you sit right in front of the chef while she prepares your drink. There might be some small talk along the way but mostly observing how much attention she gives to your brew, which given the cost I guess is appropriate but still so much appreciated. The line for a cup can be a little long but not because she is slow, but it takes time to prepare. I definitely will return anytime I am nearby.

Exceptional experience all around. Our server, who prepared the matcha, was mesmerizing in their rituals. They offered lots of information about our matcha such as origin and flavor profile which was also appreciated. The matcha koicha affogato with a shot of sweet potato shochu was delicious. The matcha itself was thick and had a delicate taste and was complimented well by the gelato. Would definitely come back and hope I get the same server!

5/5 for experience but 3/5 for actual matcha. It's fun coming here to watch the whole process and service here is good. Keep in mind there's no seating to drink and chat here, just seating as you watch your matcha be prepared. You'll have to take your drink to-go after, so it's best to come on a day with nice weather. It's cute inside though so feel free to take pics / videos of the whole process and enjoy the moment of serenity as you wait. In terms of the matcha itself, you can choose from different qualities, intensity and milk options. It was not whisked enough IMO and still a bit grainy when I tried mine and def not as smooth / rich as the matcha I frequently drank in Japan. Was a cute experience overall and would go back if I was showing a friend around the area.

I appreciated the opportunity to learn about different types of matcha and see my drink made in front of me. I've been meaning to check out Setsugekka for a while but like others have mentioned, the hours can be weird. There is a calmness upon entering as others quieting wait in line to other, then to be ushered to the front to observe the drink-making process. They offer different types of matcha powder and with each drink option, you can pick a type. I appreciated how they took the time to walk me through the different taste profiles of each matcha (bitterness, herbal-ness, and any additional notes). I ended up getting the iced matcha latte with the unjonotomo and my boyfriend got the iced matcha with yabukita. After the staff whisks your matcha in front of you, you're invited to take a sip to ensure the water levels are appropriate before adding additional milk for the latte. I thought mine was very refreshing and not overly bitter. The yabukita has an additional herbal/grassiness. Be sure to scan their QR code for the updated menu as their matcha offerings change from time to time. The staff who made our drinks was a little distracted during the process because of previous customers and others trying to buy matcha powder. Staff members overall were polite. The store itself is small; the front counter can only accomodate 6 people with 5-6 spots for those waiting in line. This place also holds events ie meditation events and classes for other tea makers (there is a wooden plaque that shows their certification).

This is a must try for matcha lovers! My friend and I shared the gelato and iced matcha. For the gelato we got the lowest grade matcha and for the iced matcha we got the highest grade. I was worried about getting something sweet because matcha is normally a little bitter. We could definitely taste the bitterness in the lower grade matcha. It was still amazing because the bitterness was covered by the sweetness of the gelato. The iced matcha wasn't bitter at all! You can really taste the smooth matcha flavor. The service is amazing & they make the tea right in front of you. The process is very graceful and quick. The inside has some odd decor (random horse photos, maybe there is a reason) but it gets nicer in the service area. I will definitely be coming back whenever I want to treat myself to some high quality matcha.

I've had this place saved for a really long time but never managed to visit due to their limited weekday hours. The matcha itself was tasty, but the interior is very small (only a few seats so queue can get long). The staff there also felt a bit off - nice, but maybe I came on a day where the main person who does the ceremonies wasn't there. There's also a lot of young college kids working so it almost felt a bit too laid back.

Tiny hidden shop, but I found it on TikTok and wanted to try. There is a small bar inside with probably 4-5 seats for you to sit while you order and wait. We sat down and looked at the menu, with an iced matcha at the highest grade recommended. I think we got the second highest grade with ice, and it was so delicious. I usually prefer matcha lattes, but this was still creamy and tasty, with a perfectly balanced matcha. The worker walked through the matchas with us and told us about the background of the small shop as well as the matchas. We thought it was very interesting to learn how to become a matcha sensei and loved how authentic it was. It was just a bit expensive (given really good quality) and it is easy to miss the spot since it was so small. Great experience overall

It was an interesting 1-2 minute experience. They make the drink in front of you and tell you briefly about what part of matcha you choose located from. I ordered Matcha-ppuccino (Seiho matcha). It was on the pricey side since it was $13.25. I would try other matcha next time since I didn't taste much different from other matcha I had before. This is a small matcha cafe, but you get the overall experience at the mini counter. There is a line formed outside of the store, so don't be surprised. The service is pretty good. The lady I assumed might be the owner made the tea. I didn't asked. Her assistant added milk and whatever was needed, served it to me and other guests at the counter. This place is ONLY for takeout. So, after you get your drink, you can take a picture and then head outside.

I have also had matcha in Japan and I was a tad in the in between when it came to these drinks. Perhaps it was because I am spoiled and use to different flavors, or it was a day to be picky but these were good but not the best. What was memorable however was the experience of the whole matcha whisking process. I was also intrigued to see that the lady put extra water over the matcha shot all the way to the top and placed about a splash of oatmilk. This made the drink quite diluted with water, so perhaps that's why it tasted different to me. The place is small and cozy, but the Asian lady was really sweet and accommodating. It is a tad expensive compared to the average matcha latte but you are paying for an experience too.

What a strange experience. We asked the person preparing our drink to add less water since the lattes next to us were prepared with mostly water and topped off with a splash of milk. She genuinely seemed so annoyed with this request. Extremely uncomfortable experience for everyone who was watching the tea ceremony. Any normal place would prepare the drink the way the customer asked without giving us so much grief. I'll stick to making matcha at home!

Cute intimate spot for unsweetened matcha. Service was informative and very welcoming. Got their iced matcha latte, they only serve oat milk. Would recommend!

Service was slow - you have to wait for a ceremony, expect up to 30 minutes. Matcha was also super watered down and made with broken whisks. The lady used two scoops of matcha and whisked it with half a cup of water. Disappointed in the lack of flavor - better off going to starbucks you'll get a cheaper price and better taste.

So matcha flavor. Setsugekka aims to provide a cozy space with fresh matcha. They offer 3 different grades of matcha with varying prices. I got the medium grade matcha latte and got to watch the lady wisk my matcha. It is quite fascinating to see all the traditional matcha techniques and tools used in front of you. The entire process was pretty fast and I wasn't allowed to drink my matcha inside because the store has very limited seating. The drink itself has a very rich matcha flavor. The matcha flavor continues to unravel in your mouth starting from a light sweetness and slowing morphing into a strong aftertaste. My main complaint would be that the drink is quite pricey for a small serving size but the vibes and the flavor makes up for that. Overall, top matcha destination in NYC.

This was my first time experiencing the ritual of having matcha in a more traditional, intimate, and calming experience, where you can truly appreciate the tradition of the process, the taste and quality of the matcha, along with the care the tea masters take to prepare each cup of tea. Setsugekka is quite small with just a few seats at the counter to see the matcha process and then a few seats at a smaller communal table. The intimate space brings you closer to being indulged in the full matcha experience. The young lady who greeted us at the door was very helpful in explaining the different types of matcha offered and what my palate may like best. Setsugekka is dairy-free, and all of the drinks are made with oatmilk, which is nice. I personally feel like oatmilk compliments the matcha tea the best. Given that this is a more traditional matcha it's not very sweet, which I enjoy so you can really taste the quality of the tea. However, you do have the option to adjust the sweetness. I really wanted to try the matcha affogato, but we had dinner reservations and didn't have time. However, on my next trip to Setsugekka the affogato is going to be a definite must try. Setsugekka provides you with the opportunity to take a bit of time away from the hustle and bustle, and slow life down for a few minutes, while providing you with delicious, quality tea.

The best matcha in the city. Very lovely and authentic experience. I look forward to coming again.

My friends and I are huge matcha fans and were so pleased with our experience here. It's a small shop with very limited seating. There are only 5 seats up against a table where you get to watch the matcha being made right in front of you. Luckily, we came when it was empty so we had the place to ourselves, but by the time we left, there was a long line out the door. There are a number of matchas to choose from and you can get it either iced or hot. The matcha I chose was delicious! It was a strong, pronounced matcha without the bitterness. We also got the affogato right before we headed out and it hit the spot. Good balance of flavor and creaminess without being too sweet, yet really accentuating the matcha.

Amazing matcha affogato (thick yamenohana matcha topped on gelato) - very rich and thick but it was a great combination of matcha and gelato! Who would ever think that it would be equally good like a regular affogato. To each, it's good in their own way. Can't compare apple and orange when it comes down to affogato and matcha affogato. Overall it's a fun fusion found in a cup! Excellent matcha-ppuccino (yamenohana matcha with hot milk and milk foam) - very rich and matcha-y flavor as you take a sip. Very warming in cold weather and great way for a little pick up from a long day in city and just right before dinner! Great to watch them making your drinks. Nice little show.

Quaint matcha cafe that service high quality delicious matcha! Inside the shop is small but you get to sit on a tatami mat before it your turn to sit at the counter and watch your matcha performance. I got the matcha affogato with the highest quality they had which was super rich and smooth. The strong matcha shot paired with the silky milk gelato was the perfect pairing. This place was #1 on my list for places to visit in NYC and it was more than worth the trip.

Truly a hidden gem within East Village. After finding this place on Instagram, I was expecting a busy, large, commercial storefront with a line out the door. I was so surprised to walk in and feel transported to Japan, where the storekeeper welcomed us into her shop and sat us down at one of their total of four seats in the shop. It is a very intimate experience where you are asked to sit down as the matcha sensei walked us through every possible option, where each matcha is from, and what are the differences between all the grades of matcha. Not an overwhelming process but rather an incredibly informative yet knowledgeable explanation to 2 novice matcha drinkers. The sensei also explained that she grinds all some of the matcha in house and you can stop in on certain days to watch her grind it on this traditional stone grinder placed behind the seating. Pretty cool! I opted for a matcha latte of the highest grade of matcha, I believe it was $11, whereas my partner opted for the middle grade of matcha, and I believe that one was $8. You get to watch the sensei whisk the matcha in front of you as she explains exactly what she is doing. Truly feels like an authentic matcha experience and it shows because it was delicious. I was surprised this shop wasn't busier but I hope this shop gets the recognition it deserves. Definitely a memory I won't forget.

I wasn't able to experience the tea ceremony myself, but if I came back, I would try a non-latte option. They only have oat milk, which I thought completely overpowered everything else in the drink. I could not taste the matcha, so it was basically like paying for an overpriced cup of milk. Was pretty disappointed given all the good reviews.

Ambiance inside is definitely cute and part of the experience, however, the matcha was extremely mild in flavor. I got Hoshinotsuyu and Seiho as a matcha latte to try and honestly they both tasted very similar but the Seiho was significantly more expensive. You get to watch them make your drink while you wait which was a unique experience but this was definitely a hype over taste spot. The color of the matcha was vibrant, however, was extremely disappointed with the taste. They also don't add any sweeteners so it pretty much tasted like I was drinking green oat milk. I've definitely had much better matcha elsewhere and the matcha latte here does not even compare to the taste of the ones I've had in Japan.

Came here by recommendation from my cousin while we were out and walking around Chinatown/East Village area. This is one of her two favorite matcha places in NY (currently) Small location located in East Village. Large display of matcha bowls for sale on tatami mats, taking up essentially the front half on the store. This store is unlike any other place I've been to. You are only allowed to take to-go, but you must sit down and experience/watch the lady prepare each drink meticulously with precision/speed/accuracy like in any formal tea ceremony (also haven't experienced that yet). There are 4 seats in front of the lady. Orders are taken by another employee and paid prior to sitting down. Menu includes ICED/HOT MATCHA, ICED/HOT MATCHA LATTE, ICED/HOT MATCHA-PPUCHINO, MATCHA (KOICHA) AFFOGATO between 3 different grades of matcha (Jobetsugi, i dont remember the middle one but they said they had JUST got it and has been unavailable til now, and the Unjonotomo). Both my cousin and I had opted for ICED MATCHA LATTE with that new one that has been unavailable. We had watched the lady pour water into the KAMA (cast iron/copper pot/kettle) used to heat the water for tea. Meticulously take 2 scoops of specified matcha to each order, using a CHASEN to whisk quickly in the CHAWAN with precision creating a milky, bubbly matcha before pouring into the final cup. Its so simple looking but japanese take MUCH pride in the ceremony of making matcha in each and every step. It's quite a calming experience, even though only like a MINUTE is used per drink. Between the tatami mats and the counter, they have an automated stone grinder that grinds the leaves into matcha too. There's a specific speed that it needs to be for the optimal grind but not introduce too much heat. Little pricey for the drink but not bad including the experience of watching it be prepared.

Definitely a super hyped spot; saw it all over Reddit as the best match spot in NYC, so had to give it a try. They have a very unique ordering system where it's only takeout, but everyone gets a chance to go up to the sitting counter and watch their matcha get made. Pretty cool but can't imagine how bad the wait gets when they're super busy. They also take up half the store with a huge tatami displaying some goods they sell, which makes it feel very cramped; makes me feel like they can better us their space. We got matcha lattes (they only have oat milk), which is probably a mistake. The matcha flavor is quite subtle and gets overwhelmed by the oatiness of the milk, but again, might just be a result of us enjoying the more milky matcha lattes. Overall, pretty good and an unique experience, but probably won't be back too much.

My friends and I went here on a Saturday right before they opened. The staff was so friendly and we got to sit at the front to watch our drinks being made. In the summer, there's a special where they add watermelon juice to the matcha. I opted for that option with the medium priced matcha, one friend got an iced matcha with the lower grade matcha and my other friend just got a hot matcha shot with the premium matcha. My matcha was interesting with the watermelon juice, I was expecting the watermelon to make the drink sweeter but I think the watermelon may not have been ripe and it ended up tasting more like cucumber. It was still refreshing, though. The matcha shot was def on the pricier side and I'm not sure if it was worth it. All in all, the ambiance was very nice and different from typical matcha places!

The tea itself is quality. It used to be a tranquil environment where they took 茶道 seriously. The last time I went, a bunch of kids were running the joint, music blasting, and the dj/barista/person who whisks matcha, whisking matcha to the beat. Sadly it has turned into matcha cha.

Matcha affogato regular was a unique and enjoyable experience! I wouldn't get it again though, since it was just matcha + ice cream, and the price is a bit steep. It was a great one-time experience though. Matcha-ppucino was good, but I think latte is better than cappuccino because the latte has more liquid and stronger flavors. I tried both the affogato and the matcha-ppucino with the yamenohana type of matcha. According to their matcha type list, yamenohana does not have as much umami flavor as their other (albeit more expensive) types of matcha. I'm curious if the affogato and drinks would taste better if I tried the other matcha types... The place was packed at 4 pm on Sunday, 1 hour before closing time. However, the line moves pretty quickly. It's takeout only, so dress warm if you plan to come and have to wait in line outside.

Setsugekka is a cute, private, popular matcha café, where the matcha is made in front of you, following traditional techniques with traditional instruments (Japanese bamboo ladle, whisk, 'spoon' to scoop the matcha etc.). The selection of matcha varies on the day, and while it was good, it was nothing mind blowing. I was personally disappointed by the affogato, but my friend enjoyed it, and liked the bitterness of the matcha they pour over the vanilla ice cream. I recommend getting the matcha not too diluted, even if you finish it more quickly, as the flavor will be more concentrated. The hot matcha latte is very creamy, as they use warm oat milk to top off the drink. I would definitely recommend this address if you have time. The waiting time varies, but the line is pretty long. The staff will take your order and then a line forms while you wait for your personal matcha to be prepared in front of you at the counter. I wish they had more seating space and an area for people to sip their tea, as it is only to-go. The matcha is fresh and good quality, the staff is really nice, friendly and welcoming, which encourages me to go back, even with the price of their drinks. I would go back to try their other matchas taste a variety from their evolving selection.

excellent service, very mid matcha. i enjoyed being able to watch the lady make the matcha drink , and matcha affogato. it was a little show in a very serene establishment. i really enjoyed the teahouse atmosphere. the matcha affogato was very good, the matcha paired well with the vanilla ice cream. however, the matcha latte i received felt extremely watered down. i tasted the matcha and it wasn't powdery but there was definitely too much liquid that was added when mixing the powder. there are better matcha places in nyc

Setsugekka offers 3 grades of matcha, from mild to delicate to velvety. They don't add sweeteners into its drinks so you can taste the depth of the matcha. It was soul-calming to watch the Japanese lady brewed the matcha skilfully and poured the liquid into your cup with a gentle manner. ＊ Iced Matcha Latte - Hoshinotsuyu (Mild) They use vegan milk for all lattes, which is pretty friendly for lactose intolerant people. Yet blue original Oatly was used instead of the grey barista Oatly, so the milk base had a less creamy consistency comparing to regular whole milk. Sadly the milk really affected my judgement on their matcha latte. The matcha was watered down and not as intense as expected. The matcha wasn't whisked well either so some powder sinked to the bottom, but we had no stirrer or straw in hand. ＊ Premium Shot - Senjunomukashi (Delicate) Splurged on the second tier matcha powder at $11.5, it was indeed stronger than the mild one but still too weak. My friend and I tried premium matcha in Uji and Kyoto before. Both of us have high standards on matcha and we were sorry to say this wasn't up our alley. Given the steep price, I was surprised there are no indoor seatings. First you have to sit on the tatami and wait, then you will be asked to move to the counter and watch your drinks being made in front of you. The interior is lovely and well decorated, but you have to leave once you receive your drinks.

~ Senjunomukashi 千寿の昔 ~ This is a delicate flavour matcha powder, so we decided to get the hot premium shot for $9.5. It is indeed very delicate, as the matcha flavour is very light, even though the colour looked very green. We prefer a stronger taste matcha, so this is not really for us. ~ Hoshinotsuyu 星の露 ~ Got the iced latte for this mild flavour matcha powder ($11.5). The matcha flavour again is very weak, heavily diluted by the water and oatmilk. We are quite disappointed as we had hoped for it to taste stronger and more seaweed-y then senjunomukashi. The latte is not creamy too, as they used the regular oatly instead of the barista version, the texture would probably be better if the barista version was used. Will I be back? No It is quite pricy, and the matcha flavour is underwhelming. We are used to having stronger matcha in Japan, so this is disappointing. Nonetheless, it is an enjoyable experience watching the tea brewing process up front, and the environment is very calming.

The atmosphere in this place is incredible with soothing music and a tatami mat floor. The sign read "take out only" but when I came in, I was the only customer so I got to sit in the shop with the employee who was so knowledgeable and willing to chat. My matcha latte was so delicious, I even bought myself a tin of the powder. The matcha was flavorful, earthy, and a little grassy. Some of the best matcha I've had in the US.

This is a great place for Artisanal high quality matcha. I wouldn't really say this is a great place for somebody who's generally casual and likes Matcha latte that are more on the milder and common side. This place is generally more pricey just because it's more of an intimate experience, just because the barista or tea ceremony staff person is making the drink right in front of you. It isn't even necessarily like a barista experience, I would say by simplifying it into that it's almost disrespecting the place because the process and experience itself is more, formal, traditional, and a quaint and peaceful process. The experience transports you into a Japan-like ceremonial tea experience. my boyfriend, who isn't necessarily a huge Matcha Phan ordered the more basic tea, and couldn't really tell how the quality was, but this might be due to the watering down of the TV, the oat milk that they used to subsidize the latte with. The setting is generally very intimate with not much seating at all, you're also gently asked to either leave or move over when new guests arrive, so this isn't at all place that you can sit down and catch up with your friends. It's more so a quick In-N-Out stop to take a pause, and be present while enjoying a cup of tea served beautifully and moving on. they also sell of tools, regarding and relating to the Curation and preparation of Matcha, and those things that they sell happen to be very beautiful. I'm sure the price range matches the price of the tea, so if you're an average Matcha collector, then this might be right up your alley.

I. LOVE. This place... Where do I begin?? I found this little teahouse a few years ago on a whim and was instantly endeared by how quaint and peaceful the vibes were. When I stopped by again recently, there were more people on premises but everyone knew to be quiet while the tea was being made. There are three grades of matcha quality provided and the cost of them is based on that. I chose the iced drink for watermelon with premium matcha unjonotomo and it was simply divine! I could both taste watermelon and the smooth matcha blend- rich and fresh. Would go back again in the fall to check out what other flavors they have in store. Definitely stop here if you want to need a little haven in the city :)

I was too lazy to trek all the way out to Kettl at Greenpoint, so I stopped by Setsugekka instead. It turns out, it's a good contender for matcha and goes pretty hard! It's a serious, high-caliber matcha spot (someone recommended Starbucks instead and I'm sorry but LMAO) I tried a traditional preparation of Senju no Mukashi, which was about $9. It was a little overpriced for something that was $27/20g, but you get to see it prepared in front of you and chat with your server. It wasn't overly bitter and it definitely was fresh, a little grassy and oceanic. If this was their mid-tier variety, then it was a good sign that their higher-tier ones were even better. I wish they had a better assortment of things to eat with the matcha. They only had jam-filed cookies, which I skipped. Matcha can often be hard on your stomach if you haven't eaten anything before or during drinking it. More traditional wagashi would be great, and would seriously step up their game. They have an in-house mill, which was VERY impressive. I had to try out their house-milled matcha, as it should induce ethereal transcendence with its insane freshness. I grabbed Yuki and Jobetsugi, something I intended to use for my lattes. The Yuki was, to my disappointment, dumped straight into the tin... it was pre-sifted (great) it seems, BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME TO REFRIGERATE IT!! Gah. I thought it might've been sealed in a foil bag, which is why I let it sit outside for a day, but if it's oxidizing at room temp it's going to kill some flavors off. It still tasted decent, and at the back of my palate I can taste some of the magical complexity, but I do wonder if it could have been more had it stayed cold the entire time. If you're going to pay $66/20g, or around $13/cup the way I do, it's gotta be done very well. The Jobetsugi was sealed, and it's a really good matcha latte base! It's very clean and fresh. For the price ($40/80g) it's excellent; I might start getting my matcha just for barista purposes here. I've also noticed the matcha is pre-sifted here (or just very fine?).

I was walking in east village and walked by this matcha place that my friends wanted you to try. When I walked in there were just a few stools right by the table with the matcha setup. They were playing relaxing music and the space was warm since the day I visited was pretty chilly outside. I was given a menu of the matchas that are available to try that day. I ordered an iced matcha latte with oat milk and chose the matcha type that was medium bodies and low in bitterness. I personally enjoy matcha that is finely milled but I felt that it was pretty grainy. The taste wasn't bad, but I was a little disappointed. I really enjoyed the experience of watching the matcha getting whisked and watching it get made, so I would recommend this for the experience. However, I wouldn't say it is the best matcha I have ever had.

Ambience- 8/10 beautiful traditional Japanese style interior. There's not much seating so you have to make sure you go there when it opens or be prepared to take out. There was space so we were able to sit on the Japanese style bench. Drinks 10/10 my drink was more on the earthy side and whereas my friend's was more on the sweet, nutty side. I believe mine was made in the bowl. It was such a wonderful experience seeing it being made in front of us. I was able to learn so much about a new culture and method of tea making. Service 10/10- There are two ladies who run the shop. I believe one is the owner and the other is her protégé. they are absolutely amazing. You can tell they genuinely care so much about their teas and work with your tastes to find something off the menu. We also asked the owner about the pottery exhibit to which the owner explained to us the meaning behind it. Lovely people! Over all: 10/10 An amazing experience and very affordable! Would definitely go again!

It's a unique spot and cool experience but apparently I don't like authentic matcha without sweetener when I asked if they use sweetener they said no but there's a coffee shop across the street.. ok? Same answer when you ask if there's a bathroom. They decorate the space as if they're specialists but if you ask them anything about the sourcing or region they actually don't know. Not sure if it's east coast humor but they are a bit snarky while smiling, for example, they need to figure out a nicer way to ask you to leave when the ceremony is complete, I felt like I was getting kicked out, I feel like there could be a better way to end the "ceremony". But maybe that is part of the charm of the place, just not my cup of matcha. I prefer another place around the corner that starts with an I.

It's an incredibly calming experience to watch your matcha being whisked by a tea master. This place is takeout only, so when you arrive, someone will come out to explain the matcha powder available for that day. After placing your order, you're allowed inside to watch the tea master craft your drink. Once you have your drink, you need to leave if there's another party behind you since it's a pretty small spot. The matcha is definitely high quality and authentic but wish it were a bit smoother (but maybe that was the style of the matcha I selected). Was definitely a fun experience, and maybe I'll be back for their matcha affogato :)

The matcha afflogato is delicious but the other drinks - matcha-ppucino and matcha even and balanced room temperature - tasted kinda watered down, even with oat milk. We overheard them saying that the matcha afflogato uses twice the amount of matcha and half the amount of water, so it's 4X the concentration, which is probably why the matcha flavor was so intense. Highly recommend to get the matcha afflogato, but prob only that lol