Matcha Village: Bringing Organic, Low-Sugar Matcha Delights to Sawtelle
Discover how Matcha Village in Sawtelle is transforming the tea scene with health-conscious, organic matcha creations that blend flavor and wellness in every sip.
Founded in 2019, Matcha Village has quickly become a staple in the vibrant Sawtelle neighborhood of Los Angeles. The vision behind Matcha Village stems from a decade-long journey of development, with its founders pouring their passion for health and wellness into every sip and bite. We sat down with Fiona, one of the co-founders, to learn more about the story behind the brand, their focus on health, and what’s next for this growing matcha haven.
The Origins: A Decade in the Making
Matcha Village officially opened its doors in December 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life for many businesses. However, Matcha Village was a long time in the making. Fiona and her co-founders began working on the concept almost 10 years before its debut, dedicating six of those years to developing the perfect recipes for their matcha-centric menu.
“We created the project and opened a few shops back in China before bringing it to the U.S.,” says Fiona. “Our passion is matcha. We wanted to create a space where people can enjoy matcha in every form—drinks, desserts, and even ice cream. That’s why we call it Matcha Village—because everything here revolves around matcha.”
Matcha for Everything, and Health First
What sets Matcha Village apart from other tea shops and dessert places is their unwavering commitment to health. Unlike other brands that may prioritize flavor over nutrition, Matcha Village offers low-sugar, health-conscious options. From matcha drinks to crepes, and even vegan and paleo-friendly desserts, everything on the menu is designed with wellness in mind.
“Matcha has so many health benefits, and we want to bring that to the community,” Fiona explains. “We don’t add a lot of sugar to our products, and we’re working on developing even more healthy desserts like keto-friendly and vegan options.”
Signature Creations: The Matcha Magic
For newcomers to Matcha Village, Fiona recommends starting with their signature drink—the Coconut Dragon Ball Z. Inspired by the popular Japanese anime Dragon Ball Z, this layered drink combines oats, matcha, water, cheese foam, shredded coconut, and matcha-infused rice crisps. It’s a visual and taste sensation that’s become a favorite among customers.
“My personal favorite is the Strawberry Matcha Latte,” Fiona shares. “It’s blended with fresh strawberries and your choice of non-dairy milk, like almond or coconut milk. It’s such a refreshing drink, especially for those who want something a little different.”
Staying Competitive in a Tough Market
Operating in the bustling Sawtelle area, which sees many restaurants and tea shops come and go, Matcha Village has managed to stand out and remain competitive. According to Fiona, the secret lies in their high-quality matcha.
“We only use top-grade, ceremonial organic matcha, sourced directly from a farm that goes through a meticulous process to ensure the highest quality. Many competitors may copy our style, but our matcha is unmatched,” she states.
Fiona also believes that competition drives them to be better. “We welcome the competition. It’s what makes us improve, and it’s what keeps Matcha Village at the top.”
What’s Next for Matcha Village?
With Matcha Village’s continued success in Sawtelle, Fiona and her team have big plans for the future. They’re looking to expand into other California locations, such as Torrance and Pasadena, and potentially into other states and even countries.
“We would love to open in New York, and we’re even thinking about France and Mexico,” she reveals. “We want Matcha Village to be accessible to as many people as possible, especially those who care about health and great taste.”
Matcha Village isn’t just another tea shop. It’s a movement toward healthier choices, with matcha at its heart. With their unwavering focus on quality, health, and consistency, it’s no wonder that Matcha Village has earned a loyal following in Sawtelle and beyond. Whether you’re a matcha lover or just someone looking for a healthier alternative to your daily drink or dessert, Matcha Village is the place to be.
