A Fresh Take on Matcha Arrives in New York

New York City has long been a hub for culinary innovation, and now it welcomes something entirely new: Aokō Matcha NYC, the country’s first specialty shop dedicated to matcha gelato. Opening its doors in the West Village at 275 Bleecker Street, Aokō blends Japanese tradition with modern creativity, offering a fresh way to experience one of Japan’s most celebrated ingredients.

Behind this innovative concept is Isabella Pang, a 27-year-old entrepreneur with a background in hospitality marketing. For Pang, Aokō is more than a café—it’s her “creative child,” born from a love of matcha and the dream of reimagining it in unexpected, delightful forms.

The Five Levels of Matcha

At the heart of Aokō’s menu is its “level-up your matcha” gelato tasting experience, a concept inspired by Japanese specialty shops that grade matcha by intensity. Guests can choose from five distinct levels:

• Level 1: A soft, gently sweet introduction.
• Level 2 & 3: Balanced scoops with layered flavor.
• Level 4: A richer, deeper profile.
• Level 5: A bold, ceremonial-grade intensity for true matcha enthusiasts.

Much like a wine flight, this tasting journey invites customers to explore flavor nuances, compare notes, and discover their personal favorite. It’s a playful yet educational way to deepen appreciation for authentic matcha.

More Than Just Gelato

While the matcha gelato steals the spotlight, Aokō Matcha NYC offers a wide range of Japanese-inspired treats. The menu features:

• Soft serve in matcha, hojicha, and swirled varieties
• Matcha parfaits layered with textures and flavors
• Specialty lattes, frappes, and Japanese teas
• Matcha-infused desserts like tiramisu, mille crepes, and roll cakes

Every offering is carefully curated to showcase matcha’s versatility, while also introducing guests to the roasted notes of hojicha and the delicate textures of Japanese-style desserts.

A Guide to Authentic Matcha Appreciation

For many in the U.S., matcha is best known as a sweetened latte or dessert ingredient. Aokō aims to expand that perception by demystifying matcha and presenting it in its authentic form. Guests learn about culinary and ceremonial-grade matcha, how intensity levels affect flavor, and the care taken in sourcing premium leaves.

This focus on education ensures every visit is more than a sweet treat—it’s a cultural and sensory journey that connects guests to centuries of Japanese tradition.

Visit Aokō Matcha NYC

With its fresh approach to matcha, Aokō is poised to become one of New York’s most talked-about dessert destinations. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a lifelong matcha enthusiast, the five-level tasting experience is an invitation to explore, savor, and enjoy matcha in a whole new way.

Aokō Matcha NYC is now open at:
275 Bleecker Street, West Village, New York, NY 10014

For details, menu updates, and more, visit www.aokomatcha.com or follow @aokomatcha on Instagram.