[Photo: Niko Neko Facebook]

First we have to talk about the aesthetic: Niko Neko’s stark plain white walls, zero knick-knacks, natural wood and metal furnishings, and a sleek counter top that screams extreme Japanese minimalism that would definitely spark joy. From the ceiling hangs cream-coloured papers folded intriguingly into columns that add the slightest touch of whimsy to a place that otherwise is very simple and grown up.

But aside from the super Instagrammable interior, the café specialises in nothing but matcha. Whether it’s made hot, cold, in a latte, or even in their pastries and desserts, green is the dominant (and ONLY) colour here. They have three different types of artisanal matcha – ren ceremonial matcha, kiku ‘healer’ matcha with lots of antioxidants, and yuri matcha for lattes and culinary endeavours – that all have different flavour profiles, and they can be bought in their powdered form in-store and online. Expect to have the full tea experience, complete with bamboo scoops, chasen, and chashaku (that you can also buy from them online).