Is this the BEST matcha in Los Angeles?
What if one of the San Fernando Valley’s most exciting matcha spots is tucked inside a neighborhood convenience store in Porter Ranch?
Welcome to Kohana Matcha, a matcha-focused destination serving single-origin Uji matcha from Japan. Located inside K-Stop near Tampa Avenue and Rinaldi Street, this hidden gem brings Japanese matcha tradition together with creative, modern latte flavors.
On this episode of Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley, we’re meeting founder Vijay, learning about his journey into the world of matcha, and tasting three of Kohana Matcha’s standout drinks. From a pear and Manuka honey iced matcha latte to banana cream and strawberry matcha, there’s plenty to explore for anyone who loves a good matcha drink.
If you’ve been searching for the best matcha in Porter Ranch, where to get matcha in the San Fernando Valley, or unique matcha lattes in Los Angeles, here’s why Kohana Matcha deserves your attention.
Meet Kohana Matcha: A Passion for Japanese Matcha
Every great local business has a story, and Kohana Matcha began with Vijay’s personal interest in matcha.
His journey started around 15 years ago when he first discovered matcha while researching alternatives to conventional weight-loss products. As he learned more about the drink, he became fascinated by its history, preparation, and long-standing place in Japanese tea culture.
However, the idea of opening Kohana Matcha didn’t take shape until much later.
About two and a half years before the conversation featured in our episode, Vijay tried matcha with milk and discovered a new side of the drink. He began exploring popular combinations, including matcha lattes and strawberry matcha, and realized he could turn his passion into a business.
That inspiration eventually became Kohana Matcha, where traditional Japanese matcha meets the flavors modern matcha lovers enjoy.
What Makes Kohana Matcha Different?
Not all matcha drinks taste the same. The quality of the matcha, how it’s processed, and how it’s prepared can all influence the final flavor and texture.
For Vijay, finding the right matcha was a serious undertaking. He spent nearly two years sourcing and testing approximately 150 samples from Japan before settling on the matcha he wanted to serve.
His goal was simple: find a matcha he would genuinely enjoy drinking every day.
Single-Origin Uji Matcha From Japan
Kohana Matcha uses matcha sourced from Uji, Japan, a region widely associated with Japanese tea production and matcha culture.
Uji’s long tea-growing history and established tea-making traditions make it a meaningful origin for matcha enthusiasts interested in more than just a colorful latte.
For customers exploring premium matcha in Los Angeles, learning about the tea’s origin offers another way to appreciate what’s in their cup.
Stone-Ground Matcha
Another important part of Vijay’s selection process is stone grinding.
During our visit, he explained why this traditional processing method matters to him and why it was a deciding factor in choosing Kohana Matcha’s supply.
For a business built around matcha, sourcing is more than a background detail. It’s part of the experience, from the preparation process to the flavor that customers taste.
If you’re curious about the difference between traditional matcha and the more commercialized versions used in some drinks, Kohana Matcha offers an opportunity to explore that distinction firsthand.
A Look Inside the Matcha-Making Process
Matcha preparation involves more than simply mixing green tea powder with water and milk.
During our visit, Vijay walked us through several of the tools used in preparing matcha at Kohana Matcha.
These include:
- Chawan: A traditional bowl used to prepare matcha.
- Katakuchi: A bowl or pouring vessel with a spout.
- Chasen: A bamboo whisk used to blend matcha smoothly.
- Chashaku: A traditional bamboo spoon for measuring matcha.
- Sifter: Used to remove clumps before mixing.
- Airtight container: Helps protect matcha from exposure to air and moisture.
Vijay also explained that he soaks his bamboo whisk briefly before use to soften its tines, helping it move more easily during whisking.
It’s a fascinating look at the details behind a drink that many people simply order over ice. For matcha lovers who want to understand the craft behind their favorite latte, this part of the visit is especially interesting.
Three Matcha Drinks We Tried at Kohana Matcha
Of course, learning about matcha is only half the fun. The real test is tasting the drinks!
During our visit, we tried three different matcha lattes, each bringing its own combination of flavors and textures.
1. Pear and Manuka Honey Iced Matcha Latte
First up was Kohana Matcha’s pear and Manuka honey iced matcha latte.
According to Vijay, the drink combines pear purée made in Sweden with Manuka honey from New Zealand. The combination creates a distinctive flavor that complements the matcha rather than simply overpowering it with sweetness.
On the first sip, the pear and honey flavors come through before the matcha becomes more noticeable. The result is a layered drink with fruity sweetness, a honey-like richness, and the creamy texture of matcha mixed with milk.
It’s an interesting option for anyone who wants to explore matcha drinks beyond the usual vanilla or strawberry combinations.
If you enjoy iced matcha lattes with balanced sweetness and a more adventurous flavor profile, this one is worth considering.
2. Banana Cream Matcha Latte
Next was the banana cream matcha latte, a creamy combination that brings together two distinct flavors.
Unlike the pear and honey drink, the matcha comes through more strongly at first, followed by the banana cream.
Once stirred together, the flavors blend into a richer, creamier drink. The banana adds a dessert-like element while the matcha provides its recognizable green tea character.
This is a tempting choice for anyone who enjoys creamy matcha drinks or wants something a little more indulgent than a traditional iced matcha latte.
Banana and matcha might not be the first combination that comes to mind, but it’s a creative way to experience the drink.
3. Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte
Finally, we tried the strawberry iced matcha latte, the first drink our host had tried at Kohana Matcha.
Strawberry matcha has become a popular combination for good reason. Its fruity flavor pairs naturally with matcha’s distinctive taste, creating a colorful drink with contrasting flavors.
One detail our host highlighted was the matcha foam on top. Rather than immediately mixing everything together, he recommended appreciating that layer as part of the drink’s overall experience.
Of course, stirring the drink lets the strawberry and matcha combine into a more uniform flavor.
Whether you prefer clearly separated layers or a fully mixed latte, this is a great option to consider if you’re searching for strawberry matcha in Porter Ranch.
Is Kohana Matcha Worth Visiting?
So, is Kohana Matcha worth the hype?
Based on our visit, what makes this spot interesting is the combination of carefully selected Japanese matcha, attention to preparation, and creative drink combinations.
Vijay’s commitment to sourcing matcha he would drink himself adds a personal element to the business. His willingness to discuss the selection process and demonstrate the tools behind matcha preparation also gives visitors a better understanding of what goes into each cup.
Meanwhile, the menu offers something for different preferences. The pear and Manuka honey latte brings a fruity, balanced flavor; the banana cream latte leans into creamy indulgence; and the strawberry matcha delivers a familiar favorite with a distinctive matcha foam topping.
Rather than limiting itself to one style of matcha, Kohana Matcha combines traditional sourcing with modern flavors.
For matcha enthusiasts in Porter Ranch, Northridge, Granada Hills, and the wider San Fernando Valley, it’s a local spot worth adding to your list.
Where to Find Matcha in Porter Ranch
If you’re looking for a new matcha destination in the San Fernando Valley, Kohana Matcha is located inside K-Stop on Rinaldi Street in Porter Ranch, California.
Whether you’re a longtime matcha drinker or just beginning to explore the world of Japanese green tea, its selection of creative iced lattes offers a fun place to start.
Next time you’re craving a strawberry matcha, a creamy banana matcha, or something a little different like pear and Manuka honey, consider stopping by Kohana Matcha.
And if you enjoy discovering local food and drink destinations, follow Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley for more neighborhood gems, local favorites, and delicious finds throughout the Valley.
Have you tried Kohana Matcha? Which drink would you order first: pear and Manuka honey, banana cream, or strawberry matcha? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this episode with a fellow matcha lover.
Visit Kohana Matcha
Business: Kohana Matcha
Address: 19480 Rinaldi St, Porter Ranch, CA 91326 (Inside K-Stop, near Tampa Avenue and Rinaldi Street)
Instagram: @kohana_matcha
