Takeaway
Yes
Setsugekka East Village in New York
Categories
Location on the map
New York, New York County, New York, US
Service options
Delivery
No
Dine-in
No
Highlights
Fast service
Yes
Great tea selection
Yes
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
No
Dining options
Dessert
Yes
Amenities
Good for kids
Yes
Atmosphere
Casual
Yes
Cosy
Yes
Payments
Debit cards
Yes
NFC mobile payments
Yes
Phone: +1 646-895-9586
Site: https://www.setsugekkany.com/
Site: https://www.setsugekkany.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:Closed
- Wednesday:Closed
- Thursday:1–5PM
- Friday:1–5PM
- Saturday:1–5PM
- Sunday:1–5PM
Comments (57)
Best matcha in the city (probably in the US) and very friendly. Has a variety of different matcha from various parts of Japan. The owner will tell you in detail, if interested, about any and everything in the tea house. All the matcha its fresh ground in shop. This is probably the only place on the east coast that does this. A+ highly recommend.
Seemingly the most authentic matcha experience one could hope for in nyc. our drinks were prepared with care right in front of us and even their mid-priced matcha (about $7 per cup) was absolutely delicious with a slightly roasted flavor.
An absolute must - leave the city and transport yourself to a small oasis of calm waves of serenity and swim in a sea of matcha that touches the depths of the soul. Will return with all trips to NY in the future!
This was so much fun just to see and learn. As the lady was making the different drinks. I couldnt help but be mesmerized by it. It seems like such a delicate and precise process. The Matcha was indeed smooth
So I’m curious.This only focuses on Matcha I see . There’s no options for an Organic authentic Japanese green tea rich in anti-oxidants if customers would like ??? That’s very upsetting to me unfortunately if we cannot purchase organic Japanese green tea.
Entering this place and spending a few minutes observing the great care put into the preparation of my cup of tea is very special. The woman preparing the matcha wears a traditional kimono and prepares the tea with very beautiful, precise gestures. I dont know if it is technically a proper tea ceremony (I thought those were longer?), but it is a ceremonial indeed. Even if youre too busy to slow down for 3 minutes (well, its NY...), they just have the best matcha. I buy their cheapest which I drink daily. It is a completely different ball game from anything else I found so far in this price range. I dont often indulge in the pricier stuff, but thats definitely where I get it too.Sadly of course I write all this as a memory from a time long gone. Theyve been closed since the pandemic started. They sell from their website and ship very fast, so Ive been able to get my fix, hoping they will be able to reopen on the other side of 2020.
I was wandering around East Village looking for something interesting, and accidentally walked in here and got a Japanese tea ceremony! It was definitely something else since Im used to drinking more bitter matcha that requires sweeteners to enjoy. However, even their lowest-priced pure matcha is, even when served thick, very smooth and refreshing to drink hot. They do tea ceremony for each customers order and take enough time to ensure a good experience for each individual. Overall a great experience that Id do again!Would highly recommend!
One of my favorite places in NYC! The owners are incredibly kind. They make your drink by hand in front of you. It’s very relaxing & tastes wonderful. Everything is of the best quality and they will explain where the matcha is from and other details about your drink. So wonderful!
As a person who love matcha but prefers it to be milder, this is the best where I got to choose the flavor. Its just enjoying seeing the host making tea right in front of you. all actions seem to attribute to a kind of music. Wonderful place!
The ONLY authentic matcha teahouse with a tea master. Thats right. You can learn from a tea master, buy curated matcha gear (they have whisks and tea scoops from Tango Tanimura - the head of the 20th generation of the Tanimuras who have been famously making matcha gear for over 500 years) and drink authentic matcha drinks! They have usucha, koicha, sweet treats like higashi and mochi and of course, the addicting matcha lattes.PLUS - the experience of Souheki’s tea making is astounding. Her performance is absolutely incredible. Go have a taste of pure tranquility~
Performed with quiet grace and charm, the matcha tea ceremony is a memorable experience of mindfulness, civility, and attention on the present - quite the dichotomy for a city like New York. And while the outside world goes about its usual hurried ways, you glide into a serene and relaxing oasis as soon as you step inside Setsugekka.As a matcha addict, I had this place bookmarked for months since I discovered they opened last summer. Finally when we went up to New York for a quick weekend getaway, the only must on my agenda was to come here. We went about an hour before they closed, and we were the only ones in there. Its a small space, but its clean, bright, and charming. When you enter, theres a traditional tatami platform. Handcrafted ceramic bowls used in tea ceremonies are placed here and around the windowsill. As you walk further in, theres a low bar with 5-6 stools where you can watch the owners prepare matcha in front of you.Matcha has become very trendy in big metropolitan areas like NYC, L.A., San Francisco, and even D.C. However, the trend leans towards matcha lattes and rarely anything else. Setsugekka is something else entirely. Rather than drown precious matcha in milk and ice and call it a day, the owners of Setsugekka take care in their products and presentation.The owners, Souheki and Junya Mori, welcomed us into the space with bows and calm, friendly greetings. We sat down at the low bar and after browsing their menu, we opted for hot matcha made the authentic Usucha style. Souheki Mori directed us to the available bowls and we each selected one. All the bowls are so beautiful, and many are handcrafted by famed ceramicists.As Souheki made preparations, she told us that they only source matcha from high-quality tea farms in Japan. There were three types to select for our matcha, two from the Aichi province and one from the Kyoto prefecture. Each differs in terms of flavor and even the two from the same province vary because of the tea farm location. I decided to go with the Ishikawa organic matcha from the Aichi province.Souheki is incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in the art of the matcha ceremony. Her movements flow effortlessly, from the way she carefully and gracefully ladles hot water into the bowl to her taking the perfect amount of matcha powder and tapping it into the bowl. She actually has the title of tea master and studied at a school renowned for the practice of Japanese tea ceremonies.I havent visited Japan yet, but this was the best matcha Ive had up to now. Both the smell and the taste of my matcha was so aromatic. While I was sipping my matcha, I felt completely at ease and relaxed. Its like a massage for your mind and soul. Souheki never rushed us to hurry up and leave, even though we were the last customers of the day.Not only does Setsugekka provide the best matcha experience in the city, they also teach too. They have 30-minute lessons on how to make matcha on Thursdays and Sundays, as well as lectures/lessons on Japanese tea ceremonies.I will undoubtedly be back whenever I visit New York. Setsugekka serves high-quality matcha and provides a calm refuge from the fleeting moments of life in the city.
After one year from my first review, I tried all the matcha places in Manhattan and I can tell that this is definitely the best matcha bar in the city! A genuine Japanese experience, excellent products quality and professional staff.
Amazing matcha, amazing hosts. I arrived just in time to see the matcha being freshly grounded - so mesmerizing, bright and green just like matcha should be! They carry other brands of matcha but I had to try the house-ground -- it was so smooth, creamy, and nutty (no dairy necessary!). Bought a tin to take home as I couldnt pass up on how fresh it was - scooped straight from the grinder. A real treat for any matcha lover!
We tried matcha latte. House made matcha is very smooth and gentle while the second grade they offered in store a bit bitter. We enjoyed both. Gelato is a must try.
I would rate 5000 starts if I could. If you love good quality Matcha, this is your place. Very friendly hosts and a welcoming atmosphere. I can highly recommend and will be back!
The Japanese couple is living behavioral artists who are in disguise of a cute tea shop that sells very tea bowl pottery with simplicity and minimalist style for $150 - $500. The you can choose whichever one to use it for your tea experience for as low as $10. Next time if I ever go again I’m tailing after someone else to just enjoy the show without the tea. The desert was also a piece of homemade creative piece.
Absolutely amazing, peaceful and enjoyable space. The owners Souheki and Junya Mori are very nice, welcoming, kind and patient. Great customer service and the best tasting Matcha around. I also enjoy the various workshops and tea lessons offered here.
Waited 25 minutes in line outside, only to have some creepy guy follow us in the store, cut in line, order and start making conversation with the employee while we were just sitting there waiting to order. Not sure why we need to wait in line that long just to be ignored
This place is a beautiful and calm oasis on the lower east side. My partner and I have been fans of Souheki Moris matcha tea ceremony and process for several years. While tiny, Setsugekka is the perfect place to grab some authentic japanese matcha tea and expose yourself to the art and culture that birthed it. I almost get an ASMR triggering response from watching Moris process. We just took in a delightful workshop on Japanese calligraphy, given by artist RIHAKU. Were definitely coming back! Use the bathroom before you come though!
It is not just the matcha, which is excellent and authentic but the place. You find yourself in a place where time stands still and the present moment becomes a precious and powerful experience where every single movement matters, where every word becomes a creation.
Great matcha, cozy place. Will come back!
Wonderful & informative place to try or return for premium matcha experiences. I am lucky enough to live next door
Very awesome place for Japanese ice cream and matcha latte!
This place is absolute heaven. I did a private tea ceremony with my boyfriend and this is an experience we’ll never forget! Souheki’s attention to detail, her passion for tea, and her pure kindness filled us with so much joy and serenity. Thank you!!
Quiet and nice place to space out your mind for a little bit.
Excellent place to enjoy authentic Japanese matcha in a real tea ceremony experience. Fully recommend to matcha lovers !!!!
Perfectly fine matcha. The finest quality too.
Simply incredible. The couple that owns this place are warm and personable, and the matcha is delicious.
Amazing vibe and relaxing set up. Delicious teas and very knowledgeable staff.
Small Tea House ran by a Japanese couple. Very quiet and warming atmosphere. Great macha and sweets.
Amazing place, deceleration is possible even in NYC, beautiful experience
Authentic place to enjoy a cup of the beloved green...
Such a darling space run with a kindly couple. Incredible yet soothing experience - want to take a class there soon! Thank you Setsugekka!
The best place to go for a matcha experience. Truly special
Beautiful matcha house. Love coming here everytime Im in NYC
Amazing lil oasis of Japnese culture with delicious Matcha and great hosts.
Everything - from the napkin to the hostess to the tea, is super delicate and makes you feel like you are in Japan.
Amazing hospitality. Educational, delicious, and a good value to boot. Prepare to be entranced.
Slow and quite place you can find in East village. Loved the ambiance and would come back.
Great macha tea and lovely hospitality. Highly recommended.
Charming tea hostess gives a pleasant and informative tea tasting experience
Loved it!
A magical matcha moment
Delicious experience. Very nice service.
Tasty matcha prepared beautifully
Amazing wonderful
Tiny place huge experience
Total reviews rating 4.9
57 Reviews for Setsugekka East Village 2023:
Review №1
2022-05-30Very very small intimate place to get matcha. its super authentic, they got different kinds of matcha to pick from based on your preference. they make the drinks in front of you which is very calming 😌
Review №2
2021-11-02This was on my must-do list when I went to New York! It’s such an interesting location and the matcha they have is fantastic. They do have options at various price points so you can choose whether you want to spend a lot or have something a little more modest. My matcha was wonderful and I hope to come back soon!
Review №3
2022-05-29Love this place! High quality matcha, lovely service, great experience.However, my matcha was not fully whisked and thus there were lots of clumps that settled at the bottom. Bummer.
Review №4
2022-07-31Great experience! When we walked up it was about a 5 minute wait for an matcha affogato and iced matcha. When we were called, we were surprised to find out that you get to watch your matcha getting prepared in a sort of abridged tea ceremony.The matcha itself was super high quality. Both my girlfriend and I are a bit of matcha snobs and we will both be coming back again!
Review №5
2022-08-08Wait time may be a bit long since the tea is only sold 4 times a week. But, it is definitely worth a wait
Review №6
2022-06-11I got a matcha iced latte; it was good and had well-rounded flavor. Not bitter or grainy at all. I didnt realize how good it was until I tried another different matcha place. 😬
Review №7
2020-03-07Tiny matcha spot in LES. This place looks like a traditional Japanese room with tatami floor. There are not many seats - you can sit on the tatami floor, but it’s a bit uncomfortable. They offer different kinds of matcha from various regions. Their matcha affogato was okay, but the matcha-ppuccino was bland, and matcha latte was bitter. If you really like matcha and want to experience a japanese tea tasting menu, you would enjoy this place.
Review №8
2019-10-09Such a gem in the east village! Their matcha affogato is a must try! They also do everything with so much care and narrative. Go there and be still.
Review №9
2022-02-20Wow! This was a must visit for me going to New York and it was definitely worth it. The store was very small but nicely decorated in a peaceful minimalist way. A sanctuary of calm in the bustling east village. The woman who served us prepared our tea in a very elegant way and was very knowledgeable. I am a bit disappointed that we couldnt select a Chawan to drink from but I understand why not because of the pandemic. The house milled matcha was fantastic. I recommend getting it hot and at premium strength, which is the traditional preparation. I also got a desert which was very good. Will come again next time I am in the city. I hope I can catch one of the more traditional tea ceremonies it hosts occasionally.
Review №10
2019-07-28I have never had matcha on its own before but it was refreshing. They made the tea in front of you.