PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's matcha scene just got a little greener. Aokō Matcha, a Japanese-inspired specialty café known for its intensely flavored matcha gelato and drinks, has officially arrived in Center City.
The new Aokō Matcha Philadelphia location is situated at 44 N. 12th Street, sharing a space with Kyuramen Philadelphia. Located just steps from Reading Terminal Market and the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this new addition offers a highly curated, multi-grade matcha tasting experience for local dessert lovers.
A Multi-Grade Matcha Experience
The concept originally debuted in Manhattan's West Village in 2025 and quickly developed a massive following for its unique approach to matcha intensity. Rather than offering a standard "one-size-fits-all" flavor, Aokō Matcha allows guests to customize the strength of their treats.
The menu features different matcha intensity levels for its signature gelato, ranging from Level 1 all the way up to Level 5. For the ultimate enthusiasts who believe there is no such thing as too much matcha, the café even offers an extraordinary Level 8.
Beyond the gelato, the Philly matcha cafe specializes in a wide array of matcha-forward treats, including:
- Matcha Frappes: Blended signature drinks like the Strawberry Matcha Frappe and the Coconut Cloud.
- Lattes & Teas: Premium hot and iced options, including Hojicha (roasted green tea) lattes and sparkling yuzu matcha.
- Parfaits: Layered desserts featuring matcha soft serve, mochi, red bean, and warabimochi.
Expanding the Aokō Brand
The new Center City spot marks another major step in the brand’s rapid regional expansion. The group previously announced plans to launch approximately 30 Aokō Matcha locations over the following year, which included a recent debut in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, this past May.
Now, Philly gets its turn. Operating inside the existing Kyuramen noodle house, guests can seamlessly pair a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen with a refreshing, premium matcha dessert.
For fans of Japanese desserts and multi-grade matcha, this new addition to the 12th Street corridor is an absolute must-visit.