A Matcha Lover’s Guide to Karen, Nairobi: Five Cafés Worth Visiting

For something cozy and genuinely local, start your matcha hunt at Spring Valley Coffee @ Karen, a neighbourhood favourite just minutes from the hotel. This café has quietly earned a reputation for its relaxed vibe and friendly service, and while it’s known for coffee, their matcha-inspired drinks are a delightful find. Sitting with a cup here feels like a pause in the day, the leafy surroundings of Karen easing you into the rich, slightly grassy sweetness of a well-made matcha latte.

A short drive away in the heart of Nairobi proper is The Matcha Haven, one of the city’s most talked-about matcha bars. Though not in Karen proper, it’s worth the trip for matcha enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. The Matcha Haven has become beloved for its variety of matcha creations — from creamy vanilla versions to fruit-infused blends — and its welcoming atmosphere invites both first-timers and seasoned tea lovers to explore matcha beyond the basic latte. Many locals now see it as the matcha spot in Nairobi, and you’ll often find people snapping photos of their vibrant cups before they take a sip.

Closer to home then, Tin Roof Café - Karen is a beloved community hub where matcha has made a comfortable place on the menu alongside excellent brunch offerings. The café’s leafy garden setting and laid-back energy make it perfect for a slow afternoon; the matcha here pairs beautifully with light pastries, and the gentle buzz of conversation blends seamlessly with the caffeine-rich buzz of your drink. Whether you’re with a friend or deep in your own thoughts, this café makes matcha feel like part of the neighbourhood’s relaxed rhythm.

Not far from there, Cafe Cassia in Karen offers a slightly more upscale café experience where matcha is served with elegance and care. Known for its brunch and vibrant atmosphere, Cafe Cassia’s matcha drinks have a refined balance, appealing to those who like their greens creamy but not overly sweet. The café’s crowd is eclectic, drawn by both the food and the quality drinks, and here matcha becomes part of a broader, all-day culinary experience that fits beautifully into a weekend walk around Karen.

Finally, for something a bit different and still within reach of Karen Plains Hotel, consider a visit to Bubble Moon Caffè BOBA. While this spot is celebrated for its bubble tea, you can find matcha twists here that fuse classic tea flavours with playful textures. A matcha boba drink here is less about tradition and more about joyful experimentation — a perfect choice if you want something Instagram-worthy and fun to sip between errands or after a leisurely exploration of local shops.

Together these spots map out a matcha-loving itinerary that blends classic café culture with contemporary tea trends. From quiet garden cafés to trendy matcha ateliers, they show how this distinctive green drink has woven itself into the fabric of Nairobi’s coffee and tea scene — ready to be discovered one cup at a time by visitors from Karen Plains Hotel and beyond.