March 18--Don't let the modest storefront fool you. Nada Tea Coffee House in Lincoln Park is a Japanese teahouse that serves some of the most expertly made tea in Chicago -- including the best matcha I've found in the city.
The shop offers three matcha drinks; you'll want to try them all. The simple Matcha Latte ($3.50 for a small, $4.10 for a large) is made with a base of fine matcha powder, steamed milk and honey; while the more decadent Matcha Mocha ($3.85 for a small, $4.45 for a large) pumps up its matcha and steamed milk with a swirl of white chocolate. The Matcha Viennese ($3.50 for a small, $4.10 for a large) is the prettiest of the three, as its matcha, made with hot water and laced with honey, is crowned with a hefty dollop of fresh whipped cream. The richness and slight bitterness of the matcha in each of these drinks balances out the sweetness of the honey or chocolate; and they all feel the way that matcha should when going down: soothing and rejuvenating.
1552 W. Fullerton Ave., 773-549-2239, www.nadateahouse.com
