It’s no surprise that matcha is currently having a moment. This vibrantly green, health-boosting drink is full of antioxidants and can improve your focus and your mood – it’s also ever so refreshing when served chilled. In York, one of the best places to try matcha is at Lè Specialty, where you can experience its earthy goodness in unique flavour combinations that you won’t find elsewhere.
Run by Leon Tan and his wife, Olivia, Lè Specialty opened last year on one of the city’s liveliest streets and it has quickly become a popular brunch spot thanks to its sweet topped ‘croffles’ (croissant-waffles) and ever-changing menu of special drinks, as well as its cheerful interior which features patterned tiles and plenty of potted plants.
The Asian-fusion café’s knowledgeable baristas use only ceremonial grade matcha in their drinks, and this can now be enjoyed iced and flavoured with strawberry, lavender or oaty pistachio. You can also sample their Insta-worthy dreamy cloud matcha frappé, which features grassy green matcha topped with a creamy blue butterfly pea foam.
Alternatively, you can try a houjika latte. Popular in Japan, this is made using powdered green tea leaves that are roasted to remove any bitterness and much of their caffeine content. The result is a sweet drink with a comforting nutty flavour.
Other exciting new offerings on Lè Specialty’s summer drinks list include a blossom espresso tonic, iced earl grey dirty latte and jasmine tea sparkle. Pop in when you’re next on Fossgate to try them all for yourself.
