From My Heart to Yours: Isshiki Turns One

When I first dreamed up Isshiki, it wasn’t just about building a matcha brand. I was raised by my grandparents in a home centered around tea. Tea wasn’t just a drink. It was how we slowed down, expressed love, and stayed connected. Though they’re no longer with us, their spirit lives on in every bowl of matcha we serve. Isshiki is my way of honoring them and inviting you into something that feels like home.

When we opened our doors on April 20, 2024, I hoped to create more than a café. I wanted to offer a small moment of calm in the chaos of New York. After traveling to Japan, I was introduced to the family farm in Uji, Kyoto that now supplies our matcha. Their multigenerational craft and care remain central to every bowl we serve.

The name Isshiki means “one color,” a nod to simplicity, clarity, and presence. For me, “one pillar” represents the promise behind it: a steady ritual that grounds your day. In a city that never slows down, we hope to be that small but grounding anchor. Whether you’re whisking matcha at home or visiting one of our cafés across New York City, we want you to feel grounded, even for a moment.

This year has been wild in the most wonderful ways. From hands-on matcha workshops and Lunar New Year parties, to whisking matcha 100 floors up with The Edge x Mastercard, to selling out our first merch drop with OpenTable, we’ve shared so many special moments with you. Collaborations with NIKE for the marathon, PUMA and GOOP during Fashion Week, and the everyday magic of familiar faces walking through our door, every one of these moments has shaped Isshiki.

And we’re just getting started. We have new blends on the horizon, more intentional community events to come, and yes… maybe even a new location or two (wink wink).

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for being part of this first chapter, for showing up, sharing your stories, and letting Isshiki become a part of your life. It means more than I can ever put into words.

Here’s to another year of matcha and magic, together.

With all my love and gratitude,
Angel Zheng
Founder, Isshiki Matcha