Dear Isshiki Matcha Family,
When I first dreamed up Isshiki, it wasn’t just about building a matcha brand—it was about sharing a piece of myself. I grew up in a region near the legendary tea mountains of Wuyi Shanmai, raised by my grandparents, where tea wasn’t just a drink—it was how we slowed down, how we expressed love, how we 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 just a café. I wanted to carve out a little moment of calm in the chaos of New York. Our matcha is sourced from a third-generation family farm in Uji, Kyoto—handpicked, stone-ground, and crafted with generations of care. It means so much to be able to share that tradition with you.
The name Isshiki means “one color”—a nod to simplicity, clarity, and presence. But it also means “one pillar,” which has come to define our mission. In a city that never slows down, we hope to be that small but steady anchor in your day. Whether you’re whisking matcha at home or visiting our café in the East Village, we want you to feel grounded, even if just 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
