A Little Bit of Calm in Every Cup
Life lately has been a blur of errands, deadlines, and “Mommy, where’s my ___?” moments.
Some days, it feels like I’m running on caffeine and pure willpower. But when I need to slow down — even for just five quiet minutes — I reach for one thing: matcha. 🍵
There’s something about that earthy, calming flavor that instantly grounds me. It’s like a deep breath in cup form.
But you know me — I love giving things a little Pinoy twist. So instead of the usual matcha latte, I played around in the kitchen and came up with three fun, homey Filipino Matcha recipes using local flavors we all know and love: ube, pandan, and calamansi.
Because why not make matcha… a little more Filipino?
💜 1. Ube-Matcha Latte
Ube + Matcha = a love story I didn’t know I needed. 💜💚
It’s creamy, earthy, and beautiful — the kind of drink that makes you stop for a moment before sipping because, ang ganda talaga ng kulay!
It tastes like comfort with a little caffeine kick. The ube brings in that familiar nostalgic sweetness, while matcha keeps it sophisticated. It’s my go-to drink when I want something cozy but fancy at the same time.
To make it:
Whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with 2 tbsp hot water until smooth and frothy.
In a cup, combine 1 cup warm milk (or plant milk), 1 tbsp ube jam, and your matcha mix.
Sweeten to taste and stir well.
Tip: Add whipped cream and a drizzle of ube halaya on top for café vibes at home!
Perfect for merienda, journaling sessions, or those “me-time but make it aesthetic” afternoons.
🌿 2. Pandan-Matcha Cookies
If buko pandan had a baby with your favorite matcha cookie, this would be it. 🍪
Soft, buttery, and fragrant — these cookies make the whole house smell amazing while baking. There’s something so comforting about that pandan aroma wafting through the air while I prepare baon or help Twinkle with homework.
It’s a little tropical, a little fancy, and definitely a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with hot tea (or more matcha, if you’re like me 😂), and you’ve got the perfect sweet ending to a long day.
To make it:
Cream ½ cup butter with ½ cup sugar. Add 1 egg, 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp matcha powder, and a few drops of pandan extract.
Chill for 15 minutes, scoop into balls, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
The result? Soft, chewy cookies with a subtle tropical twist. Perfect with tea or iced matcha!
🍋 3. Calamansi-Matcha Smoothie
Now this one’s refreshing and fun! The tangy flavor of calamansi brightens up matcha’s earthy taste, creating something zesty and energizing.
It’s perfect for those humid afternoons when you need a pick-me-up but don’t want another sugary drink. It’s also a great way to sneak in a bit of vitamin C with your caffeine. Win-win!
I make this one a lot when I’m editing photos or brainstorming blog ideas — it keeps me alert but refreshed (and slightly proud of my “healthy” choice 😅).
To make it:
Blend together 1 tsp matcha, 1 cup cold water (or coconut water), juice of 2 calamansi, 1 banana, and a bit of honey or stevia.
Serve with ice.
It’s light, citrusy, and a little zesty — the perfect way to wake up without overdoing the caffeine.
Matcha has this quiet magic — it’s calm, comforting, and a little bit grounding in our always-busy world.
And these Filipino matcha recipes? They’re my little reminder that we can take something trendy and make it truly our own — one that tastes like home, feels like comfort, and looks like a hug in a cup. 💚
So go ahead, make your matcha your way — with a touch of Pinoy love.
