Savills inaugural Matcha Index has placed London second, just behind Tokyo, as one of the top global cities in the world in which to enjoy a matcha latte, although customers will pay on average a dollar more for their chosen beverage in the UK capital.
The cost of a matcha latte varies significantly in Savills index, from just US$3.61 in Beijing to US$6.21 in New York. Tokyo, unsurprisingly, tops the overall Index with matcha lattes averaging $4.66, with the city offering both value and vibrancy, blending traditional tea culture with a modern tech lifestyle. London, in second place, matches Tokyo in café quality, according to Savills, but is more expensive, with matcha priced at $5.54, but its indie cafés and ingrained coffee culture help maintain its position.
Savills analysis is part of its Tech Cities research, which examines which cities around the world offer the elements that make a location ‘liveable’, generate buzz, and provide spaces where tech workers people can work, connect, and spark ideas over a hot (or cold) drink. According to the international real estate advisor, coffee culture has in effect become a vital part of the social infrastructure that supports the tech ecosystem, and matcha lattes have taken over as the ‘go-to’ drink for young professionals. This shift reflects broader lifestyle trends: matcha is prized for its slow-release energy and perceived health benefits, aligning with tech workers’ growing focus on wellness.
Charlotte Rushton, Associate in Savills World Research team, comments: “The Matcha Index reveals a clear pattern: tech cities that successfully blend lifestyle and innovation tend to thrive. While the Index may appear playful, it underscores a serious truth: vibrant café cultures, whether centred on espresso or matcha, are vital to urban liveability and connectivity. These spaces foster spontaneous interactions, networking, and a seamless blend of work and leisure, making them essential to the social fabric of modern tech hubs.”