Love this cute classy cafe with its authentic Japanese dessert and tea selection unlike anywhere else I've been to in Hawaii. They have an interesting selection of Japanese flavored gelato including miso, black sesame, Kinako, azuki and green tea of course. There was a Yuzu ginger gelato which is more of a sorbet too. You can get traditional accompaniments like shiratama (mochi) and azuki (beans) . I only wish they had more non dairy options for us lactose intolerants. My friend got a Matcha latte which she really liked. Another friend got Kinako gelato with mochi topped with chocolate sauce that paired perfectly! I would take Lactaid to eat this! Teas: -Kabusecha kara which had a bitter umami profile . It started out nice and mellow and turned bitter at the end. Love how they give you the percentage of caffeine. -The Kansaku was a nice mild tea that our server Nana explained must be served at a lower temperature to allow the hand rolled leaves to steep properly . So if you like piping hot tea, don't choose this. -They also have traditional whisked matcha if you want an extra boost of caffeine and antioxidants! Potent! Everything is beautifully served in hand crafted ceramic dishes and presented on wooden boards with a simple flower. You feel like you're in a cozy cafe in Japan. They are open till 10:00 on weekdays and till midnight on weekends Thursday - Saturday . Love that you can find a late night place to drink good quality tea, but they can add alcohol if you want too! Nana and Kai were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful servers. The owner was next door at his other business, the very popular Andria Ibushi so we did not get to meet him. Next time! read more

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4 stars only because parking is kinda terrible, especially on busy weekends love the diagrams about the different teas and flavors. really helps you choose the best tea for what youre feeling. fun gelato flavors, but i was boring and picked a normie one (azuki) lol combo is totally worth it, tea + monaka with gelato mochi balls & azuki def a relaxing spot, though not many seats on some nights they have a bartender so you can get match cocktails. unfortunately the night we went, they didnt have that worker =( will have to try again read more

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Cute Japanese cafe in Kapahulu! They have a few seats with a minimum order of one item per person if you were to dine inside, and they have a bench outside. - They have a variety of gelato flavors, and I personally like their miso (which is almost like a nutty toffee ice cream) and their hojicha chocolate. They do samples for the gelato if you're indecisive! - I also tried their strawberry mochi, which is plain mochi with white bean paste and strawberry puree. The sauce is delicious and the mochi is dense. - Some friends tried their cocktails, which was heavy on the tea. If you're sensitive to caffeine I wouldn't recommend it though! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

In our now oversaturated matcha market on Oahu, Cha to Gelato is my favorite place to go for matcha. I've been going ever since they opened. And though the shop has been through a few iterations, the employees have always been kind and consistent with their drinks and gelatos. It reminds me of places in Japan--you can narrow down your matcha by flavor profile and they truly focus on the quality and craftsmanship of their drinks. It's a perfect spot for tea lovers (like me ‍) though might not be ideal for large groups or people who are looking for what I call "dessert matcha" (with all the creams and extra flavors like ube/oreo/etc.) read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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New flavor Strawberry White Chocolate and Hojicha Chocolate gelato was delicious. All of their gelato options are great because I tried all of it. LOL It's no secret that I love this place and my friends also love it too. It's our fave place to hangout and chill. Noticed that at night closer to closing time they get flooded with people - do keep that in mind when coming here. Was lucky to snag a seat at the counter but it was packed! Please be patient with the help as well because most of the time it is just them trying to handle the huge barrage of people waiting in line as well as dine-in customers. Great experience nonetheless. read more

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Food: My first time didn't had a great impression because the matcha latte I ordered barely tasted any matcha and it was very watery. My second time was better because I ordered their gelato dessert instead. I got the matcha anmitsu that comes with 2 gelato flavors of your choice, 4 pieces of mochi, red bean paste, 2 pieces of strawberries, jelly, brown sugar syrup, and whip cream. We got the hojicha chocolate and kinako gelato. The hojicha chocolate flavor was so good, it was very strong and rich at the same time. The chocolate part came from the chocolate chunks and not necessarily blended with the hojicha. The kinako was a bit on the lighter nuttier side. Service: Very friendly and helpful. They gave us samples to try! Atmosphere: reminded me of the matcha places in Japan. Very nice decor of the matcha bowls and bar seating. Love the wood decor. It is a bit hot inside, wish the AC was stronger. Note: if you're dining in, each person has to order at least one item. read more

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The worker was very nice. We ordered the fruit with 2 gelato scoops. The flavors we got were chocolate hojicha and the banana black tea. Really good and creamy. Fruit was fresh and juicy. A great dessert! read more

Everything we had was sooooo good. The Strawberry Matcha and Hojicha was perfect. Not too sweet and so balanced. The gelato that both my sister and I had was delicious. I can't wait to come back to try more. The seating and atmosphere is perfect to meet up with friends and have a conversation over desserts. The staff was so friendly and helpful when I had questions about the different tea choices. The only down is parking is a challenge as most businesses in this area. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Met up with a bunch of friends here over the weekend. We all ordered separately and it's a nice small space that you can easily chat and converse as it's homey and quiet. They ask that each customer order only one dish per person (not including drink) as they have only a few workers and to ensure good experience for all customers. The location is the only thing I can say sort of sucks, located off kapahulu about a block and a half away from Safeway there's not that many places to park or walk from. I'd suggest coming down here with a small group of people in one vehicle or taking a nice stroll. The husband and I were still on our fast (no soft drinks, no matcha, coffee, etc). So we opted to get dessert instead.... I know weird since we came to a matcha cafe but this was where everyone wanted to go! The Anmitsu is a feast for the eyes! So yummy and generous in portion for the price. My husband and I loved it but just had to have our own portions. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Anmitsu with matcha and strawberry white chocolate ice cream. It comes with strawberry, an, matcha jelly, mochi, and whipped cream. - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The aesthetic of this place is very cute. Located on kapahulu, there is mostly street parking. When I walked in I was greeted by the owner and she was very nice and showed me some gelato flavors! So many to choose from so I asked her favorite and one of them was chocolate. Delicious! Got the strawberry matcha with oat milk & it was flavorful. Will definitely be back soon! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Chocolate gelato and strawberry matcha - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

~ Dare I say, THE BEST ICE CREAM & Matcha ~ I've had all the viral matchas on this island and theirs holds first place! LOOK AT THE COLOR. It was super earthy and smooth. ALSO OMG their hojicha ice cream?! It was so yummy. I've never had ice cream like THAT before. Besides it being super creamy, it holds so much flavor once it hits your taste buds. We were jet lag and indecisive but the service was really sweet and patience with us! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - matcha latte & hojicha ice cream w/ mochi - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Best matcha spot on the island for the best matcha and tea experience!! The matcha latte was perfect, there were also options to add vanilla sweetener if you like your matcha on the sweeter side. As for my gelato, the amazake gelato was my favorite. It was sweet yet mellow. I can't describe the taste but you should definitely try it and you'll understand me after. The staffs make the drinks for you right at the bar and they were very friendly and goes out of their way to explain each kind of matcha and tea leaves they have to make you feel satisfied. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Matcha latte & Amazake and matcha gelato - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is a cute little ice cream shop that specializes in Japanese flavors. We tried the matcha and black sesame seed flavors and both were outstanding! They also serve specialty drinks but we we'll try them next time. Looking forward to going back! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Matcha ice cream, mochi balls and strawberries - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place is pure magic. An incredible respite place to escape from the busyness of the day. Visiting Cha to Gelato Zen was such a breath of fresh quality air :) The place is so inviting, calming, the perfect place to either chill out and catch up or just in general make time to take a moment out of the wild town chaos. Parking might be the most chaotic part about this place but finding nearby street parking is your best bet. Would absolutely recommend visiting once during the day and placing a reservation through dm on Tea Bar Zen for the night to experience the high quality food and service. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This spot felt like walking into a cafe in Japan! Very welcoming, the matcha was very special. They had cold brew hojicha and very unique matcha desserts. We also tried the Kinako gelato and it was a delicious flavor! The inside has a calm ambiance with nice seating! I want to go back for their matcha and hojicha lattes! read more

We totally lucked out and got two seats at the bar on a Saturday night. Otherwise, they have gelato to go. We got the set and sencha, both really delicious. I love the vibe, we felt like we were in a hip cafe in Tokyo. read more

We were looking for a sweet trip after dinner when my friends and I landed on Cha to Gelato Zen. I was a big fan of the cozy cafe vibe that they were giving off! All of the gelato flavors they had sounded very unique. I ended up going with the chocolate hojicha and it was a great pairing. The chocolate was in the form of chocolate chunks, so as a big texture person I ended up enjoying it a lot lol. They encourage customers to order at least one item per person if you're dining in as a note. read more

"Anything's possible since you made my heart melt..." - Justin Bieber Cha to Gelato Zen is my kinda disco and ironically I had no clue about it until while mogu mogu-ing at Izakaya next door my Ninja mentioned this cozy place for dessert. Of course I'm down! I was told Cha to Gelato Zen opened about a year ago and that explains why I haven't heard of it because at the time I was somewhere in Japan making memories and doing Ninjutsu things. My Ninja buddies (read previous Aburiya Ibishu review) and I cautiously strolled in like bros from the Last Samurai entering the final battle scene lol. Not to worry we're all just stuffed from the Izakaya, beer, and just say no to Cobra Kai lol. The subdued lighting and natural wood details reminded me of tea shops in Kyoto, yet this was on Kapahulu, but owned and operated by legit Japanese. Polite, professional, and attention to detail... is what separates this spot from the rest. Cha To Gelato Zen offers Japanese inspired Gelato flavors and Tea from Japan. Desserts are the focus here, yet they also have a full bar and homemade cheesecake! We decided to each get two scoops of Gelato paired with suggested Tea. The most difficult part was what flavors should I choose. Not much choices (under ten), however all looked delicious. We chose UJI MATCHA + JAPANESE MILK TEA, and the third order was KINAKO (roasted soybean) + JAPANESE MILK TEA. All paired with Bancha TOMOE FROM SHIZUOKA.The mystery came when I was the first to order the MATCHA, but eh instead received the KINAKO GELATO! All good as it was amazing! In the end, Cha to Gelato Zen was a great choice and for a moment I felt I was back in Japan! We chatted a reunion in Iga, birthplace of Ninjutsu, and our delicious choices, albeit on the pricier side. One even picked up a few slices of homemade Cheesecake for mother. Hey, who's counting yen or calories when it's all about quality here in Japan, right... eh, I mean Kapahulu! I'll be back next time I'm in the hood! Pls follow my adventures IG: @eric_travel_guru read more

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This is a wonderful little spot along Kapahulu Avenue. Cha to Gelato Zen is a cafe that primarily serves tea, drinks, and desserts. If you need to park your car, you'll generally have to rely on street parking, whether it is along Kapahulu or the various side streets. The shop itself has a pretty interior, with lighter wood tones and soft lighting throughout. Seating is available along the bar area or several tables lined against the shop window. Service is great, and each staff member is relatively knowledgeable regarding tea! I usually enjoy getting the matcha, black sesame, or miso gelato. I feel like the gelato is always creamy and tasty, with all of their flavors being well-balanced and not too sweet. Although the ice cream is on the pricier side, I feel like it is well worth the money. I hope that one day the cafe can offer pint sizes of their gelato to take home. I love this cafe for its soothing atmosphere and wonderful desserts. Definitely a must try if you're in the area! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

So many gelato flavors, tea options, and combos to choose from. The anmitsu with mochi, red bean, strawberry, wafer, and sweet sauce was nice for sharing. My favorite gelato was the seasonal chocolate hojicha and black sesame. The cold hojicha and hojicha mousse were also really good. I thought the matcha and red bean gelato were just okay. It's a small shop and if you eat in, each person has to order an item. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Anmitsu and cold hojicha - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If I could rate this place over 5 stars, I definitely would. After finding this place on social media, I frequented it about three times within two weeks because it was just that good. The few times we went, it wasn't super packed, but one night. However, the ambiance always remained calm and pretty quiet. The staff was welcoming and helpful in trying new items. The hojicha latte, amazaki ice cream, matcha latte were all amazing. You can tell the ingredients used are quality and the staff takes pride in the items they put out to customers. I would recommend going to Cha to Gelato Zen over any other place that served matcha and hojicha. read more

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Cha to Gelato Zen is a premium tea experience. This place feels like such a hidden gem. Located in Kapahulu, parking can be difficult with a few paid spots in front, but be patient, it's worth it. When you enter, they have a very small seating area with a few tables and seats along the bar. They offer different tea beverages, along with alcoholic beverages and ice cream desserts. Everything is made very intentionally and handcrafted to perfection. We ordered matcha lattes. You can see from the signs that they highlight the different matcha that they have and the different flavor profiles. We watched as they whisked our tea and crafted them into lattes. They do have different milk options. They use a sweetener in the matcha latte, so if you'd like it plain, you must request that. The drinks were very good and you could tell that they are using good quality products here. read more

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I'm so glad we have a new matcha cafe in Oahu. Staff was welcoming, lighting was dim & relaxing, and jazz music was playing in the background. Definitely a place where you can feel at peace and get to savor all of their different teas and sweets. It was my first time trying anmitsu and I loved it. Super light yet so fun with all the different textures. It was $14 and you get to select 2 gelato flavors. If you're undecided, they can let you sample some flavors. Like others have said, the miso flavor was surprising delicious and works! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Anmitsu with matcha and miso gelato - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Cute spot in Kapahulu. Ended up coming here for a night cap ~ dessert after a nice dinner around Ala Moana. We were lucky to find street parking but I believe there's a parking behind the building. We sat down by the bar and per the staff, they serve alcohol only on Thursdays. We ordered the Matcha combo and Green Tea combo for around $45 total for the 2 of us. MATCHA COMBO = Ceremonial matcha and I chose the Samidori, strawberry white chocolate gelato, and it comes with cold brew tea. GREEN TEA COMBO = my boyfriend chose the Gyokoru Chidori which had a high caffeine content, strawberry white chocolate gelato with mochi, azuki bean, and wafer toppings. The vibe was so nice and chill. They were playing instrumentals of disney songs which we love. The shop was full of customers but it was still peaceful with a moderate chatter. Will definitely go back again! read more

This place is literally one of the cutest AND delicious spots I've visited in quite some time. The exterior is so unassuming, but the interior is so cozy and warm. The menu is larger than anticipated; however, service is super kind and they are happy to help if you are indecisive. You can also taste/trial 2 of the gelato flavors to figure out what you'd like if you are indecisive (like me!). We were on a matcha trip for sure and went with the strawberry matcha latte and their strawberry mochi special with a scoop of black sesame gelato. Let me tell you, the matcha was insanely good and the strawberry puree used was so darn fresh. Literally nothing like the oversweet, artificial syrup tasting strawberry matchas you see across the board. The mochi, I will dream about 5ever, because it was so soft, bouncy, chewy -- not too sweet goodness. The black sesame gelato has my heart and I am pretty sure I'm going to get it again as soon as I go back l o l Prices are very fair for the quality and I honestly wanted to come back later in the day, eyeing the alcoholic bottles I noticed along the bar. If you like high quality tea options, delicious gelato, and snacks -- do yourself a favor and PLEASE go check this spot out. It is street parking in the area so you may have to loop around a couple times, but trust me it is so worth it! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Strawberry matcha - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Thanks Randy for posting high quality Japanese dessert place. I had this place book marked a long time ago. I saw Randy checked in here yesterday. I really had to get myself there after I shared it with my daughter. I need some encouragement sometimes. And I knew that it will be worth the visit. It's a small place in Kapahulu after Pizza Hut on the corner. If you're luck you can find street parking on Kamuela Street. Parking is probably the most challenging for any Kapahulu businesses. We shared Matcha Anmitsu, Hojicha, and Matcha. It was nice to smell fresh brew of good quality tea. They even smell different. Hojicha and Matcha were light but good quality. You get to choose 2 gelato. Our selection were Kinako and black sesame. They were good. Yes, drinks are made to order. No shortcuts. Also, every person has to order something if you want to sit inside. This totally make sense. It's a business. There is a bench outside too. Two young ladies were super sweet and nice. read more

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SO MANY GOOD gelato flavors! I wanted to try them all but I couldn't! So my partner and I ended up getting a flight which is 3 scoops so we got black sesame (delicious!), miso (tasted like caramel almost, so good) and hojicha (my favorite flavor)! It was all so good! We tried the yuzu ginger one and that was good too! Atmosphere - Cute, there's seating maybe for around 6 - 10 people because there is a "bar" set up to get your matcha and teas and then seats by the window. It's so cute! Service - Great! They are friendly and you're able to do a gelato sample. Cost - I believe the flight was around $14. Parking - Street parking, it's on Kapahulu and they don't have a specific lot so it's all street parking so good luck! Location - Next to Aburiya Ibushi, on Kapahulu Street. I definitely would come here again to get more gelato and to try their other flavors like kinako! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Miso, black sesame and hojicha on the bottom. - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We didn't stay to dine in because of the policy requiring one dessert per guest, and we were just too full to have two. I wish they would allow sharing. Instead, we got the matcha cheesecake to go, and it was absolutely delicious. The cafe itself is small but beautiful, with a focus on artfully crafted desserts and unique gelato flavors like black sesame, kinako, and matcha. I would definitely recommend this place and hope to come back to enjoy the full dine-in experience. Also, when we visited July 2025, they were sold out of matcha - I hope they will make that available again soon! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

After dinner, we went in search of something sweet and stumbled upon this little gem on Kapahulu, right next to Aburiya Ibushi. The moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted and guided to order first before grabbing a spot at either the counter or one of the few cozy tables. We couldn't resist the matcha anmitsu, paired with yuzu ginger and matcha gelato--a perfect balance of refreshing, earthy, and bright citrusy flavors. To round things out, we tried the strawberry matcha latte, which was not only gorgeous but also light, smooth, and super refreshing. Overall, the desserts here were excellent--thoughtfully prepared with great flavor combinations. Just keep in mind that parking can be a bit tricky in the area, and prices lean toward the higher side. Still, for a quality dessert fix, this spot is well worth it. read more

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If you're a matcha lover, this place is a dream The iced matcha latte topped with matcha ice cream is perfection--rich, creamy, and just the right balance of earthy and sweet. We also tried the matcha cheesecake, black sesame ice cream monaka, and their stunning dessert bowls... every bite was beautiful and delicious. The plating is elegant, and the vibe is calm and cozy--perfect for a peaceful afternoon treat. Highly recommend for anyone looking for high-quality Japanese-inspired desserts in a serene setting! One thing to note: it's a small place and with only two workers, there was a short line -- but the wait was worth it! read more

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This place is a total hidden gem! I loved their Matcha Latte SO much! Creamy oat milk, bold flavor, and made the old-school Japanese way I think, so satisfying. Strawberry purée SO good too!!! Not too sweet, just the perfect little twist. The staff are the sweetest, seriously. So kind, so polite it makes the whole experience feel special. You all will fall in love with this little japan vibes here I would say. Only tip: avoid peak hours if you're driving parking gets a little wild. Still, 100% worth it. This is easily in my top 3 matcha spots on Oahu. Go show them some love they deserve it!!! :)) read more

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Best strawberry matcha latte I ever had. Presentation for both the drink and ice cream were spectacular. Matcha latte was not powdery, blended well. The strawberry puree felt like it belonged and its sharp sweetness complimented the bitterness of the matcha well. Not sure why but no other matcha latte with a syrup/puree had the cohesiveness that this one I've tried. Ice cream was not too sweet and texture was on point. The creaminess was accentuated by the bits of chocolate nibs. A side of delicious chewy mochi really brought it home. The mochi gave the dessert more texture and allowed your tastebuds to clear before taking another delicious bite. Definitely great for dates or to impress your mom, grandma, or anyone really. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Do it, get the gelato inside the latte! The best of both worlds in this chill tea little spot. We went on Saturday night before closing, not too busy but surprisingly, people were still coming in. Drinks came out fast and it was mind-blowingly good. I need to try everything else next time. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Hojicha Latte with HojichaChoco gelato - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If you have the opportunity, PLEASE check this place out. My friends and I went when we were visiting Hawaii, and we haven't stopped thinking about them. We went on a Saturday afternoon and were able to get seated. The environment is super aesthetically pleasing, and it was a great place to hang out with the girls. Their matcha lattes are phenomenal. You can tell that they put a lot of care in making the drink correctly, and you can really taste the quality of the matcha. The Strawberry Matcha Latte was especially good; it had the perfect ratio of everything. We also sampled the different gelato flavors, which all tasted so strongly of their respective flavors. Basically, we loved everything we tried. I highly recommend this spot! read more

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We went on a Sunday night around 8pm and there was no wait. It's a small intimate place that lives up to its name: Zen, with minimalist decor in light neutral colors. I ordered the Baby Bancha (no caffeine) and Miso gelato combination. The bancha was the smoothest tea I ever tasted! And the Miso gelato was unbelievably delicious! (My new favorite; it's ruined any other gelato place for me. ) Service was friendly, generous and knowledgeable. I love this place and I hope you do too. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Miso gelato - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I went here twice and I love how cute and cozy this place is! They have a few tables and a bar inside. Both times I've ordered the black sesame gelato and it was so good! Super creamy with a nice black sesame flavor. Although I believe it's non-dairy with soy milk (I love dairy that's why lol) I still really enjoyed it. My second time here, I also got the matcha cheesecake and that was yummy as well. A creamy cheesecake with not a super strong matcha flavor, which I prefer. This is a great place to come for dessert! Parking can be kinda tough since it's only street parking but luckily I was able to find a stall that opened up. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Black sesame gelato - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Came here with a friend just for a quick matcha after lunch in Kapahulu. Cute little hole in the wall cafe with a few tables and counter seating. Menu is pretty extensive with a lot of matcha choices and some hojicha. They also have a couple combo options to get matcha, hojicha, and gelato. I had the mango matcha late since it's on a seasonal special and it was delicious. The mango is fairly overpowering tho but it still went well with the matcha. My friend ordered a matcha late with oat milk that she also enjoyed. Matcha is very flavorful and isn't watered down like some other places. Prices are probably the biggest kicker for this place. Might be one of the priciest places for matcha but it is yummy. Service is pretty fast, you can look at the menu at a table then go up to the counter to order. Then they will bring the drinks to you at the table. Overall I'd be back just not often due to the prices but I do have want to try the variations of matcha and the gelato one day. read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Mango matcha late - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I've been coming back more often because I forgot how AMAZING Cha To Gelato Zen is!! I highly recommend getting the Matcha Gelato and any of their specials. When I went they had a Matcha Tiramisu and it was layered with sweet potato. I thought it wouldn't go well together but it did!! If you are doing sweets please get any of their hot teas or matchas. It pairs so well with the dessert because it cuts the sweetness! Overall, Very sweet staff, great dessert, and cozy place! I'll be coming back. :) read more

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This is my favorite place to have a brew of Japanese Gyokuro tea. You will struggle to find anywhere else in town that can execute a multiple temperature, multiple infusion tea service. This not the same as doing matcha. Gyokuro, and also Sencha, is best initially brewed at a lower starting temperature for a short time to extract the best umami. Tasting a concentrated cup of umami rich Gyokuro will open your eyes. Subsequent infusions can be brewed at a higher temperature for slightly longer periods. When Cha To gelato first opened they would do a tea and gelato pairing. What is nice about the gelato is several leaned towards the savory side and really balanced the umami of a first infusion. There were also a couple of simple pasta and sandwiches if you wanted something more substantial. Unfortunately, most people think of matcha as the pinnacle of Japanese tea, and most people want it cold with milk and sugar. This has led the shop to pivot towards simpler and sweeter food offerings - think matcha latte with syrup, a matcha tiramisu or cheesecake - something everyone else in town does. They also are looking to offer batched tea infusions with alcohol in the evening. I'm curious as to how many different offering they'll have - right now most of it is in the "try it and see how customers like it" stage. Despite dumbing down the tea service this is still a very good spot to try out premium Japanese leaf tea or have a cup of hot matcha. And the gelato is worth coming for. read more

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My fellow matcha-loving coworker recommended Cha to Gelato Zen to me, and I could not thank her more for the suggestion! This place offers some of the best drinks and desserts using Japanese tea that I've tried on island. If you're in Kapahulu, don't miss the chance to pop in and try some of their gelato flavors--their black seasame has a deeper and richer flavor than any other I've tried before, the ginger yuzu sorbet is refreshing and both light and flavorful, and their matcha is, of course, just perfect. If you can though, definitely take your time here to enjoy the beautiful, serene ambiance and try some other desserts and drinks! They have a few set menus that include your choice of gelato and drink, plus other options. I personally tried the Matcha Cheesecake, which was probably one of the best matcha desserts I've ever had (which is saying a lot)! Every flavor is a highlight, from the rich and top-quality matcha, to the sweet and tangy cheesecake, to the warm, almost caramel-like flavor of the crust. Trust me when I say to not underestimate the decadence of this small dessert and share with a friend if you're just in the mood for a little treat--I definitely felt almost too full to move after eating the whole thing myself...but it was well worth it! I also tried their iced Hojicha Latte, which was, again, simple yet so impressive, and paired perfectly with the cheesecake. My total bill ended up being less than $20, which I'd say is great value for my two items of such stellar quality. I have to again point out the ambiance, which is as beautiful and peaceful as a tea house in Japan. With only a few tables and a small bar (by the way, they offer cocktails on certain nights of the week!), this shop is definitely meant to offer an intimate, peaceful experience. Also, huge shoutout to the kind staff here for being so friendly and generous! They patiently offered us gelato samples, chatted with us for a bit, and even offered us a sample of a different dessert for us to try! Overall, I highly recommend this place for any lover of tea or Japanese sweets, and I already look forward to returning! read more

Cha To Gelato Zen - Gelato Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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