TL;DR: It's good matcha, just way too much of it (strong). Service was ok. First time visiting this place, as I do love Matcha, it was nice to know there was a dedicated matcha place nearby. I like the tech-forward thinking of having kiosks where I can just customize and purchase the drink how I like, but it was almost as if the employees avoided talking to guests that entered because those kiosks exist. Eventually I flagged someone down in the back and they were able to answer my questions. The drink came out within 30 seconds of me hitting buy on the kiosk. I drink matcha pretty much everyday, and I would say the quality was overall good. It was sweetened (I would say to a medium amount, I would've preferred it less sweetened but the employee told me it was mildly sweetened. Of course, it's a subjective scale, so it's not their fault). It was about $9 or so (with oat milk) and it was STRONG! My normal matcha lattes are around 3-ish grams per drink. Their's had 7-8 grams. Many might love this fact, but I avoid coffee because of its high caffeine content. I would probably come back, but I'll just get much less matcha next time. read more

Ube + Matcha Soft Serve Ice Cream is so delicious! The place has a huge menu and so many great options. The vibe in the restaurant is super calming and the atmosphere is so cute! Can't wait to go back! The service is friendly and will give samples if you want to try them! read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Ube + Matcha Soft Serve Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

The ambiance is pretty typical for a boba shop--fake plants and a slightly sketchy bathroom. It's self-service, so you order on a screen and pick up your drinks once they're ready. I'd come back solely because the matcha was that good! There are tons of varieties to choose from, too. Pricey as to be expected. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha, matcha float, matcha with boba. All topped with ube - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

I came here with my friends, it was a yummy treat! Self service ordering makes it convenient if customizing orders because all the options are available to see~ Wait time for order was not too long. The place has a nice, open light vibe that I really liked~ read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Bubble Egg Waffle and Soft Serve Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

When you walk in, you're greeted by the sweet smell of fresh waffles. The place is super clean and inviting, and the staff is friendly as well. I've had their soft serves in a bubble waffle, the Maiko special, the green milk tea, and I've yet to be disappointed. Everything has definitely found it's way to my heart through my sweet spot! I've also had items from Kokonut, and though it's not my "cup of tea", it was good. The soft serve swirl flavors rotate, so check back often for different combinations. Their boba is soft and fresh. read more

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Matcha and hojicha drinks here are pretty good. I usually like to get matcha ice cream here if I'm in the area. Service is quick and if you order online you can get it quickly when you arrive. read more

Even though matcha is trendy right now and there are lots of spots around SoCal to compare, this spot is very high caliber in terms of the quality of the matcha, the conciseness of their concept and the deliciousness of their different drink and dessert options. I got the matcha and ube soft serve ice cream and my man got the matcha float with black sesame and matcha ice cream. Everything tasted amazing, if you are new to these flavors definitely give it a try, you won't be disappointed. If you are sensitive to caffeine like me I recommend getting the soft serve and not a drink because the matcha powder is very strong, but stronger in the drinks. My man is a coffee drinker and a heavy sleeper but he was having trouble falling asleep after drinking a matcha float mid afternoon. Very powerful! One complaint is it is a popular spot and small, not much ambiance inside or in this shopping center, but there are a few tables outside as well. Very high quality products, wonderful taste, definitely check out but if you're local you might crave this place if you try it. read more

Bought the bubble waffle with ice cream and the toast. Actually ordered Oreo bubble waffle but this did not taste it. I've had it before unless this is their version of Oreo waffle. It was still good waffle though but wanted Oreo. The toast wasn't anything to go back to. Nothing special to me. My gripe is time. When I ordered, it gets posted on a screen that shows waiting time. I left my son to wait for it and went back in the car. It said 9 mins. Well, it took 30 mins!! I would've been fine waiting but the fact that it says one thing and then doesn't deliver, then that sucked. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Original Honey Toast - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

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A match made in the cafe with a mix of matcha and ube. The amount of indoor seating is minimal. However, you came to eat and drink to your heart's content the matcha ice cream and ube ice cream. I was able to drink the matcha latte with the matcha ice cream on top. The potency of the matcha was unmatched. I also got a taste of the ube and it was amazing purple stuff. Come for some dessert and leave happy. read more

Expensive, but it's great for a special treat. The soft serve is good. Waffle cones taste fresh and they make them there daily. It smelled so good in there, from the waffle cones and bubble waffles. Order yourself at the screen, then they call you when it's ready. Both the ube and the matcha soft serve were good, and the portion is large. read more

Wifey got a Matcha Strawberry Swirl Soft Serve with Mochi and I enjoyed their Vietnamese Cold Brew. The cold brew on a hot day is amazing read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

The service is average today. The food / drink is okay on the Dalgona--- I think it should come with suggestions as this was not a good tasting experience. Not being able to talk about your order to have suggestions because the lady was literally telling everyone to order on the computer rather than with her feel disconnected on the service side. The ambiance is always clean but she was a bit stoic and disconnected and seemed unapproachable to help her customers. They are usually friendly but today not so much. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha Latte Float - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

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I love matcha!!!! I've been wanting to try this place for a while but had no time. Everything we ordered was good! Friendly customer service. The inside is pretty small and it can get really crowded. Can't wait to come back and try the hojicha ice cream!!! read more

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I love Matcha. I was visiting home for the summer and found out there's a Matcha Cafe Mailp down our street! I decided to order a softserve with Matcha and Ube, it was absolutely delicious! It's also huge! I would recommend eating it fast or sharing with others. There's also other delicious looking matcha based sweets that I will check out next time I visit my parents. read more

Yummy! Came to this location for a sweet treat and was greeted by Jenalyn. She recommended the Maiko special and It definitely hit the spot. This location is cute and loved the vibe. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

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Can't go wrong with Matcha! We came here on a super rainy day, it was our dessert after having ramen next door. Such a random location (imo), but love that there's a Matcha Maiko near us! We had the Ube Matcha Swirl, so delicious! read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Ube Matcha Swirl - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

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I had the Matcha Affogato and it was amazing!! Great portion of matcha/ube ice cream and it looks so pretty! This place smells divine as soon as you walk inside and it's got a variety of artwork on the walls and a really cute vibe. Friendly and fast service. I've been itching to go back ever since. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha Affogato Float - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

First time trying this place and it didn't disappoint . The soft serve was really creamy . We order the strawberry shaved ice with matcha ice cream . It also came with 2 Mochi balls and a crestnut in it. 3 people shaved this dessert. There's an array of desserts on their menu. From boba drinks to shaved ice and waffles. It's a small cute cafe. But the lighting was dim. I'm eager to try the other items next time. read more

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The Strawberry shaved ice with soft serve is 10/10. Good for two people, honestly.. The boba is tasty, perfect sweetness... Reason why I rated a 4 is due to the lack of A/C. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Strawberry Shaved Ice Cream with soft serve - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

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A hidden gem in Escondido next to a ramen shop. The matcha is deep and intense. The ice cream was good and noy too sweet read more

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We came on a Thursday around 6 pm and it wasn't busy at all. We ordered the Maiko Special Parfait and the Matcha Latte, which came out quickly within a few minutes of us ordering. I will say, off the bat, if you're familiar and picky with matcha overall, this place won't be for you. The matcha flavor in the latte wasn't strong or exciting, but I can see how it would be enjoyable to a casual matcha drinker. The parfait was fine. The ice cream quality was pretty good and the matcha taste was actually stronger in this than it was in the latte. The mochi and red bean complimented it well, but I personally wasn't a fan of a jelly that came with it. The texture was different than what I expected. Overall, not bad but I can't see myself coming back. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Maiko Jelly Parfait & Matcha Latte - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

I've been here twice and enjoyed it so much both times. The first time I treated myself to the Maiko Jelly Parfait. I loved the textures and flavors! And very pretty presentation too! The second time, I shared a hojicha/vanilla swirl soft serve in one of their house made cones. I love hojicha, so I would have preferred all hojicha! There's always next time. The cone was so crunchy and the perfect amount of sweetness and balanced the soft serve so nicely. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about their products. Will definitely be going back! read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Hojicha/vanilla soft serve in a cone. Yum!! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

sosososo good was moaning in the corner bc lol could not hold it in the ice cream is just too good !!! the worker was kind enough to not question it when we made eye contact LOL but fr will be coming back hopefully being a little quieter (but i doubt it!) read more

The matcha itself was good but the service was trash. I understand having to order on a computer... that's fine but no one even looked up or said anything to me while I was standing there. I was there for at least 5 minutes going back and fourth with the menu bc I was confused. Yes, I could have asked them but I feel like as someone working in the customer service industry, you should be willing to service customers. Again, the drink was good and they have a lot of cool options, but the service was sub par. read more

Amazing matcha soft serve!! Their recent strawberry yuzu flavor is also delicious and the waffle cones are 10/10 highly recommend read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha and Strawberry Yuzu Soft Serve Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

I was looking for a place that has ceremonial grade matcha lattes because I can tell the difference in quality matcha and was craving some quality matcha. Matcha Cafe Maiko was nearby so we decided to stop by. My boyfriend ordered the matcha latte with 75% sugar with boba, and I ordered the same drink but with 50% sugar. I don't know what happened, but the inconsistency in the drinks was shocking. Yes, my boyfriend's drink was of course sweeter, but it was also smoother to drink and less grainy -- as in the grains from the matcha powder. My drink, on the other hand was SUPER GRAINY -- it felt like low quality green tea or something. My boyfriend kept saying this matcha was good, and I was in shock because I said it was so bad. So when I tried his drink and saw the difference between two of the same drink, I understood why he was saying it was good. Yes his drink was good, and I wish I had received a drink like his. Was it because I adjusted the sugar? That doesn't seem right? Anyways it doesn't matter how high quality the drinks are, if they can't serve it consistently. I'm looking for a go-to matcha latte place, so I must continue my search. By the way, I've had other items from Matcha Cafe Maiko before, and I really enjoy their hojicha items and their soft serve! I would return for those items, but look elsewhere for high quality matcha lattes. read more

Been here twice now, and for some reason it keeps calling me back. Idk when matcha became a thing, but my ass is almost easily swayed into trying new things. Matcha isn't something I absolutely love, but I'll have it if it's around. I made my first stop here a few weeks ago after lunch with a friend, and my most recent visit was this past weekend omw home after spending time with the fam. I don't remember exactly what it was I ordered the first time, but it was alright. I thought it would be bigger, but nope. Had to mix it well before it tasted good (it was slightly bitter on that first sip). Second time I used my early bday offer on the five star rewards system. BOGO free, so you KNOW I had to go before it expired! Something went wrong with the texting aspect of it, so I was worried it wouldn't work. Once I got there, all I had to do was put my number into the little device they have and BOOM! BOGO was accepted, for anything. =) I got the Black Sesame Latte Float, along with the Cheese Foam & Boba Toast. That toast is THICK AF! I'm talkin' thicccccc!!! lol I had about 3 bites before I up and left. Took the rest home. Was it good? Yupppp! I would for sure get it again and maybe be a fat ass next time and add a scoop of ice cream on top (yes, you can do that for an extra fee)! The latte float was bitter at first sip, but once I mixed it and the matcha soft serve melted a bit, it was smooth sailing. There's a bunch of ice underneath the soft serve though, so next time I'll ask for less ice. I almost got the matcha soft serve with the golden piece of foil "The Golden SHO-GUN" (almost $10!) but the employee said she didn't think it was the greatest so I passed. I appreciate the tip, but knowing myself, I'll be back to try it at least once. Prices are kinda high imo, but whatevs. I pay for what I want. The place is cute and clean, lots of available parking in the plaza, and I love that it's literally right off the 15 fwy so I can get in and out without having to drive a journey (like in the Mecca, i.e. Mira Mesa Blvd., ha!)!! I have yet to try their location in Clairemont, SD. Recommend for sure and will be baaaaack! read more

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Great place for dessert, just remember you will have to fork out some serious cash, as it will cost you the value of a meal. The presentation of their items is fantastic and they offer a very unique selection. The space is pretty tight, so don't expect to come with a big party and be comfortable. read more

I've been to this location a few times now and I'm impressed with their flavors. I mainly get the soft serve in ube and/or matcha and they are both delicious!! This time I went back for the ube. It's comparable to SomiSomi in Mira Mesa in both flavor and sweetness levels which is perfect for my palate. It only lacks the taiyaki which I love from there. Service is always smooth here also. Staff is friendly and helpful. A must stop shop if you are in Escondido. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Ube Soft Serve Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

Exotic, tantalizing Japanese flavors that will make your heart happy. Their matchas are rich and deep in flavor. I was surprised to see an Autumn menu. I had to try the pumpkin dango with pumpkin cheese sauce. Oh it did not disappoint' the smooth pumpkin flavor gave the "mochi" type rice balls a rich flavor. It was spiced just right! The matcha pumpkin spice was earthy and had the right amount of sweetness. The people here are warm and friendly. Always willing to give you a lesson on Japanese drinks and sweets. So, if you are in the area make sure to stop by. The space is inviting. read more

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I usually come here for their matcha soft serves but we decided to try something new instead. Matcha Shaved Ice - This is my first time trying their shaved ice and it was pretty good. Ube and Hojicha Swirl Soft Serve - Their hojicha is my favorite and I love it so that was really good. However, the ube was not good at all. I love ube but this tasted straight up like cake frosting so unless you love that I do not recommend getting their ube. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Ube and Hojicha Swirl - Instagram @friesandchives - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

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Amazing coffee loved it.. would visit for ice cream next time. Not much place to sit, but really enjoyed it.

My go to is as vanilla as it comes, so yes basically vanilla ice cream.. however.. Matcha has something here that I desire, its not vanilla, and surprisingly its also not Matcha! Among the assortments of treats, shaved ice, cheesecakes, waffles, an entire array of floats, teas, frappes.. jellies and cheese foam and other toppings... they have a "rotating soft serve" flavor... which I hope never rotates.. this is my reason to come here! The Hojicha/Ube Soft Serve with a waffle cone!. The experience here, for me.. a simple one. The times I have frequented there has been really not much of a line or wait... and there is just a quick and simple transaction.. my money for this soft serve delight. Nice and creamy, balance flavors with a crisp thin waffle cone. I like to get mine in a cup with the cone on top, but you do you!. I have also been known to frequent here a few times for a Pumpkinchino for dogs, well I don't eat this myself although you could. Beware this tends to be very messy as its a liquid drink but a delight for the doggo's! read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

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we previously had a unfortunate experience with this branch last month, however, my siblings and i had a way better experience this time around. i made a review on the google maps account last month about lack of awareness by the employees at the time and lowered quality of matcha. this past weekend was way better, as it was like before when we first started going there. although it was slightly busy, we appreciated having an employee around (not in the back *and* stays in the back) in case we had questions or issues. they have the register and 2 kiosks to order, and another vocal kiosk on the right of the store that announces/displays each finished order. the quality of the matcha lattes were better than our previous bad experience; it was well concentrated in matcha flavor for all 3 of out drinks. every sip of the banana pudding lattes or kuromitsu kinako latte floats, they all had a good sip of the matcha go with it. the kinako powder complemented/enhanced the natural nuttiness (real) matcha has. the ube and vanilla flavors were well pronounced. as filipinos, we were impressed by the ube flavor as a lot of boba shops usually use faux ube flavors or its mixed with taro+food coloring. my siblings and i appreciated the change we saw/experienced with the branch as we always had a very good experience with maiko when we visited (until that particular day). therefore, 5/5 for us. the drinks and comfortability/experience as a customer was well worth ( even as ~$10 drinks !! ) ps: to those reviewing the shop and not providing good, constructive criticism and leaves insults to the employees, need to take a step back. this branch did good job listening to people's suggestions and experiences. the management and employees also deserve some appreciation, even on their BOGO 50% off days. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha Kuromitsu Kinako Float (Ube + Matcha, Vanilla + Matcha) Matcha Latte (Banana Pudding) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

Got the maiko jelly parfait which comes with matcha, hojicha, and agar jelly, matcha syrup, vanilla ice cream, matcha cake, mochi ball, topped with matcha ice cream toasted brown rice. Everything tasted ok but I think I prefer the maiko special because it has more interesting textures and flavors. Everything tasted pretty one note. Service was friendly and the shop itself is clean and welcoming. A few tables inside and outside to sit at. Unfortunately they were out of both hojicha and Ube soft serve when we were there. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Maiko jelly parfait - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

The matcha soft serve here tastes just like the one I had in Japan. So happy this is so close to my house. The service is awesome, the sweet lady at the counter gave me a few samples, one of just the yuzu (first time trying it) and one with matcha and yuzu swirled. Once I tried the swirled, I was hooked:) the cone was huge! I wasn't expecting it to be that ginormous so I asked for a cup. The cone is delicate and easy to bite into (yay) we like those types of cones :) there are so many things on the menu I did feel a little overwhelmed but I can't wait to go back and try all the different things they have :) it's my little taste of Japan, since I miss it so much. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha yuzu soft serve - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

I love that North County is getting more and more Asian foods. Definitely will come again for the matcha everything

Soooo goood must try if you like matcha Latte was smooth and tasty Frappe was my favorite thing here Soft served ice cream was good, but prefer the drinks Waffles are nice. Not over powering read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha Frappe with Oreo - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

First time trying their matcha goodies at the Kearny Mesa location. Then one day while yelping, saw that there's one in Escondido! I was so excited because that's much closer to home for me! It's located in a big plaza and there's a soon to open Japanese restaurant next door (excited about that too). I went on the day where they had a popup collab with a bakery from Irvine. The staff there were very nice to let me go there past the pickup time for my bread. I walked in and was greeted by a friendly guy. The place was clean and modern with enough tables to accommodate few groups of different sizes. I tried their matcha Mochi cup in Kearny Mesa location so this time I got their soft serve with toppings. For the cup, I personally am not a fan of the red bean and the cake, I really only like the mochi, so for the soft serve I asked for just mochi. There's one with soft serve and mochi plus a chosen topping. I asked if I can also get mochi on top of the mochi as my topping and they said yes but it would be only 1 extra. Hm... OK. They're delicious but I wish there's more! Their matcha flavor was very good. It didn't taste artificial at all and was full of tea flavor. I also tried their hojicha at their other location. It wasn't as flavorful at the matcha so I'll stick with the green and not the brown. Their egg waffle was pretty good too! Give them a shot and try all the stuff in their menu! We wanna try their drinks next time! read more

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I'm glad we got out of the car to see if the place was open because driving up to it, it looked closed due to the store next to it being covered up. It was our first time here. I actually thought it was closed and turning into Kokonut but turns out they have it too! I had trouble deciding what to get given the extensive menu. Went with the popular item of the soft serve. Matcha plus vanilla swirl. It was very yummy! Definitely recommend. Also tried the matcha latte which was very icy and bland. Would not get that again. And since I've been wanting to try Kokonut, perfect opportunity. I had a few bites while eating the soft serve and didn't think it was that good. But I had it again the next day at home, maybe cause it was colder, tasted a lot better. I would probably try another flavor. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Kokonut strawberry - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Escondido, California

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