Matcha Is Taking Over Sushi Menus — And We Were Already There

There's a shift happening on sushi menus right now, and it's not another roll or a new cut of fish. It's matcha.

Industry data shows matcha as the fastest-growing ingredient trend in the sushi category this year — outpacing spicy tuna, wagyu, and just about every other flavor fighting for menu space. Restaurants everywhere are scrambling to figure out where it fits. We didn't have to scramble. Matcha's already on our menu, and it's already a favorite.

Why Matcha, Why Now

Matcha's had a slow build. It started in lattes and desserts, crept into soft-serve and pastries, and now it's showing up in savory spaces too — sauces, glazes, even drink pairings at sushi counters. Part of it is flavor: matcha brings an earthy, slightly bitter edge that cuts through rich, fatty fish in a way regular green tea can't quite match. Part of it is visual — that bright green shows up beautifully in photos and videos, which matters more than ever now that so many people are deciding where to eat based on what they see on their phone.

And part of it is just timing. Diners are leaning healthier, more intentional, more into ingredients with a story behind them. Matcha checks every box — antioxidants, ceremonial roots, a flavor that feels a little more elevated than your average pairing.

Matcha at Sake

We've been pouring matcha and matcha beer at Sake Sushi Bar & Lounge for a while now, and it's become one of those quiet menu staples that regulars ask for by name. In fact, when local reviewer Arpine Kilinyan (arpi's appetite) stopped by, she called out the matcha and matcha beer specifically as a highlight of the visit — right alongside favorites like the Atomic Albacore and Yellowtail Ponzu rolls.

It's not a gimmick pairing for us. Matcha beer, in particular, is one of those orders that surprises people the first time and becomes a regular the second. The bitterness of the matcha plays well against rich rolls and fried bites, and it gives you something a little different than the usual sake or cocktail pairing.

Try It For Yourself

If you've seen matcha popping up everywhere lately and you're curious what all the hype is about in a sushi setting, you don't have to wait for it to trend at every restaurant in LA. Come by Sake Sushi Bar & Lounge in Montrose, order the matcha beer, and see why it's already one of our most talked-about pours. Reserve a table and taste it for yourself.

Sake Sushi Bar & Lounge
2270 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA 91020
sakesushimontrose.com