Philly Grub

Philadelphia’s matcha scene just got a little greener.

Aokō Matcha, a Japanese-inspired specialty matcha café known for its intensely flavored matcha gelato and drinks, has officially arrived in Philadelphia.

The new Aokō Matcha is located at 44 N. 12th Street in Center City, where it shares space with Kyuramen x Aokō – Philadelphia, just steps from Reading Terminal Market and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Aokō announced the Philadelphia opening on social media, marking another step in the brand’s rapid expansion throughout the region.

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Matcha at Different Intensities

Aokō isn’t your typical matcha café. The concept is built around allowing customers to experience matcha at different levels of intensity, particularly through its signature matcha gelato.

The brand offers a progression of matcha gelatos ranging from milder varieties to much stronger, ceremonial-grade flavors. Its lineup includes levels #1 through #5 as well as an especially intense #8, designed for serious matcha lovers.

In addition to gelato, Aokō specializes in matcha beverages and other matcha-forward treats.

The concept originally debuted in Manhattan’s West Village in 2025 and quickly developed a following for its multi-grade matcha tasting experience.

Aokō Is Growing Quickly

Aokō’s expansion is connected to the rapidly growing Kyuramen restaurant group.

Earlier this year, Kyuramen Group acquired Aokō Matcha and announced plans to expand the specialty café across the United States. The company said Aokō locations would operate both as standalone cafés and as concepts incorporated into select Kyuramen restaurants.

The group announced plans for approximately 30 Aokō locations over the following year. One of its first openings following the acquisition was in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, which debuted in May.

Now Philly gets its turn.

The Philadelphia Aokō is located inside the existing Kyuramen at 44 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

For matcha fans — particularly those who believe there’s no such thing as too much matcha — this is one new Center City opening worth checking out.