How Junbi Won Over a Coffee Devotee

If you know me, you know I love coffee. And I don’t just mean a casual cup on the way to school or work. I’m talking about full commitment. I have my own barista station at home, a professional espresso machine, hand grinders, frothing pitchers, syrups, and enough beans to supply a small café. My mornings revolve around it. The smell of freshly ground coffee, the hiss of steamed milk; it’s my ritual, my comfort, my energy.

So when someone told me to try a matcha drink from Junbi, I laughed a little. Matcha? Green tea? I’d tried it before and usually found it bitter or overly sweet, nothing like the rich satisfaction of a well-pulled espresso shot. But Junbi completely changed my mind.

Junbi, which means “to prepare” in Japanese, lives up to its name. They prepare their drinks with intention, from sourcing ceremonial-grade matcha from family farms in Japan to serving it in refreshing, creative ways. Every cup feels like a work of art. The matcha is stone-ground, vibrant green, and so fresh that it practically glows.

What truly surprised me was how balanced it tasted. Unlike many chain cafés that drown their teas in syrups, Junbi’s drinks are clean and pure. Whether it’s the classic Iced Matcha Latte or something adventurous like the Yuzu Dragon Fruit Matcha, each drink lets the natural, slightly grassy sweetness of real matcha shine. There’s no bitterness. No cloying aftertaste. Just smooth, refreshing flavor that leaves you feeling energized, not jittery.

That’s one of the biggest differences I noticed right away. With coffee, I sometimes get the shakes or a crash a few hours later. But matcha gives a calmer energy. It still contains caffeine, but in a more moderate amount, and it’s paired with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes focus and relaxation. The result? You feel awake and alert, but also grounded and clear-headed. No spikes. No crashes. Just good vibes.

Then there are the health benefits. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, especially EGCG, which supports metabolism, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall wellness. It’s also said to help with stress, digestion, and even clearer skin. Drinking Junbi feels like a treat, but it’s also something that genuinely supports your body and mind.

And it doesn’t stop at drinks. Junbi also serves matcha soft serve, and it’s amazing. Smooth, creamy, just sweet enough, and packed with that signature matcha flavor. It’s like a swirl of cool comfort that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy. They also offer onigiri, warm Japanese rice balls filled with things like spicy tuna, teriyaki chicken, or marinated mushrooms. I tried one on a whim and now I crave them. They’re simple, portable, and somehow deeply satisfying.

Every time I step into Junbi, it just feels good. The bright yellow color scheme, the minimalist design, the friendly energy from the staff, it’s inviting. Whether I’m catching up with friends or just grabbing a drink solo, it’s a little moment of peace in the day.

I never thought I’d say this, but Junbi has become a part of my routine in a way I didn’t expect. I still love my coffee, that will probably never change. But now, I find myself craving matcha just as often. It’s cleaner. It’s calmer. It’s better for me. And it tastes amazing.

If you’ve never been to Junbi, you’re missing out. Whether you're a tea lover, a coffee addict, or just someone looking for a refreshing change, it’s absolutely worth a visit. Trust me, from someone who once lived and breathed espresso, Junbi is something special.