Grand Mercure Hanoi - Upscale hotels & resorts

From the tranquil tea rooms of Kyoto to the vibrant cafes of Hanoi, matcha has quietly transcended its roots in Japanese tea ceremonies to become a global symbol of mindful indulgence. But matcha is more than just a beautiful green powder — it’s a story of time-honored rituals, nuanced flavors, and a surprisingly modern lifestyle companion.

At Grand Mercure Hanoi, matcha inspires not only the beverages served at Văn’s Lounge, but also a philosophy of calm, elegance, and balance. Let’s take a closer look at what makes matcha so special — and how to enjoy it like a true connoisseur.

What Is Matcha, Really?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf in powdered form — making it significantly richer in antioxidants and nutrients.

The traditional cultivation process includes:

• Shade-growing the tea plants for several weeks to boost chlorophyll levels (hence the vivid green color)

• Hand-picking the youngest leaves known for their sweetness and softness

• Stone-grinding the dried leaves into a fine, silky powder

Taste: An Acquired Elegance

Matcha’s flavor is distinctive — earthy, grassy, slightly bitter, with a lingering umami depth that many liken to dark chocolate or rich parmesan. High-quality matcha (usually called ceremonial grade) has a smoother, more complex profile, while culinary-grade matcha is bolder and often used in lattes or desserts.

If your first sip feels “too green,” give it time. Like wine or single-origin coffee, matcha reveals its layers gradually — the more you slow down, the more it gives back.

Matcha in Modern Life: Wellness in a Cup

Beyond its cultural prestige, matcha is beloved for its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm alertness without the jittery crash of coffee. It’s the drink of choice for:

• Mid-day focus without overstimulation

• Pre-yoga or post-spa rituals

• Creative afternoons when you need clarity and calm

With its metabolism-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits, matcha has become a modern-day superfood that fits seamlessly into wellness-forward lifestyles.

How We Serve It at Grand Mercure Hanoi

At Văn’s Lounge, matcha is reimagined through curated drinks that celebrate both tradition and innovation:

• Classic Matcha Latte: A comforting blend of Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha with creamy steamed milk — best served warm for mindful mornings

• Iced Matcha Coconut Latte: A tropical twist with refreshing hints of coconut milk — perfect for Hanoi’s sunlit afternoons

Each drink is crafted with intention, served in elegant ware, and designed to offer a pause in your day — a gentle invitation to slow down, sip, and reconnect.

Sip Matcha, Live Mindfully

Whether you’re new to matcha or a long-time enthusiast, let it be more than just a drink. Let it be a moment — of stillness, of connection, of graceful presence.

Join us at Văn’s Lounge this season, and discover how something as simple as a cup of matcha can carry the weight of centuries, yet still speak to your soul today.

Văn’s Lounge is opened daily, from 7:00 to 22:00

For reservations or inquiries, please contact: 0936 484 455