The Matcha Social is scheduled to open at Pearlridge Downtown on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. The cafe will serve ceremonial-grade matcha and pink brown sugar boba, according to Hawaii News Now.
After opening, the cafe is expected to operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hawaii News Now reports.
The shop is in Pearlridge Downtown, positioned beside the escalators—a convenient landmark for shoppers navigating the center.
Getting to Pearlridge by Bus
TheBus Route 32 connects Kalihi Transit Center, Foster Village and Pearlridge, according to TheBus’s timetable, effective June 2, 2024.
Who Is Behind the Cafe
Chandara says what sets The Matcha Social apart from other matcha spots across the island is its signature pink brown sugar boba, a distinctive twist on a drink most shops serve in classic green or brown. The cafe's ceremonial-grade matcha is sourced directly from Hon-Yama in Shizuoka, Japan, the article notes.
Chandara’s son, Shaiden Lam-Ganal, is also involved in the cafe. The two previewed the upcoming shop and a Halloween-themed menu, the report says.
Pink Boba and Japanese Matcha
The cafe’s matcha comes from Hon-Yama in Shizuoka, Japan, and is made from Yabukita leaves harvested during the first flush, according to Hawaii News Now. The producer is a family business dating to 1948, now in its third generation. The menu also features the shop’s pink brown sugar boba, and the cafe says it prioritizes organic and local ingredients in its recipes.
