Matcha has taken over Bahrain’s coffee scene for a while now, but this year’s version comes with a twist that’s impossible to scroll past. Cloud Matcha layers chilled coconut water with a thick, frothy matcha foam, and the result is a drink that looks almost too good to stir. The foam sits on top like a green cloud, slowly melting into the coconut water beneath, and that visual alone has been enough to send it viral across Instagram and TikTok.
The drink itself is simple. Matcha is whisked into a light, airy foam and poured over coconut water instead of the usual milk, giving it a naturally sweet, tropical edge and a texture that’s lighter than a standard matcha latte. It’s cold, refreshing and suited to Bahrain’s climate for most of the year, which probably explains why so many cafes across the island have added their own take to the menu. Some stick close to the original recipe, while others use the format as a base for their own flavours, from vanilla and salted caramel to ube.
Bahrain’s matcha obsession isn’t new. The island has spent the last couple of years building a genuine specialty coffee and tea culture, with independent cafes competing to put out the most photogenic, most interesting drinks on the market. Cloud Matcha fits that mould perfectly. It’s easy to make consistently, it photographs well, and it gives cafes room to experiment while still keeping the drink recognisable. That balance of consistency and creativity is probably why it has spread so quickly, from small independents to bigger chains with multiple branches across the island.
If you’re chasing the trend, here’s where to find Cloud Matcha across Bahrain.
Cine Cafe serves a Salted Vanilla Cloud Matcha and a Blue Cloud Matcha, with the salted vanilla version also available in a smaller mini cup for anyone after a lighter portion.
Location: Janabiyah, Riffa, Al Sayh
Known for its focus on quality coffee, el Origen also has its own Cloud Matcha on the menu for anyone looking to switch things up from the usual espresso-based drinks. It’s a good stop if you’re already in the area for an appointment and want something refreshing on the way out.
Location: Salmaniya Medical Complex
Glo Cafe leans into the fun side of the trend with a Marshmallow Cloud Matcha and a White Chocolate Matcha, both topped with fluffy housemade marshmallow foam. It’s a drink built for sharing, so bring a friend and order one of each.
Location: The Park, Janabiyah
Jaw Coffee Bar’s Coconut Cloud Matcha is a straightforward, well-made take on the classic, and a reliable pick for an afternoon lift without too much fuss. It sticks close to the original format rather than adding extra flavours.
Location: Riffa
Joe & The Juice has built out a full Cloud range, with a Coconut Matcha Cloud, a Salted Vanilla Matcha Cloud and a Vanilla Latte Cloud all on the menu. With branches across the island, it’s the easiest option if you want a Cloud Matcha wherever you happen to be, whether that’s a shopping trip or a day at the office.
Location: Bahrain Financial Harbour, Sama Bay, Saar, Riffa, The Ritz-Carlton, The Avenues, Al Liwan
Purekicks Cafe pairs its specialty coffee menu with a collection of sneakers and streetwear, and its Ube Cloud Matcha has become something of a signature order since the cafe opened in Bahrain in 2017. The purple hue makes it one of the more distinctive versions of the drink on this list.
Location: Janabiyah
READ MORE: Find Your Matcha Fix at These 11 Spots in Bahrain
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