The viral matcha craze that has swept through New York City and across social media has officially arrived in South Jersey. Aokō Matcha quietly opened its doors in Cherry Hill on May 1 for a soft opening, already drawing curious customers eager to experience one of the most talked-about specialty matcha concepts.
Located in the Heritage Square Shopping Center along Route 70 next to Kyuramen, Aokō Matcha brings a distinctly modern Japanese café experience to South Jersey, centered around premium ceremonial-style matcha beverages, desserts, and customizable flavor intensity levels that cater to both newcomers and hardcore matcha fans.
What immediately separates Aokō from typical bubble tea or café concepts is its unique eight-level matcha intensity system. Customers can choose from smoother, sweeter options at lower levels or dive into deeply earthy, bitter profiles at higher intensities, with Levels 6 through 8 designed for serious matcha enthusiasts seeking bold, concentrated matcha flavor.
The shop’s soft-opening menu may currently be limited, but it is already packed with visually striking, highly photogenic offerings that have helped fuel Aokō’s growing online reputation. Signature items include layered matcha parfaits, creamy matcha gelato, specialty matcha floats topped with mochi and ice cream, and refreshing yuzu sorbet options that balance citrus brightness with the richness of green tea.
The opening reflects a growing demand throughout South Jersey for elevated dessert cafés and specialty beverage concepts that go beyond traditional coffee shop offerings. Matcha, in particular, has exploded in popularity over the past several years thanks to its vibrant color, perceived wellness benefits, and versatile flavor profile that works equally well in drinks and desserts.
Aokō Matcha adds another internationally inspired concept to an increasingly diverse Route 70 corridor. The area has become a destination for trend-driven Asian dining experiences (hello new H Mart!), and Aokō fits naturally into that evolution, offering a café environment that feels more akin to trendy Brooklyn or Manhattan dessert bars than a suburban strip center.
Social media buzz surrounding the opening has already begun circulating heavily among South Jersey foodies, many comparing the concept to sought-after New York City matcha destinations known for premium imported Japanese tea and carefully crafted desserts.
During the soft opening period, customers should expect evolving menu offerings as the team continues to refine operations and expand selections. Still, even in its early days, Aokō Matcha appears poised to become one of Cherry Hill’s newest dessert and café destinations.
There is indoor seating, but it’s a bit tight. I arrived around 3pm and business was brisk. You can order from a kiosk or at the counter. I ordered from the kiosk for ease because it was my first time. I wanted to try both an iced latte drink and the frozen desserts. As much as I like matcha, I wimped out with the lowest level intensity of matcha gelato. I paired it with the yuzu sorbet. It was a perfectly balanced bite. I may try a higher level intensity at some point.
I’m including the receipt simply to give you an idea of the pricing and help set expectations — not as a complaint. This is not your typical coffee shop or ice cream spot. Aokō specializes in premium and imported matcha products, and the pricing reflects the quality and specialty nature of the experience.
Aokō Matcha is currently open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until midnight. Would love to hear from you if you go!
FYI – business nerds – Kyuramen now owns Aokō Matcha.
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