Matcha Obsession and Budget-Friendly Halal Eats

Greetings! My name is Risti, an MSc Digital Marketing student, and my latest obsession is finding the best matcha places in Manchester. I am also an Indonesian Muslim student who loves finding good food deals, especially halal ones.

My Matcha Obsession

A few months before starting my programme, I visited Japan and somehow came back with a serious obsession with authentic Japanese matcha latte. I even bought tins of matcha powder, a brewing set, and learned how to prepare matcha properly. Then I moved to Manchester and found out that matcha latte is actually very popular here. It felt like the universe wanted me to continue my obsession, even in a different part of the world. For me, the best way to stay focused while studying is to have a cup of matcha latte beside my notebook.

There are many good matcha places not too far from campus, including more affordable options like Blank Street Coffee, Black Sheep Coffee, and HEYTEA. However, if you want to savour an authentic Japanese-style matcha latte, I would recommend two places: The Matcha Kyoto and Tsujiri.

The Matcha Kyoto has two branches, one at Albert Square and another inside Selfridges. My favourite order is the classic unsweetened matcha latte, paired with the viral Dubai chewy cookie for a sweet treat. It might honestly be the best Dubai chewy cookie I have tried in Manchester. For Tsujiri, I recommend the vanilla matcha latte. Tsujiri has branches at Circle Square and in Chinatown.

I like my matcha a little bit sweet, but I am not really into fruity versions with strawberry or other fruity syrups. I usually stick with the classic matcha latte, and these two places have never disappointed me. If you share the same obsession with matcha, you really should try them.

My Favourite Halal Places

Another thing I care about is saving my food budget. Since coming to Manchester for my master’s, I have been cooking a lot for my everyday meals. I rarely eat out because it costs more, and honestly, my cooking just tastes better sometimes because I can adjust the flavour myself. Personally, eating is not only about filling my stomach, but also about lifting my mood. I usually go out when I want to try dishes with my friends, especially food I cannot make myself, food I cannot easily find back home in Indonesia, or when I simply do not have time to cook.

So far, I have tried many halal and budget-friendly places, including Hong Thai for Thai food, Kaya for Malaysian food, Kung Fu Noodle for Northern Chinese noodles, Mr Su for Vietnamese noodles, and Habibie Gastropub in Stockport for Indonesian food. Habibie is definitely a must-try if you miss Indonesian flavours.

During busy periods, I prefer to spend my time reading and working on assignments rather than cooking. Since I get easily distracted when I stay in my room, I usually go to the AMBS library to study. It is hands down the best place for me to focus.

When I study at AMBS, my go-to lunch spot is Mr Egg. It is quick, affordable, filling, and halal. I honestly cannot keep track of how many chicken wraps I have bought from there. My favourite menu is the Mr Egg Signature Chicken Wrap. It costs £6.50 and keeps me full for the whole day. Even when I forget to bring my water bottle, I can ask for water, and the staff will give me a free glass.

Budget saved. Big shout-out to Mr Egg for getting me through assessment weeks.

Written by Ristiana Kusumawati, a current MSc Digital Marketing student.

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