This is worth savoring: Junn Loh, the visionary behind Luxembourg’s beloved coffee chain Curiousbuds, has swapped beans for matcha, opening Matchalab in the capital. The new café isn’t just a trend—it’s a deliberate pivot, rooted in Loh’s decade-long obsession with quality and her belief that matcha’s ritualistic charm transcends its Instagram fame. “We’re not here to chase hype,” she says. “We’re here to serve a single cultivar, single origin matcha from Japan, made with intention.”
Loh’s approach is as meticulous as it is unconventional. The café’s interior—soft greens, deep browns, and minimalist benches—was designed to foster connection, not just caffeine. “These benches aren’t just seating,” she explains. “They’re meant to slow you down, make you linger, and feel part of something bigger.” The space, tucked on Rue Goethe, is intentionally secluded, a nod to her desire for deliberate, meaningful interactions over accidental encounters. When the weather permits, a terrace will extend the vibe, blending natural light with the earthy aroma of matcha.
But this isn’t just about tea. Loh’s coffee game remains fierce, with a curated selection of beans from Ethiopia, Kenya, and beyond. “Coffee is like wine—each bean tells a story,” she says. Her philosophy? “Drink quality, not quantity.” That means no third cup of mediocre brew. Instead, she pairs her coffee with homemade cookies from her Strassen location, a nod to her roots and a reminder that luxury lies in simplicity.
The café’s pricing—€6.50 for drinks, €6 for tea—reflects her commitment to transparency. “We don’t want to price people out,” she says. “We want to price people in.” Her team also prioritizes small roasters, ensuring every sip supports ethical practices. For Loh, it’s about more than business. “Coffee and tea are rituals,” she says. “They’re moments to pause, breathe, and connect.”
The café’s design prioritizes community and comfort over conventional aesthetics.
Key points: Matchalab offers single-origin matcha with a focus on quality and authenticity. The café’s design prioritizes community and comfort over conventional aesthetics. Prices are intentionally modest, reflecting a philosophy of value over volume.
Close: What’s your favorite way to savor a cup of matcha or coffee? Share your ritual in the comments.
Questions & Answers
Where is the new matcha tea café located?
The café is in Luxembourg City, near the Grand-Duc Jean Bridge, offering a modern space for matcha lovers.
What inspired the couple to open the café?
They wanted to introduce high-quality matcha to Luxembourg, combining their café experience with a passion for tea.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
