G-Cha & Ba-Cha

Sometimes all you want is the comfort of your grandparents. Well, G-Cha and Ba-Cha offer a great substitute — while serving (may we say) the best matcha in Shibuya.

What is G-Cha & Ba-Cha like?

A combination of the Japanese words for grandpa (giichan or jiichan) and grandma (baachan), this café brings a fresh sense of senior energy to youthful Shibuya — and it’s very much what’s needed.

This café’s concept is simple but effective. All employees (who serve you) are roughly over 70 years old, can take breaks whenever they feel like it, and honestly have some of the coolest style we’ve seen in a while.

Notably, there are three rules at G&B for the staff members which help foster this positive environment:

• Take a break when you want to.
• Say when you’re tired.
• Work because you enjoy it!

The café breaks the stereotype that old age means low energy. Talking to the staff leaves you feeling more energized yourself. This writer feels like she has a new lease on life after her visit.

Big-city life often loses a sense of community and can feel lonely. This café exists exactly for that reason. After you order your matcha, the staff invites you into a traditional-style Japanese space (with a modern touch) designed to evoke a grandparent’s home and instantly put you at ease. Then, you can enjoy conversation — in Japanese or English — until it’s time for the next person.

Following your visit to the “tea room”, you’ll exit through a door where just outside there is a bench you can sit on and finish your drink (feeling rejuvenated).

Drinks

Tea is the main thing on the menu. There are two categories: tea and tea latte. The tea side consists of herbal tea, jasmine green tea, and ginger hojicha. Prices start from ¥780.

On the tea latte side, there are some cool combos like a salted-caramel matcha latte, chocolate matcha latte, coffee matcha latte, and of course a matcha latte, costing between ¥930 and ¥980.

For food, there is only matcha ice cream (¥400), but there is the option to add extra toppings on your drink.

Other features include the fact you can pick the color of your cup — from pink, green, and grey. And the seniors even write your name in Japanese on a sticker to place on the cup. A nice warm touch.

Goods

Despite the experience already being memorable enough, you can buy goods such as stickers, caps, and our personal favorite: a t-shirt featuring a photo of all the employees in their best drips. There’s also the option to buy a matching paper cup holder so you can stroll the Shibuya streets with your signature matcha.

What to know before you visit G-Cha & Ba-Cha

Do you need reservations for the G-Cha & Ba-Cha café?

This is a take-out-only place. Just walk in and write down your order on the clipboard provided. Once you’ve done that, pay at the cashier. Then you’ll be given a number — the grandma and grandpa will call you in when your matcha is ready.

Note: Only cashless payment is accepted.

by Jane Pipkin