Moka Matcha Cafe in Midtown has taken latte art to a whole new level. With their innovative technology, they can now print a photo on top of any foamy beverage, creating a stunning resemblance that has customers buzzing with excitement. The accuracy of these etchings is truly impressive, as customers like Nate Myles of Harlem have discovered. Myles was so amazed at how his vanilla cappuccino looked exactly like his original selfie that he immediately posted a picture of it on his Instagram story.
The process is simple. After placing their coffee order, customers can scan a QR code to upload a photo. This photo is then sent directly to a machine dedicated solely to creating the artwork. Once the barista has made the drink, they place it underneath the machine, and in less than a minute, a rendering of the photo is embossed onto the beverage’s foam with brown food coloring for an additional $1 charge.
Moka Matcha Cafe first introduced this unique concept in October at Urbanspace Vanderbilt, located at 230 Park Ave in Midtown East near Grand Central Station. Due to its popularity, they recently opened a second location at 570 Lexington Ave, also in Midtown East. Customers have been flocking to these cafes to experience the magic of having their photos transformed into edible works of art.
While most people opt for lattes or cappuccinos, which cost $4.75, they can choose from other cold beverages as well, as long as there is foam on top. Whether it’s an iced cold brew for $4.50 or an iced latte for $5.75, customers can enjoy their personalized photo beverage in any form they desire.
The quality and attention to detail of these photo beverages have left customers like Rebecca Anih of Paramus, NJ, in awe. Anih ordered a latte and uploaded a photo of herself taken at Lake Welch in her hometown of Rochester. She was pleasantly surprised by the high-quality and intricate rendition of her photo, making her believe that this would be a perfect gift idea for a coworker. Anih, who works in product development for a nearby beauty brand, plans to spread the word to her friends and colleagues.
Interestingly, not everyone chooses to replicate photos of themselves in their beverages. According to Gabriela Rodriguez, the social media manager at Moka Matcha Cafe, many customers prefer dog or cat pictures instead. In fact, a latte featuring a Hello Kitty design went viral when the cafe first opened. This shows that the appeal of these photo beverages extends beyond just personal photos, creating a fun and unique experience for all.
Rodriguez enjoys observing customers’ reactions when they receive their decorated cup of joe. The joy and nostalgia that these photo beverages evoke is truly heartwarming. As she explains, “When people see the coffee, they’re smiling. They’re like, ‘Wow, that takes me back to the memory of when I took the picture.’ They don’t want to drink it at all.”
The combination of cutting-edge technology and artistic creativity has made Moka Matcha Cafe a must-visit destination for coffee lovers in Midtown. The ability to turn any photo into a frothy masterpiece has captured the attention of customers near and far. Whether it’s for personal enjoyment or as a unique gift idea, these photo beverages provide an unforgettable experience that brings joy and nostalgia with every sip. So next time you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Moka Matcha Cafe and witness the magic for yourself.
