The matcha craze gets a distinctly Filipino twist as 14 homegrown brands bring their green and purple creations to SM City Grand Central.

If you thought the matcha craze had already reached its peak, SM City Grand Central is giving shoppers another reason to indulge. Following the success of its Matcha Takeover last September, the mall is bringing back the crowd-favorite flavor trend, this time with a distinctly Filipino twist.

Enter the Matcha Ube Takeover, a flavorful gathering of local entrepreneurs that puts two much-loved flavors at the center of the experience.

Happening on Level 3 of SM City Grand Central, the takeover brings together 14 local MSMEs, transforming the space into a one-stop destination for matcha and ube discoveries. From creamy drinks and indulgent desserts to pastries, handcrafted gelato, specialty coffee and creative finds beyond food, there is plenty to browse, taste and take home.

Among the participating brands are Somedae Cafe, Too Much Matcha, Traveller’s Point Café, AB Matcha, The Haku Café, Ba Na Maccha x Karamel Bakes, Arreese, JC Brew, Kohana, Yume, Milky Dangooo, Curb Side Creamery, MPB Crafts, and Kraftsy.

Your Next Matcha and Ube Stop

For shoppers who have been following the matcha movement, the Matcha Ube Takeover offers a chance to discover how local makers are putting their own spin on the trend. Expect everything from refreshing matcha beverages and ube-infused treats to inventive desserts and handcrafted creations that show just how versatile these flavors can be.

And because half the fun is discovering something new, shoppers can make their way around the Matcha Ube Takeover, sample different offerings, find a new favorite or pick up treats to share with family and friends.

Shop Local, Discover Something New

At the heart of the Matcha Ube Takeover is a celebration of the people behind the products.

For these homegrown businesses, being part of a mall activation means getting their creations in front of new audiences, meeting customers face-to-face and introducing shoppers to brands they may not have encountered before.

For visitors, meanwhile, it is an easy way to discover the creativity of local entrepreneurs while indulging in two of today’s most talked-about food flavors.

The timing makes the experience even more fitting. With the Christmas season approaching, shoppers are already on the lookout for treats to bring to gatherings, new finds to gift and local brands worth supporting. A visit to the takeover Matcha Ube Takeover could easily turn into discovering a new favorite for the holiday table or a small business to keep on the radar.

Make It a Matcha and Ube Day

Whether you’re a dedicated matcha fan, an ube enthusiast, a curious foodie or simply looking for something new to explore at the mall, the Matcha Ube Takeover at SM City Grand Central offers plenty of reasons to stop by.

Bring your friends, follow your cravings and give yourself time to explore the different booths. With 14 local businesses gathered in one place, you might just leave with a new favorite drink, dessert, local brand or all three.

The Matcha Ube Takeover runs until November 19, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Level 3 of SM City Grand Central.

Published: 2026-11-10 23:09:55