A wabi-sabi atmosphere permeates Kūkai, where zen serenely softens this cafés brutalist lines. At the helm of this place – named after a Japanese Buddhist master – is Leila Abasova, who left a career in fast-fashion to become a black belt in matcha and its traditional art of preparation. Her sanctuary? Think ultra-serene interiors with exposed brick walls, walnut wood and Portuguese cork, composed by Antwerp-based designer Cédric Étienne and Studio Corkinho. It’s the perfect setting for the renshū matcha tea ceremony complete with a kama (cast-iron kettle) and hishaku (bamboo ladle). Our contemplative state soon turns to euphoria at the sight of the lush, green sweets, as well as creamy cookies made locally by Cookiele and coconut-dusted energy balls packed with dates and cashews. · Coco Bianca

THE HIDDEN GEM: The cashew milk matcha (€7.50), which has never tasted so creamy, earthy, grassy and honey-sweet.