Aurora coffee shop is a go-to destination for kinako hojicha latte, matcha and other drinks, tell me about this news in (https://www.denverpost.com/2026/09/14/carbon-coffee-aurora-matcha/)
14-09-2026
Carbon Coffee, located in Aurora, Colorado (right across from the UCHealth Anschutz Medical Campus at 12230 E. Colfax Ave.), has emerged as a premier destination for specialty Asian-inspired drinks, particularly its ceremonial matcha and roasted tea creations.Key Highlights of the Shop and Menu
- The Founder and Vision: Founded by Benny Panklang, who grew up in Aurora where his family operated the longtime Lotus Asian Market as well as local restaurants. Panklang opened Carbon Coffee to celebrate and showcase Asian flavor profiles alongside specialty third-wave coffee and tea craftsmanship.
- The Kinako Hojicha Latte: One of the cafe’s standout signatures, this drink combines finely ground Japanese roasted green tea (hojicha) with toasted soybean powder (kinako) and brown sugar. The result is an earthy, smoky, and nutty profile with low caffeine, available both hot and iced.
- Hand-Whisked Ceremonial Matcha: The shop emphasizes traditional preparation alongside inventive flavors, featuring:
- Coconut Pandan Matcha: Whisked matcha layered over house-made pandan syrup and a coconut base, topped with toasted coconut shavings.
- Ube Matcha: A vibrant, layered drink combining earthy matcha with sweet, nutty purple yam puree.
- Fruit & Dessert Combinations: Specialty rotations like Iced Strawberry Matcha, Mango Sticky Rice Matcha (topped with salted cold foam and black sesame), and Matcha Clouds over coconut water.
- Espresso and Signature Creations: Beyond tea, the cafe partners with local roasters (such as Servant Coffee Roasters) for drinks like the condensed milk Carbon Latte, Banana Einspänner lattes, and house-made infused cold brews.
- Community Role: Because of its location near the Anschutz hospital district, the cozy storefront serves as a neighborhood hub for healthcare workers, students, and tea enthusiasts traveling specifically for Southeast and East Asian specialty drinks that are difficult to find elsewhere in the metro area.