Where To Get Your Matcha Fix In Melbourne
Back in 1970 Kermit the Frog sang ‘It’s not easy being green,’ but he’d fit right into Melbourne with cafés and restaurants these days, as the city has literally gone mad for matcha. In case you don’t know, Matcha is a powered form of green tea which dissolves in hot water to create a food flavouring that is rich in antioxidants. Don’t be put off by the colour, though; Matcha can be added to just about anything, although lattes seem to be the most popular. In Melbourne, more and more chefs and baristas are adding matcha to the menu. Read on to discover where to get your match fix in Melbourne.
Bibelot
Other cafes will be green with envy when they hear about Bibelot’s matcha menu. From green tea gelato, ‘matcha maiden’ lattes, iced matcha, matcha macarons and green tea matcha Sablé, the team behind Chez Dre go above and beyond to bring you a lot more than lattes. Try Green Tea and Mandarin gateau featuring green matcha mousse, manadrin gelee, yuzu creme, a soft chcolate biscuit and chcolate feuillitive crunch.
Operator 25
Cafe, Market, Restaurant, Australian, Contemporary, Fusion
Dial M for matcha at Operator 25 where there Kaya matcha Lattes are, as they say, ‘off the hook’. Located on Wills Street in the original telephone exchange building, Operator 25 has a menu that will ‘brew your mind.’ Their green tea latte is one of the best in Melbourne and their matcha Almond Hotcakes served with grilled pears, berry sauce, macadamia, dark chocolate and vanilla cream are a must-try.
Kuu Café
South Melbourne has matcha on its mind, with yet another local establishment making its way onto this list. Japanese café Kuu is focused on simple food that packs a flavourful punch, and their matcha ganache cake is no different. This four-layer cake is dense yet delectable with a perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and bitter green tea. Wash down the cake with a matcha affogato.
Little Rouge
Step through the blue door on Drewery Lane for something green at Little Rouge. Baristas Leo Lee and Calvin Ko brew the creamiest matcha lattes in Melbourne, and their Mille & B’s matcha adzuki crêpe cake is impressive with 20 layers – yes, you heard that right – 20 crepes, layered with vanilla cream, adzuki beans covered with matcha ganache and matcha crumble.
Raw Trader
If you’re looking for decadence without the guilt, head to Raw Trader where they specialise in organic, raw, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten free, dairy free and sugar free desserts. Among their wide selection of cakes is the green tea matcha cheesecake with a nut base and cashew cream, or for a something truly sweet try the white chocolate and green tea cheesecake. These cakes sell out quick so head down early or just order a slab for yourself.
Rustica Sourdough
Bakery, Pastry Shop, Cafe, Australian, Pastries, Dessert
Rustica Sourdough may specialise in baguettes and brioche, but there’s another reason to visit Brenton Lang’s Brunswick Street institution and it’s the mighty matcha cronut. These crisp, golden croissant-donut hybrids sell out fast, so we encourage you to set your alarm and get there early. Matcha lattes are also available.