Ah, matcha. What was once considered a niche addition to the caffeinated beverage landscape has, in recent years, become one of the most deliciously sought-after menu items. Not only can you find a matcha latte at just about every café in Sydney these, but creative variations, too. From iced matcha spiked with sweet strawberry syrup, to creamy pistachio matcha lattes, topped off with a flakey pistachio croissant, there really is no limit to the deliciousness.
As with most things, however, prevalence doesn't necessarily correlate with quality. And with matcha popping up on so many menus across the city, it can feel impossible to know where to turn for a reliable matcha experience. Luckily, that's where we come in. Below, our pick of the cafés serving up the best matcha in Sydney.
1. T Totaler
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Location: The Galeries, Sydney CBD
T Totaler is a family-run Australian business that specialises in loose leaf tea. In addition to their retail offering, they also have a café outpost in Sydney's CBD, with matcha being one of the standouts on the menu. Traditionalists will love the simple matcha latte (served both hot and iced), while those looking to get creative with their order will have no shortage of options. There's strawberry and blueberry infused matcha on the menu, plus the most recent addition: a watermelon matcha, which combines watermelon juice, rose, sesame, watermelon jelly, and organic matcha.
2. Rollers Bakehouse
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Location: Rialto Lane, Manly
You're probably familiar with Rollers' insane baked goods, but did you know they serve a mean matcha, too? While their bakery menu leans a little more creative, their matcha keeps things simple, with a simple ceremonial grade matcha mixed with a pure Canadian maple syrup, served hot or iced. Be quick: on busy weekends, they've been known to sell out.
3. PIÑA
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Location: 4/29 Orwell St, Potts Point
This neighbourhood café has an expansive (and delicious) menu, but its the matcha that keeps us coming back. On a hot day, nothing quite hits the spot like their matcha float, which comes served with ice cream and your choice of milk, or an iced strawberry matcha if you're more inclined to something fruity. Of course, there's also a classic warm matcha latte to be enjoyed for those who prefer to keep it simple.
4. Chubby Cubby
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Location: 810 George Street, Haymarket
Chubby Cubby specialises in matcha, so you know there's is going to be good. In fact, there's six matcha variations on the menu. They range from simple, like ceremonial grade matcha served over steamed milk or coconut water, to slightly more creative, including a Matcha Yuzu, and an Ichigo (strawberry) matcha latte. There's also a few matcha-related desserts on the menu, including the fluffiest matcha tiramisu.
5. The Hood
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Location: 21 William street, Paddington
This Paddington hole-in-the-wall has some of the most devoted cusotmers in Sydney. For proof, you need only look to their photo wall, where snaps of regular visitors take pride of place. All that aside, they serve a delicious matcha latte. It's simple and fuss free, but definitely worth coming back to.
6. Up South
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Location: 249 Bondi Road, Bondi
This Bondi institution doesn't do things by halves. They went viral with their strawberry matcha latte not long ago, and have since grown this offering to include a banana pudding matcha, a pistachio matcha, and the most refreshing mango matcha. If you can score a table, this is one spot worth visiting.
7. Harry's Bondi
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Location: 136 Wairoa Ave, Bondi
Chances are, you've seen Harry's iconic canned matchas floating across your Instagram feed. If not, allow us to catch you up. This Bondi institution garners lines down the street for their variety of matchas, which come served over ice on a blend of coconut and almond milk. There's also mango and strawberry variations to dabble in.
8. Cre Asion
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Location: 310 Harris Street, Pyrmont and 18 Eden street, North Sydney
This tiny Japanese café has been serving up delicious, authentic fare since 2011 -- and their matcha is no exception. While you won't find trends like strawberry matcha here, you will find simple matcha lattes, served to perfection. There's also a range of matcha-infused baked goods on offer, like cookies, tarts, and cakes.
9. Kurumac
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Location: 107 Addison Road, Marrickville
Over in Marrickville, you'll find specialty Japanese café, Kurumac. The food alone is worth making a visit for, from the cod roe omlette, to the tempura udon, but the matcha is also second-to-none. You can opt for a warm matcha latte brewed to perfection or, on hot days, cool down with an iced variety (served with matcha gelato, if that's your thing).
10. Moon & Back
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Location: Shop 7, 2 Crewe Place, Rosebery
It's not just classic matcha lattes that this Rosebery café nails. From their seasonal matcha gelato, served over coconut water with a sprinkle of raspberry crumble, to their slightly stronger (but equally delicious) Genmaicha latte, we really can't fault the menu here. You'll just have to visit and see what the fuss is about for yourself.
11. Henry Lee's
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Location: Hart St, Redfern NSW
Strawberry matcha might be everywhere these days, but none are quite like this one. Made with their house-made strawberry jam, there's a deliciously rustic quality to this brew. And for the real sweet teeth among us, there's also a white chocolate variation that's worth getting your hands on.
12. Edition Roasters
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Location: 60 Darling Drive, Sydney
For those who love authenticity, Edition Roasters uses matcha powder from Uji, Kyoto for a taste that's really second to none. If you're after something sweeter, why not go for their strawberry matcha, perhaps paired with a plate of Japanese matcha souffle pancakes? Don't mind if we do.
13. Sneaker Laundry Lab
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Location: Martin Place Metro Station, Sydney
You don't have to be a sneaker head to know what the fuss is about here. Not only can you get your sneakers cleaned, but you can also sip on some of the best matcha Sydney has to offer. Whiel traditionalists can get their fix of classic matcha (served both hot and cold), for those who are more adventurous, there's flavours like the Tokyo banana matcha, or a Yuzu matcha spritz that are worth getting your hands on.
14. Ellu Café
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Location: 288 Crown Street, Darlinghurst
Hidden amongst the busy intersection of Oxford and Crown streets, you'll find Ellu Café. Matcha is infused in just about every menu item here, from a sparkling yuzu matcha, to a creamy strawberry matcha. Feel like doubling down? The matcha basque cheesecake is not to be missed.
15. Chinatown Country Club
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Location: 222 Clarence St, Sydney
You'd be mistaken for thinking Chinatown Country Club was just a (very good) clothing store, but in fact they have one of the city's best matcha spots tucked into the back, operating 7 days a week. They serve up both iced and hot matchas, as well as a nitro matcha latte thats pretty nice too. And to pair, they have a delicious selection of sweet and savoury pastries, and showcase local, specialty coffee roasters.
16. Parami
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Location: Shop 101/21 Alberta St, Sydney
Parami is dishing up some of the city's best matcha – both iced and hot – in a hidden back alley behind Hyde Park. With ample seating on site, and open 7 days a week, it's fast become a hot spot for match lovers and hojicha lover alike. They also serve up fresh onigiri and baked goods – including some incredible mochi muffins, matcha cookies and hot soups. The lines can be long, but the waits are always short – and you can almost always find a table without too much effort.
17. NOIA COFFEE
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Location: Shop 8, 1 Nagurra Place, Rozelle
Noia is a stylish little café tucked into the back of Rozelle, but dishing up some of the best ceremonial-grade matchas you can buy. I'd definitely recommend grabbing a seat outside to enjoy yours, but it's also only a 5 minute drive down to the Dawn Fraser baths, which is perfect for a pre- or post-swim pick-me-up.
18. Noon (Manly)
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Location: 18 Raglan St, Manly
For those north of the bridge, Noon is the spot to hit for a matcha that won't let you down. They do it hot, iced, strawberry or sometimes have specials (forever thinking about their Chica x Noon matcha coladas). Their space on Raglan St is a sunny little corner cute enough to entice us to sit in enjoy some downtime, but they also do takeaway if you'd prefer to cart it down to the beach instead (you can order ahead through Bopple if you don't feel like waiting too).
19. Kaska Eatery
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Location: 19a Boundary street, Darlinghurst
If you prefer your matcha served with a little flair, look no further. This café was recently taken over by the team behind Upsouth in North Bondi, and since then, has been serving up delicacies like their viral viral Oishii Matcha topped with Duo Duo ice cream. There's also more classic iterations of the drink, for matcha purists, and a host of delicious baked goods, which make for the perfect side dish.
20. Rushi
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Location: Shop 2 25-35 Kingsway, Cronulla
The matcha lineup here is no joke. In addition to classic matcha, you'll also find flavours like coconut, black sesame and vanilla, bueno, and white choc raspberry. There's also a Japanese-inspired food menu, including a newly-added breakfast Bento box. Yes please.
