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.
T Totaler
View this post on Instagram
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 cafe 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.
Rollers Bakehouse
View this post on Instagram
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.
Pina
View this post on Instagram
Location: 4/29 Orwell St, Potts Point
This neighbourhood cafe 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.
Chubby Cubby
View this post on Instagram
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.
Maido
View this post on Instagram
Location: 7-9 Flinders Street, Surry Hills
Over in Surry Hills, you'll find Maido — a favourite Matcha haunt amongst the RUSSH team. Their matcha is simple but impeccably done, and the beautifully designed space is the perfect place to enjoy it. Sadly, the cafe is closing its doors on March 16, so if there was ever a time to try their matcha, it's now.
The Hood
View this post on Instagram
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.
Up South
View this post on Instagram
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.
Harry's
View this post on Instagram
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.
Crea Asion
View this post on Instagram
Location: 310 Harris Street, Pyrmont and 18 Eden street, North Sydney
This tiny Japanese cafe 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.
Kurumac
View this post on Instagram
Location: 107 Addison Road, Marrickville
Over in Marrickville, you'll find specialty Japanese cafe, 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).
Moon & Back
View this post on Instagram
Location: Shop 7, 2 Crewe Place, Rosebery
It's not just classic matcha lattes that this Rosebery cafe nails. From their seasonal matcha gelato, served over cocnut 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.
