Matcha Madness: Where to Get Your Green Matcha Latte Fix in Sydney
It takes a seriously impressive drink to lure Sydneysiders away from their coffee, but green matcha latte is the way to go if you're after a health-conscious coffee switch. Packed with health-boosting nutrients and a natural caffeine kick, the drink (which is used in Japanese tea ceremonies) is essentially ground green tea leaves to create a powder rich in antioxidants and chlorophyll. If that wasn’t enough, the amino acids in the powder prompt a slower release of caffeine, so you get a hit without those post-coffee jitters. But enough about the goodness of matcha, here are the most popular Sydney cafés selling the best green matcha lattes in town. Now you can pick your journey on a Monday morning.
Cafe Kentaro
You might know Chef Kenny as the brains behind Redfern’s Oratnek, and the ever-creative chef has another venue in Surry Hills, Kentaro (which, fun fact, is ‘Oratnek’ backwards). The Asian-fusion menu features their signature matcha creations, with the beautifully brewed latte a popular menu choice for green tea fans. Don't just stop at the latte, peruse the menu for their outrageous desserts (matcha French toast anyone?).
616 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Oh!Matcha by Chanoma Cafe
Chanoma had us at ceremonial-grade matcha, and now it seems they’ve stolen many more mugs. The cafe, based in the heart of the CBD sells a huge range of hot and cold drinks, but their green matcha latte is raved about. Authentic, and most importantly, delicious. Lattes aside, there are green matcha frappes, parfaits and (thank the matcha lords!) ice cream.
Shop 11, 501 George Street, Sydney
The Farm Wholefoods
This café-slash-organic bulk buy produce store is all about reducing food miles and linking you to the growers and producers – now that’s something we can stand by. But for now, we are only interested in one thing and that is their matcha latte ($4.50) which is seriously good. If you’re wanting to take things into your own hands, purchase the matcha tea powder and create your own infusion at home.
Baulkham Hills and Summer Hill
Cafe Oratnek
If you’re a fan of Bills and matcha, the gods have aligned and we present to you Oratnek. The cafe is the brainchild of Kenny Takayama, the former head chef of Bills in Darlinghurst. Seasonal, local produce is served with an Asian twist here, and the drinks are no exception. A green matcha latte ($4.20) can be enjoyed in the cosy venue hidden within a little terrace house. Can it get more Redfern? No, not really.
4 Pitt Street, Redfern
T Totaler
T Totaler is a tea company dedicated to producing healthy, unique tea blends and the glorious by-product is the Tea Bar, where customers can dine in and enjoy a cuppa. The company has expanded exponentially in both variety and size over the last two years and now the Newtown store has a sister in The Galleries. Sydney’s city-dwellers can enjoy a green matcha and turmeric latte on the run. (There’s also a vegan French Earl Grey infused hot chocolate with rose persian fairy floss, but we can’t guarantee there are any health properties whatsoever. And remember, you came for the matcha.)
555a King Street, Newtown
Cafe Cre Asion
Hidden down a little side street bordering Surry Hills and the city, Cafe Cre Asion is a desirable green matcha latte pit stop, but one worth dragging out a little longer. Trade in your takeaway cup for a stool and sip-in to enjoy the brutalist, chic fit out here. Green matcha lattes and cappuccinos ($5) are only the beginning, with an abundant sweet selection and a long list of Japanese tea varieties.
21 Alberta Street, Surry Hills
Matcha-Ya
With a dedicated matcha beverage menu, Matcha-Ya is a hit amongst green tea enthusiasts. Matcha-Ya is the go-to green matcha latte destination for the passionate foodie. Situated in the heart of the newly opened Darling Square precinct, this little café boasts as much soul in its fit-out as its menu, drawing in big crowds at all times of the day (because let’s be honest, coffee and cake have no time restrictions). The nine different matcha lattes are a standout while the green matcha latte’s summer counterpart - frozen matcha- is also a hit.
NW.05, 10 Steam Mill Lane, Haymarket
