Best places to get matcha in Canberra – from your local matcha maniac
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If you follow my personal Instagram then you know that I have been collecting matcha offerings like the Infinity Stones.
You may be wondering what sparked this deep green addiction.
Well, I am one of those few people who simply can’t drink coffee. I don’t like the taste, it makes my hands shake and my head spin. When I began working full-time in my final year of university, I needed to source something to caffeinate me without sending me to another dimension. I’d heard about this green, foamy, grassy beverage.
And, low and behold, my heart sang at my first sip. Whether iced, hot, or filled with sugary syrup, every morning is made when I have a matcha.
Matcha has a lower amount of caffeine that is released slowly, giving a smoother hit of energy. There are a range of health benefits that regulate your energy, and if you’d like to get into the nitty gritty read more about it here.
Aside from being a trendy beverage, matcha has a deep-rooted history going back nearly 1000 years. It was discovered in China during the 12th Century by a Japanese Buddhist Monk, Myoan Eisa, who brought the tea to Japan when he realized it positively affected his meditation sessions by creating a feeling of calm alertness.
Not only is matcha connected to being zen, but it is also linked to ceremonial and religious practices including the Japanese Tea Ceremony called “Chado” or “Sado”, meaning “The Way of Tea.” At the end of this ritual, guests are presented with a bowl of matcha to signify a moment of shared connection and mutual respect. It is important to respect and acknowledge the wonderful history of matcha and I would highly recommend delving in further.
There is something so truly special and calming about softly whisking your matcha in preparation for a busy day. It’s a moment to savour and to take a quiet moment of self-reflection. If, however, you need to outsource your matcha-making to a barista, I’ve done the rounds to bring you this list of well-above-par matcha experiences in Canberra.
Fika
This is my southside local. They’ve got regular matcha, strawberry matcha, and a dirty Oreo matcha. And, after begging the staff to know what matcha they use (because it’s that good), I can personally attest to the fact they use high-grade matcha (if you’re as obsessed as I am, it’s this one). One final note: I love getting it with coconut milk for an extra smooth, nutty taste.
17 Botany Street, Phillip | Open Monday – Friday, 6 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday: 6:30 am – 2 pm | fikacafedeli.com
Supersweet
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Supersweet indeed, these guys have nailed their matcha offerings. Matcha basque cheesecake, cookies, crepe cakes, lattes, and strawberry matcha are served in this always-busy Lonsdale Street locale. They had a reputation for being a matcha hub and after scheduling a little midday work escape (which we put on TikTok and Instagram so you can see our commitment to research) we can confirm that they live up to the hype. This is the place where you experience matcha in its purest form, have it hot with full-cream milk. If this doesn’t convert you nothing will and we send our condolences.
G11/27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | Open seven days a week, 7:30 am – 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 am -4:30 pm | @supersweetcafe
Mayfair Espresso
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When a co-worker tells you they haven’t tried matcha and they elect you to show them the way to matcha enlightenment, you take them here. We made the trek over to No Name Lane and it was well worth the steps. Tiramisu matcha, pistachio matcha, and strawberry matcha obviously caught our attention but the regular matcha is yummy, fresh, and smooth. These specialty matchas are certainly leaning more towards a dessert drink and if I remember correctly there were some tears of joy from Emma and Dion upon their first sips. Truly a special treat, thank god it’s a trek (for us) otherwise we may not ever fit our jeans again.
No Name Lane, Shop 20/40 Marcus Clarke Street | Open seven days a week, 7:15 am – 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 8:15 am -1:30 pm | @mayfairespresso
Li’l Brew
Our HC local! Fuelling us every day, we absolutely love these guys and after my special request for strawberry matcha, they now serve it. Thank you Odi and Damien, you make my mornings a matcha made in heaven. Warning, matcha is slightly (okay a lot) addictive and sometimes we may have multiple trips downstairs a day.
2/15 Edinburgh Avenue, Newacton | Open Monday – Friday, 6:30 am – 3 pm | @lilbrewespresso
Rosas
If you walk the lake on a Saturday, you will see these guys pumping it out over on the lawns in Parkes. They often change their range of flavours. I’ve seen vanilla, blueberry, strawberry, coconut, and mango. There’s nothing quite like soaking up some sunshine and a walk around Canberra’s glorious lake (preferably with friends) knowing that at the end of it, you have a seat in a rose garden clutching a tall glass of green gorgeousness.
7 King George Terrace, Parkes | Open seven days a week, 7:30 am – 9 pm, Saturday: 8 am – 10 pm Sunday: 8 am -8 pm | @rosascbr
On Lonsdale
A part of being a “Pilates princess'” is sipping on matcha. So, after finishing a Pilates class in Braddon I rewarded myself with a blueberry matcha. I may just be an addict but there is something so euphoric about walking Lonsdale Street with a matcha in hand whilst the sun is beaming. An iced cold drink never felt so good!
23 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | Monday – Friday, 6:30 am – 3 pm, Saturday Sunday 7 am – 3:30 pm | @onlonsdale
Braddon Merchant
Forget an espresso martini, a strawberry matcha cocktail is calling your name. For when a morning matcha just isn’t enough, you can up the dose with this bad boy. Whoever came up with this concoction has my tick of approval. And yes it does contain alcohol!
1 Elouera St, Braddon | Open seven days a week, 6:30–10:30 am, 12–9 pm, Sunday: 7 6:30–10:30 am, 12–9 pm | @braddonmerchant
Feature image: Lil Brew Espresso Credit: Georgie Smith
