Best Matcha spots in Brisbane
After giving up coffee 4 years ago for multiple reasons I won’t bore you with, I still wanted a ritual drink of the morning that offered me an energy boost. So, I decided to give matcha a go. Whilst matcha does tend to have more caffeine, it is slow release which sustains you for longer without the midday to 2pm crash that can be experienced from coffee. It is high in antioxidants that can be beneficial for the digestive and immune system (1), as well as have potential anti-inflammatory effects (2).
I travelled as far as Uji, Kyoto, the birthplace of matcha to experience it in an authentic way. I discovered just how many vast options there are based on taste and quality, whether it was stone milled, bead milled, organic and non-organic. Stone milled or bead milled, can offer different tastes, but more importantly stone milled tends to retain the highest nutrients matcha offers. And organic usually means less pesticides are used on the crops therefore being safer to consume and offering better quality in taste.
In Uji, Kyoto, all my expectations were met and exceeded but leaving was bittersweet because I knew the options wouldn't be this endless once I travelled back home. Quality matcha in Australia can be expensive and difficult to find (hence why I came back with 10 different matcha powders, should’ve been more) but I haven’t given up my long and valiant search for matcha spots. At this point I am a peasant and matcha is my temptress.
In the beginning of the matcha hype, options were scarce but over the last year it has become trendier and new spots have popped up everywhere. Therefore, let me take you on a tour of taste and quality.
*To preface, I am a strict almond milk drinker (I don’t like any other milk option), and I prefer my matcha strong, so please take that into consideration while on your matcha tour.
- Kin, Teneriffe
Your first stop has to be Kin, Teneriffe, after a walk along the Brisbane River that flows just a street away. I personally love the strawberry matcha, its fresh, and tastes like real strawberries while never compromising on the signature matcha taste. To add to why it's my favourite spot, everyone working there have been so kind and personable, from remembering my order to remembering my name. Above and beyond expectations and the perfect spot to make your regular.
Taste: fragrant, strong/bitter, umami, thick and creamy
- Wuta Brewer, Brisbane CBD
A lovely minimalistic nook down Elizabeth Street in the Brisbane CBD, providing some quality bright green matcha. There are multiple ceremonial thick tea level options that are a little pricier and out of them, I personally prefer the Chaoan, which offers every single tasting note of matcha in a well-bodied, balanced way. For an affordable option, I get the wakatake matcha and the strawberry matcha is also a very honorable mention.
Taste: sweet, earthy, umami, creamy and balanced
- Kimino, Ashgrove
A bustling spot in the suburbs, offering a minimalistic yet creative atmosphere, taking me right back to the essence of Kyoto. For a bit of sweetness, they offer brown sugar syrup and it’s a perfect blend of flavours if you don’t love strong matcha. Although it tastes quite balanced and subtle on its own.
Taste: umami, subtle, and smooth
- Moocha Matcha, Milton Markets
One of the best matcha stalls to come to Milton Markets. As someone who frequents these markets, I've been patiently waiting for a matcha stall I love. The standard matcha made with honey which never disappoints but the vanilla sea salt matcha left me pleasantly surprised with the way these flavours blend so perfectly with the umami taste of matcha. The only disappointment is you can only get it on a Sunday. Love, love, and love.
Taste: umami, sweet, smooth and earthy
- Nodo, Multiple locations
The first place I ever tried matcha not made at home, and it's been a regular ever since. For the perfect balance of sweet, earthy and umami, my matcha order is and always has been: Iced almond matcha with extra matcha and honey. Whenever I've ran out at home or need an extra boost during the day, Nodo is my first stop. Given they have 7 locations around Brisbane it's easy to stop in on your travels.
*Personally, I have only been to and can vouch for West End and Newstead
Taste: light, grassy, and umami
- Bonsai Botanika, Brisbane CBD
Another CBD find, not only providing quality bright green matcha but once you step inside it has an authentic and cozy charm. Reminiscent of the small-town cafes I discovered while travelling Japan.
Taste: Sweet, earthy, umami, and grassy
- Lola's, Tarragindi
Surprised myself that I made it to the southside, but anything for matcha right? Offering such a cute vibe with the branding and multiple flavour options. If you enjoy a light and creamy taste of matcha with some sweetness, this is your spot!
Taste: Sweet, light, and creamy
Matcha is an acquired taste, but the quality is obvious when you see the colour and taste it. When searching for a new spot definitely look out for how its prepared, and what it looks like because in this case, it’s perfectly reasonable to judge a book by its cover.
Hope you enjoy your matcha tour!
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