Where to find matcha on the Gold Coast
There’s a certain green drink that has become a firm fixture on Aussie café menus – and for good reason. But why are we so obsessed with matcha? And where can you track down the best Gold Coast matcha spots? Here’s the (green) tea…
First things first: what is matcha? It’s a kind of green tea, coming from the same plant as the one you’ve probably tried (or at least heard of) before, just grown and prepared in a different way.
Matcha powder is made by grinding up entire green tea leaves, which means it likely delivers even more benefits. What kinds of benefits, we hear you ask? Well, experts say matcha boots brain function, is high in antioxidants and promotes heart health, to name just a few of its reported benefits.
Fun fact: The green tea leaves used to make matcha are grown under special conditions, being shaded with bamboo for three to four weeks before being harvested.
So now that you’re sold on the powers of matcha, you’re probably wondering where to find it. Here are a few of our favourite spots on the Gold Coast.
Actually Good Matcha, Burleigh Heads
Matcha that does exactly what it says on the tin – and then some. Since opening the curtains at their new permanent home – a window at Après Surf on the Gold Coast Highway – this much-hyped matcha brand has been serving carefully sourced Japanese matcha and a creative roster of drinks. Small footprint, big reputation. Worth the detour.
Ninety Four, Palm Beach
The brains behind the Oatopia – a market fixture familiar to many a Gold Coaster – have set up shop in Palm Beach, and already they’re getting buzz in the local matcha scene (a very serious place to be).
Matcha Therapy, Robina
As their name suggests, the crew behind Matcha Therapy take the green drink very seriously. They serve up ceremonial grade matcha sourced from Uji, Japan, in a gorgeous emerald-hued space inside a Robina nail salon. Classic, brown sugar, strawberry or banana bread – whatever you choose, it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Next Door, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh’s best kept secret has built a serious matcha following – and for good reason. Their Japanese ceremonial grade matcha is served unsweetened and whisked to order, with rotating seasonal specials (blueberry, cherry, strawberry cloud) that keep regulars coming back. Matcha non-believers, fear not – they’ve got a full menu of other fun drinks, with cold foam options to level up even the most basic iced coffee.
Alfred’s Apartment, Mermaid Beach
A Gold Coast icon that does matcha as well as it does menswear. Smooth, earthy and never overdone, Alfred’s matcha has earned its cult status among the morning hot-girl-walk crowd – whether you’re coming off a beach walk or just need a reason to browse the store.
The Milkman’s Daughter, Mermaid Beach
Organic matcha is just one of the many delicious drinks on the menu at The Milkman’s Daughter, Mermaid’s vegetarian hole-in-the-wall. Their standard matcha latte is served on coconut milk with maple and cinnamon, and you can take it hot or iced.
Chanoyu, Nerang
A true slice of Japanese café culture on the Gold Coast, Chanoyu serves up more than just a great matcha latte – they also have an array of matcha-infused treats and breakfast items to whet your appetite. We dare you to pass up the matcha pancakes.
Goya, Broadbeach
The team behind Goya are on a mission to give the Gold Coast a delicious taste of all that Japan has to offer – and matcha is only the start. Find them in Broadbeach (underneath the Meriton Suites) for your matcha fix, whether it’s a matcha tiramisu or their must-try iced matcha jelly.
Machi Machi, Southport
This Sydney sensation has spread all over the country – the Gold Coast included. Their menu can be a bit overwhelming at first, but stick with the ‘Machi Matcha’ menu and you’re golden. The red been matcha smoothie is a crowd favourite.
Heeretea, Southport
Even if you’re not a matcha fan (in which case, thanks for getting to the end of this story anyway), you should pay Heeretea a visit. Their menu of tasty matcha, bubble teas, desserts and snacks is second only to the whimsical décor – it really feels like you’ve stepped into another world.
