A great matcha is all about balance. Too much powder or not enough whisking and it can turn bitter or clumpy. Get it right, and you’ve got something smooth, rich and distinctly different from your usual coffee order.
Whether you prefer a traditional Japanese whisked brew or something a little sweeter and poured over ice, Canberra has plenty of places doing matcha well.
Here are a few of our recommendations.
Ujin Matcha House, Canberra
Photo Credit: Ujin Matcha House Instagram
For anyone who takes their matcha seriously, Ujin Matcha House is dedicated to the art of green tea, putting the tea itself front and centre.
Step inside, kick off your shoes and settle into the cosy tatami area, where the experience is designed to be as considered as the drink itself. Guests can choose from hand-whisked matchas sourced from different regions of Japan, including Kyoto, Uji, Shizuoka and Yame, alongside the house blend.
You can also select your own handmade chawan (matcha bowl) before watching your drink whisked to order, making it feel a little more special than your standard café matcha run.
And if you prefer something less traditional, there’s plenty to branch out with, including Jasmine Milk Matcha Foam, Cinnamon Maple Matcha, Matcha Affogato and Matcha Tiramisu.
Teddy’s Matcha, Pop-Up
Photo Credit: Teddy’s Matcha Instagram
Teddy’s Matcha brings a more playful approach, popping up at markets and events around Canberra with a rotating menu of matcha drinks.
The focus is on creative flavour combinations and they make all their syrups in-house to ensure every seasonal creation complements, rather than overpowers, the rich, earthy tea.
Because Teddy’s moves around, keep an eye on its Instagram and Substack to see where it’s pouring next.
Rosa’s, Parkes
Few matcha spots come with a setting quite like Rosa’s.
Tucked neatly within the leafy Rose Gardens near Old Parliament House, it’s a great spot to grab a matcha before wandering through one of Canberra’s prettiest heritage precincts.
Grab a silky iced matcha and wander through the precinct’s heritage blooms, or kick back under the umbrellas on a sunny afternoon. Pair it with one of their pastries, a panini or something from the full breakfast menu if you’re making a morning of it.
Highroad, Dickson
Photo Credit: Collection by Him
Highroad brings the same specialty precision to its matcha that it’s known for with coffee.
Housed in a sleek, light-filled space on Badham Street, the Dickson café serves matcha hot or iced, whisked smooth and balanced to let the tea itself shine.
Pair it with breakfast or lunch and you’ve got a very solid Inner North matcha stop.
Good Neighbour, Kingston
Nestled on a sunny, tree-lined corner of Kingston, Good Neighbour is a go-to spot for an Inner South matcha run.
It’s built a strong following with rich, vibrant matchas whisked smooth and served over ice. Alongside the classics, the café is also known for playful flavour combinations, with past and rotating specials including strawberry, pistachio and coconut cloud.
Grab a table outside, settle in for brunch or pick one up before a walk through Kingston.
