Matcha Makes It’s Way Through Melbourne

With so many food crazes appearing month after month, we wonder if any will really stay. The superfood of the moment has to be matcha, and its popping up all over Melbourne.  Taking over our Instagram feeds in all of its bright green glory, finding it’s way into our morning drink, and even spawning matcha cafes dedicated entirely to the trend, matcha fever is definitely happening. 

Literally translating to ‘powdered tea’, matcha was originally consumed by Japanese monks as an aid to meditation practice, and it helps that its super healthy.

It’s bold, green tea flavour, and addictively sweet, lingering finish lends itself perfectly to drinks, desserts and savoury dishes alike. We know it looks impressive, and tastes great, but what’s all the fuss really about?

Well, because you’re ingesting the whole tea leaves, rather than just steeped green tea, the health benefits are much more potent. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and one cup contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.

Interested? Here are five fun ways to get around the matcha trend in 2016.  

Matcha Donuts

Shortstop Donuts are known for their ever changing menu of treats, and this Matcha and black sesame donut is their delicious way of catering to the trend. The perfect accompaniment to your morning matcha latte; it’s a black sesame donut with a dense, cake-like consistency, topped with bright green matcha icing, and toasted black sesame seeds.

Matcha Fro-Yo

For some seriously good self-serve dessert, head to Yo My Goodness for their creamy, dreamy Matcha Green Tea frozen yoghurt. They use Kenko Matcha Green Tea, which contains 100% pure, stone ground tea leaves – no additives in sight – and has 137 times the antioxidants of regular green tea (it’s gluten-free, too). YOMG also have a ‘goodness bar’, where you can top your matcha with superfoods including chia, almonds, fruit coulis or a ‘superberry’ mix, for maximum healthy feels.

Matcha Crumpets

A collaboration between popular CBD brunch spot Operator25, and organic, homemade crumpet crafters Dr Marty’s has resulted in a beautiful breakfast creation – the bright green matcha crumpets. Topped with poached pears, macerated berries, kaya (coconut) sauce, mango and lychee pearls, it’s a surefire way to start the day off right, and for all you matcha newbies out there, the perfect way to ease into the trend.

Matcha Layer Cake

The adorable KUU Cafe & Japanese Kitchen in South Melbourne whip up more matcha-flavoured goodies than you can poke a stick at – everything from Matcha Green Tea ganache eclairs, to granola, iced lattes, and affogatos. But this time round, we can’t go past the super popular Matcha Green Tea ganache cake. Boasting layers of bright green sponge interspersed with rich, green ganache, and finished with a fine dusting of matcha powder, it’s looks almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.

Matcha Burger

Australia’s first matcha-dedicated cafe is here, and we couldn’t be happier. Matcha Mylkbar on Acland Street, St Kilda offers a 100% plant-based menu, and this little Japanese superfood favourite features heavily. Matcha lattes? They do a mean one. Breakfast bowls? You’ll find them here. But a bright green, matcha burger bun? That’s refreshing. It’s a soy ‘chicken’ burger patty with mushroom ‘bacon’, avocado, beetroot kraut, cashew sour cream, sweet potato fries and almond butter, served in a fluffy matcha bun. Epic.