I never realized how difficult it would be to find a matcha latte in Cairns. And if you’re reading this you’re probably having the same problem. I found that even when I’ve Google mapped matcha lattes in the area, many of the cafes no longer serve them or there aren’t very many options. I’ve been hunting these matcha lattes down and here are a couple that I’ve enjoyed so far:
Teddy Espresso
Location: 10/120 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
This is probably one of the best iced matchas I’ve ever had. Teddy Espresso is best known for its coffee and the cafe itself is small and designed for pickup or a quick coffee with a friend. But if you’re not feeling like a coffee, the matcha is a great choice. I ordered my matcha with almond milk, but I believe they also have soy and oat milk available if you prefer an alternative. Some matchas can taste a bit too earthy, but this one had a good balance with a slight bit of sweetness to it. Perfect for hot days in Cairns!
Chezest Cafe
Location: 2/135 Grafton Street
Chezest Cafe is a fusion of French and Japanese cuisines. An interesting combination but makes for a cute cafe and an array of menu items to satisfy your cravings. I paired an iced almond matcha with their gluten-free Japanese cheesecake, which was perfect. The subtle sweetness from both the cheesecake and the matcha was not overpowering and was the perfect light treat. They make a good match but would definitely try Teddy Espresso’s first!
Folly
Location: Shop 3 2/4 Redlynch Intake Rd, Redlynch
Folly is a café in Redlynch with a cozy spot in the corner for a casual coffee catchup. I really enjoy the music themes and the seating availability — whether you want something more cozy, a large table for a group of friends, or a bar seat by the window to catch up on some emails. They have great coffee here as well as matcha. They didn’t have iced matcha as an option on the menu, but they were still happy to make it for me. I ordered it with almond milk to make the comparison consistent with the other iced matchas I’ve tried. I can still safely say that the Teddy Espresso one is my favorite but Folly’s is a good one to try if you’re in the area.
I’ve yet to find any other great matchas in Cairns but will add more to this list as I find them. Let me know if you’ve found any during your Cairns visit!
xx
bonitappétit 