The Matcha obsession rolls on, seemingly indefinitely. Matcha-inspired cafes and menu items are springing up all over town, with the product finding its way onto existing menus as well. Unfortunately, the rush to Matcha has created a confusing array of options, many of which are sub-par. So, as my public service, and duty to all food lovers out there, I have compiled a list of my favourite Matcha desserts in Sydney.
Cafe Creation
21 Alberta Street, Sydney
Matcha Swiss Roll
I don't believe this swiss roll could be improved upon. Imagine an ever so soft sponge encasing a think strong matcha cream. If you are a little methodical / meticulous you can have the perfect amount of sponge and cream for every bite. Simplicity done to perfection can often be more impressive than over the top indulgence.
Caveat, of late this particular item has been hit and miss, so I am basing this recommendation on a fresh matcha swiss roll.
There are many matcha delights at Cafe Creation, you can look back at an earlier post of mine to read more about it here.
Devon Cafe
76 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills
Matcha & Banana Muffin
Muffins are a hard thing to get right. My number one complaint is always that they are often too dry. Devon Cafe's muffin is the exception. The addition of banana allows the muffin to stay moist and being a mild flavoured fruit it also allows the matcha flavour to shine. Eating these after the normal cafe muffins around town is a real treat because the texture, flavour and satisfaction levels are met with accuracy.
These muffins are a little tricky to get your hands on. Devon change their flavours often, depending on the mood of their chefs and the seasonal produce. It may be best to call ahead to save disappointment.
Chef Taiyo @taiyoyaki93
Sydney
Matcha Cheesecake
The BEST matcha dessert I have ever had! A New York style cheesecake, strong in matcha flavour with a citrus ganache on top and an Oreo base.
Chef Taiyo is not currently selling this dessert, but I am hoping it will pop up at a cafe in Sydney very soon. I deliberated long and hard whether I should include this in my list and ultimately decided that it would not be a "Best Matcha Dessert" list if it were not included.
If you like a strong matcha flavour this is for you. Taiyo has an extraordinary palate and a never ending thirst for perfection. His addition of citrus to the cheesecake is not only a stroke of genius, but I also read that citrus in matcha greatly increases the amount of antioxidants available for absorption.
If you are lucky enough to catch Chef in the kitchen experimenting, I highly recommend hanging around and enjoying one of Sydney's best young Chefs at work.
ONE Tea Lounge and Grill
CLOSED
Matcha Ice Cream Baoger
Sydney's first dedicated matcha restaurant is serving up so many delicious matcha inspired meals and desserts. In fact, it was a tough decision between this and their matcha self-saucing pudding.
Alas, the Matcha Baoger came out on top. This dessert is not just about that delicious matcha flavour, it’s about contrasts. Hot deep fried bao bun against the cold ice-cream, the sweetness of the ice cream versus the savoury red bean and the crunchy bao complimenting the creamy ice cream. What a treat for your senses as well as your taste buds!
Not just for the matcha lovers, One Tea Lounge also serves up Black Sesame and Ferrero Roche ice cream baogers and if you have room, give the self-saucing matcha pudding a try.
Pinto Cafe Sydney
CLOSED
Matcha & White Chocolate Muffin
Yes, I know I have two matcha muffins in my list, but they are both great and very different. If I had to choose, this would be my pick, probably because it has a stronger matcha flavour, but please try them both and let me know your favourite.
Using only the highest quality Nishio Matcha from Japan, Chef Yuji somehow manages to bake this muffin without drying it out. If you rip it open, you can see dark patches of moist cake, little chucks of dark chocolate resembling red bean, large chucks of white chocolate and (most importantly) a deep matcha green colour. You can tell the quality and liberal use of matcha simply from the aroma.
For the most part, these are only baked on weekends in a small batch, so best to get in early to secure your treat. Also, it might be a good idea to call ahead to make sure they're available.
Oh Matcha Chanoma Cafe
World Square, George Street Sydney, &
Regent Place, George Street Sydney
Matcha Soft Serve
Who doesn't like soft serve? Oh Matcha formerly known as Cafe Chanoma do Sydney's best matcha soft serve. They give you a choice between Matcha and Matcha Latte, not to mention the other exciting non matcha flavours they have.
Oh Matcha have managed a balance of creamy (not icy) ice cream with a strong distinct matcha flavour. I I usually have mine in a cone, but if you are after a real Japanese dessert experience you might want to try the Matcha Anmitsu, or the deluxe parfait.
Both the Regent Place and World Square locations have different flavours. Luckily, if you end up at the wrong shop it is only a short walk over to the next location.
Note: This is an independent review, food purchased was a combination of complimentary visits and self funded visits by "Itd be rude not to".
