Little Matcha Girl

Matcha, a finely ground form of green tea, is a trendy addition to cafe menus. But the ancient Japanese drink is Little Matcha Girl’s raison d'être. And unlike many cafes, its matcha – sourced direct from a family farm in Japan – is prepared as it should be.

Based on the tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony, the barista stirs precise quantities of matcha powder with water with a bamboo whisk, for a fresh and flavorsome shot. The matcha latte isn’t sugary. Instead it has five milliliters of sugar syrup lining the rim of its glass – just enough to balance out the grassy flavor. And the cold-brew matcha, made with just icy water and matcha, is a potent and cooling tonic for summer.

Regular coffee is offered, with beans from the excellent South Perth-based Blacklist Coffee Roasters, and extra creamy milk.

There’s also a selection of Japanese-inspired cakes, such as orange-yuzu tarts, matcha éclairs, and black-sesame profiteroles. The Spanish chef brings his background in classic European pastry techniques to perfect the light and spongy delicacies.

Owner Stefanie Wee hand-folded the paper cranes suspended from the ceiling of the sleek, minimalist cafe. Like most things in Little Matcha Girl, it was inspired by Japan – the legend that folding 1000 paper cranes brings peace and good luck. Given the cafe’s success, it appears to be working.