Restaurant

Pop Up - Matcha Mate

119 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 32 people

Updated

Find Pop Up - Matcha Mate

119 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Pop Up - Matcha Mate

Pop Up - Matcha Mate cuts through Melbourne's milky cafe formulas with sharp, authentic Japanese green tea intensity. Tucked into Hardware Street, this all-matcha room swaps cloying sweetness for a punchy, bitter kick across hot lattes, matcha cold brews, and ceremonial pours. Regulars head straight for the oven run—soft white chocolate matcha cookies, often paired warm with an iced latte to balance the sweetness. Dessert plates follow the same green tea thread, from twice-baked cakes to bingsu bowls topped with matcha cheesecake, ice cream, and dango.

  • Unsweetened, Punchy Tea Base: Drinks lean on a genuine bitter profile and balanced bittersweet finish rather than oversweetened milk.
  • Matcha-Centric Bakes & Sweets: Bakes feature warm white chocolate matcha cookies, Basque cheesecake, and bingsu topped with red bean and dango.
  • Guided Menu Adjustments: Staff talk guests through menu nuances and calibrate drink strengths to individual taste.

What's On at Pop Up - Matcha Mate

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Matcha Mate

Authentic Japanese green tea preparations, fresh-baked matcha treats, and warm guidance in Melbourne's CBD.

  • Balanced Bittersweet Intensity

    Beverages are formulated with an authentic bitter note that gives a distinct matcha kick without excessive sugar.

    While the matcha latte had that strong bitter kick at first, it is soothed and balanced by a sweeter aftertaste.

    Furi
  • Comprehensive All-Matcha Menu

    The menu spans specialized green tea preparations, from matcha cold brew and milkshakes to loaded matcha desserts.

    From cakes to cookies to bingsu to hot and cold beverages, you'll definitely have your matcha cravings satisfied.

    Nikki
  • Fresh-Baked Matcha Cookies

    Warm cookies baked fresh with rich matcha dough and soft fillings create a standout indulgence.

    biting into the warm matcha and gooey white chocolate, I felt an intense urge to share these cookies with everyone I know.

    Anja de Rose
  • Drink and Dessert Pairings

    Chilled and hot matcha drinks are served alongside textured desserts like macadamia cookies and Basque cheesecake.

    Both the iced & the hot matcha taste so good! Also the matcha macadamia cookies & the matcha cheesecake are to die for.

    Hannah
  • Attentive Menu Guidance

    Staff take time to explain options and make drink adjustments to help guests explore traditional green tea offerings.

    the staff were very happy to help explain the menu and answer any questions I had about the product. They even went the extra mile to make slight adjustments to my drink

    Tarquin Rosenfield
  • Welcoming and Personal Hospitality

    Attentive service makes visitors of all ages and solitary patrons feel recognized and well looked after.

    The service was amazing with my son’s love of matcha being recognised and catered to exceptionally well.

    NICHOLLE GATHERCOLE

Other favorites

Specialty chilled refreshments, layered parfaits, and traditional tea treats

  • Matcha Cold Brew

    Highly recommended the Matcha Cold Brew and the Basque Cheesecake.

    B Ching
  • Loaded Bingsu

    I tried the Loaded Bingsu which was fully loaded (as the name suggests) with matcha cheesecake, matcha white choc cookie, matcha ice cream, biscoff crumbs, red bean, and dango.

    Faa Papon
  • Matcha Tiramisu

    our favourite was definitely the matcha tiramisu

    Jasmine Viviana
  • Matcha Pudding

    the pudding is delicious, not too sweet, but not too bitter

    Andy Vuong

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality details that elevate the dedicated matcha experience

  • Tailored Drink Adjustments & Guided Tasting

    The team takes time to walk guests through the Japanese green tea menu, explain traditional options, and make custom adjustments to drinks so each order suits individual tastes.

  • Personal Recognition for Repeat Visitors

    Regular guests are remembered alongside their go-to orders, creating an attentive, personal touch in the compact shop.

  • Warm Fresh-from-the-Oven Cookie Bakes

    Guests can request fresh-baked cookies straight from the oven, enjoying warm matcha dough with melted white chocolate centers.

  • Outdoor Tabletop QR Ordering

    For guests who prefer ordering from the outdoor sidewalk seating, QR codes allow full ordering directly to tables without navigating the interior counter.

Before you head over

Helpful hints on ordering, seating, and timing for your matcha visit

  • Ask for Fresh Cookie Batches

    If the white chocolate matcha cookie appears sold out, ask staff if a fresh batch is in the oven—waiting just five minutes yields a warm, gooey treat.

  • Plan for Compact Seating & Steps

    Hardware Street tram access from Melbourne Central is a quick 5-minute walk, but indoor seating is compact and narrow with steps leading inside.

  • Customize Your Matcha Intensity

    If you prefer a bolder Japanese green tea profile over milky sweetness, ask the team to adjust sweetness or opt for the ceremonial matcha.

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