Beyond Flat Whites
Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture, and as someone who has been in a few places, I do have to agree that Melbournians just know how to do coffee. Since I moved to Australia, my coffee consumption has not only increased 10 fold, but I have also started to become more adventurous. And there are heaps of signature coffee drinks in Melbourne. So if you’re looking for a list of places that go beyond a decent flat white, this is the list for you.
1. Dua Bakehouse – Collingwood
After having lived in Queensland (where I also worked in a cafe), I have become addicted to iced lattes. Especially when it’s nice and sunny outside, I cannot help but order an iced latte. When I went to Dua Bakehouse in Collingwood for brunch, I discovered their Iced Cherry Mocha. Chocolate and coffee go so well together, so do chocolate and cherries. The question now is, do chocolate, coffee and cherries go together?
I have to say they could. I really loved the concept, but felt like the acidity could be balanced a little better. But overall, a yummy coffee. (Their strawberry matcha was outstanding).
2. Tone Cafe – Chapel Street
This one is probably one of my favourite creative coffee drinks in Melbourne. It’s a double ristretto or espresso poured over cold milk, topped with indulging cream. They finish it off with orange zest, which gives it a fresh kick. It’s like a sweet treat in a cup, and people wait in line for this deliciousness.
3. Groove Cafe – Abbotsford
This is a rather new cafe in Melbourne, but it’s doing everything right. From the trendy interior to their signature drinks. It almost reminded me of some of the cafes I saw in Seoul a few years ago. I had the joy of trying their Tiramisu Latte and have been dreaming of going back there since then. The tiramisu latte was not too sweet but creamy and left me wanting more.
4. Amiri Cafe – CBD
Some of these signature coffee drinks are almost desserts in a cup. So is this one. Let me introduce you to the iced banana latte. A sweet symphony of coffee, banana and sugar. And while this one does not really resemble a coffee anymore, it’s so delicious that it’s hard not to like it. (Also, have you haven’t seen the rest of the menu because the food at this cafe is unreal).
5. Mokosz Cafe – Elwood
I have heard a lot about Mont Blancs but never tried one until I stumbled across Mokosz cafe. Which, btw, has a stunning brunch. But their Mont Blanc is like a dessert in a cup (similar to some other coffees on this list lol). It was creamy, sweet and delicious and worth the experience.
6. Jasper Coffee – Prahran Market
The more I learned about coffee, the more I got to enjoy a few more “adventurous” combinations. I’m a big fan of anything citrusy with coffee now. Especially when the weather is sunny and warm, there’s nothing better than a refreshing cold brew or a Citrus Cold Brew in this case. This drink is light and refreshing and just the perfect summer coffee treat. And if you’re looking for other treats, you will definitely find them at Prahran Market.
7. Brick Lane Coffee – CBD
This is another random find. A friend of mine and I decided to grab a coffee there when we noticed their slushy machine. We asked what they were offering, and we got to try their homemade coffee frappe. It was sweet, cold, and so delicious, I could’ve jugged it all in one go tbh.
8. Pip’s Deli – Chapel Street
I love discovering different places on Chapel Street. I think it’s such an underrated area because it has way more to offer than just party and drinking. Pip’s Deli does incredible sandwiches, but also some fun cold drinks. My favourite is their Passionfruit Espresso. It’s similar to the Jasper Coffee Citrus Cold Brew, but tastes a little less citrusy and sweeter. Once you get a taste for the fruit and coffee combo, believe me, it’s hard to resist these kinds of drinks.
(Sorry I couldn’t find any pictures of these for the life of me – I probably drank them too quickly lol).
9. Kombu – Queen Victoria Market
Kombu is one of my favourite Japanese brunch spots. The vibes are good, and the food is just so fun (I love trying small bits of different foods). When I went there the first time, I tried Mikan Mocha. It’s a cold brew coffee with mandarin juice and topped with chocolate cream. At the beginning I wasn’t sure how to feel about coffee, mandarin and chocolate together, but I have to say it does work. This drink is on the heavier side (compared to some of the fruity and citrusy choices on this list), but it’s delicious. Although if you’re not that adventurous, I suggest to maybe start with another one on the list.
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