Look, if you’ve been anywhere on the matcha bandwagon, then you’ll definitely know Kin in Teneriffe. This Melbourne-laneway-style café sits inside one of Teneriffe’s old woolstores, with big windows, paper lanterns and a vibe that’s hard to beat.
Kin’s matcha menu is a big part of the draw. They use Uji ceremonial matcha for drinks including pistachio with house-made pistachio butter and blossom water, strawberry with Davidson plum, vanilla bean and miso caramel. There’s also a monthly special, plus hojicha, masala chai and coffee from Almanac Coffee Roasters.
The food is good, but it’s not trying to reinvent breakfast. Mushroom congee comes with sansho and house-made truffle XO, while the dippy eggs are served with steamed egg custard, aged Parmigiano Reggiano and pumpkin and sage chilli crisp. There’s also Filipino embutido in taro pandesal with banana ketchup, a piri piri chicken toastie and blue corn quesadillas.
For something sweet, there’s macadamia milk loaf with whipped salted caramel and a miso chocolate chip cookie made with brown butter.
What really makes Kin work is the setting. Big windows, paper lanterns, soft light and a relaxed Teneriffe feel make it very easy to settle in for a while.
It’s also right by the Teneriffe Riverwalk, so we’d grab a matcha and something to eat, then head off for a walk along the river. Matcha in hand, sunshine out, river beside you. Muahhh. Chef’s kiss.
Kin has officially earned a spot on our Best Cafés in Brissy list. The food is solid, the drinks are fun, but that whole café-and-riverwalk combination is what keeps us coming back.
