Matcha fans can rejoice with a brand new rendition of their favourite green tea goodness hitting Henley Beach. Joe’s kiosk on the esplanade has introduced matcha in a can, a spillage-free way to sip on matcha during the early morning stroll.
Joe’s owner Roberto Cardone says he was inspired by Harry’s Bondi and wanted to bring the concept to the gorgeous people of Adelaide.
“I went to Harry’s down at Bondi and I thought, I really like this.”
“People down at Henley, they’re gorgeous looking people, they’re on the go and just looking for something they can just grab in a can and just walk along and sip out of a straw.”
Whether you’re a milk lover or prefer dairy free, both are available and made to order, and there’s coffee in a can alternatives for those not swept up in the matcha madness. Joe’s are the first in Adelaide to offer matcha canned on-site, so you can watch your beverage as it’s made fresh. Better still, the cans are clear – shake it up and see the beautiful green shade blend.
“You’ve seen coffee in a can in the supermarket, but that’s not this. It’s made fresh and given to you like in that minute. The fact that you can just see through and know what’s in there, people really like,” claims Roberto.
The journey to get the machine was no easy feat for Roberto, sourcing it from China in a strange affair of events just to get his hands on the matcha-making device.
“I had to hunt it down on a Chinese website and then hand over a fistful of bucks to somebody I’ve never met in my life. The only way we could communicate was through text,” he says.
“I think my wife thought I had a Chinese girlfriend.”
In case you haven’t heard, matcha is the thing right now. The finely ground, green-tea powder from Japan is fast becoming people’s daily cuppa. Not only is it sweet and delicious and packed with umami richness, but it also offers a caffeine fix for those needing a morning, midday or even late-night pick-me-up.
As for why the popular drink has crossed international borders, Roberto attributes tourism.
“It’s become a worldly hit because of tourism. Japan has probably the highest amount of tourists at the moment as a country, so we’ve picked up their habits.”
At Joes, it doesn’t stop at matcha. Roberto plans on taking the convenient can on a bubbly ride, with a special batch specially designed to hold bubbles already on order.
“There will be a new coffee drink called Thunderbob. It’s a black coffee with soda and lemon zest. We have special tins coming to keep the bubbles in there.”
Matcha spritz, anyone?
Joe’s beachside location is a Henley hotspot for brekky, lunch and functions. The cafe sits just south of the popular Henley Square and attracts crowds from Salty Sips, the local surf club, run clubs, and also doubles as an event space.
As the matcha-making machine takes the store and on comers by storm – and we’re talking 100 cans a day – Roberto says they’ll also be available for functions. Think, a healthy alternative to ‘crackin’ open a cold one.’
“The machine will be available for all events held at Joes. I think it’s a great and healthy idea instead of your typical alcoholic drink,” he says.
The cafe will be serving the matcha cans until 3pm every day. They’re “goin nuts” claims Roberto, so make sure to quickly head on down, hear the fresh tss of the can, and enjoy your matcha, beachside.
WHAT: Matcha in a can
WHERE: Joes Henley Beach, Corner of South Street and The Esplanade
WHEN: 6:30am-3pm everyday
For more info, click here.
More News
