Juni Cafe review: April Ooi samples iced matcha latte and hojicha latte at ultra-stylish Maylands cafe

In a suburb better known for kitsch cafes and riverside strolls, Juni Cafe feels quietly distinctive. The butter yellow and ice blue space is exceptionally stylish. Every aspect from the mustard tilled tables to the pixel art branding is as scrumptious as the treats in the cabinet and while the space leans on the trendier side, service remains exceptionally warm, friendly, and inviting. The cafe is known for its iced matcha latte ($8.80), and we got ours with a pump of maple syrup. The cafe sources matcha from local legends Little Matcha Girl, so you know they’re doing things the right way. The drink was mildly grassy and nutty, but I like my matcha extra green, so I’d ask for an extra shot next time. The hojicha latte ($8.80) is underrated. We got it with almond milk and maple syrup. I don’t often see many places get a hojicha latte right — I feel like it can taste like soil if it’s not sweetened, or the ratio is off — but this particular cup had a delicious roasted tea flavour. It was just perfect. The pastry cabinet is where things get playful. The matcha strawberry financier ($6) is on brand, the fresh dehydrated strawberries on top of the deep rich matcha-flavoured cake making this treat a must try. Nearby, the GF brownie ($6.50) is a classic crowd-pleaser: dense, chocolatey and ultra-fudgy. The savoury selection holds its own. The everything bagel ($8) with jalapeno cream is a standout. The schmear is spread so generously and in this economy it’s hard to find a satisfying and tasty lunch for $8. The chicken satay puff ($8.50) is also a solid pick, but more of a snack item. The pastry was flaky and layered and filled with a deliciously spiced chicken mixture. What makes Juni so appealing isn’t just the individual items but the cohesion of the spread. Everything feels thoughtfully selected, from the curated cabinet to the meticulously designed space. If I could pick anywhere in Perth for a casual coffee catch-up, Juni would be my choice. Juni Cafe 68/1 Kennedy Street, Maylands OPEN Monday-Saturday 6:30am-2pm; Sunday 7am-2pm CONTACT junicafe.square.site BOOKINGS TBC THE VERDICT A friendly and stylish Maylands stop with an excellent cabinet of treats. 16/20