Slurp strawberry matcha and munch mortadella sandwiches at ’94 in Palm Beach
Matcha is having its moment on the Gold Coast, with people flocking in droves to get their hands on the green-hued elixir that has become a local obsession. Spurring our undying love of the matcha movement is ’94, a neighbourhood cafe that stands out not just for its exceptional matcha, but for its warm, inviting atmosphere and community-driven approach. Here’s everything you need to know …
As soon as you step inside ’94, a welcoming energy radiates from owners Ahmet Taskin and his wife Elif. The pair, originally from Turkey, were studying their masters and working at a university abroad until the pandemic shifted their path to hospitality in Australia. Elif took the reins as venue manager from front of house while Ahmet helmed the coffee machine. It was in this new chapter that they truly fell in love with the Gold Coast – and, more specifically, the people who call it home. “Everyone is so kind here,” Ahmet says, reflecting on the warmth they found in their new community.
Embracing the Gold Coast way of life, Ahmet and Elif started to dream of opening their own venue. That dream manifested almost a year ago in the form of Oatopia, a market stall at the Palm Beach Farmers Market, where they served overnight oats topped with homemade jams and lemon curd. The stall quickly became a hit, and as Oatopia flourished, the couple began eyeing their next big move.
Lucky for us, that next move is ’94, a cosy cafe nestled on the Gold Coast Highway, just next door to Scott’s Luncheonette & Bar. The cafe’s name holds a deeper meaning for the couple, representing more than just a number – it signifies a generation they want to create. Though the area is home to some fantastic coffee spots, it’s the matcha that sets ’94 apart. Ahmet’s is the real deal – premium Japanese matcha powder, hand-whisked to order with no fillers. The cafe offers a variety of homemade syrups to complement the vibrant green beverage, with strawberry being a fan favourite, though Ahmet’s personal choice is the salted caramel. And for those who prefer coffee, ’94 serves up rich brews from ST ALi.
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The menu at ’94 is concise but thoughtfully crafted by two talented chefs. Instead of the typical cafe fare, you’ll find lighter options like acai bowls and homemade banana bread with a velvety espresso butter alongside heartier dishes such as roasted beef on sourdough with cheddar, pickles and a swathe of signature sauce. A crowd favourite is the mortadella sandwich, which layers cream cheese, rocket, sun-dried tomato and chimichurri topped with wedges of fig.
The cafe itself, though small, is an inviting space with just 20 seats, including a bench seat inside and a few small settings along the roadside for those who prefer to soak in the sunshine. Ahmet and Elif have bigger plans for this tiny spot – they envision ’94 as more than just a cafe, it’s set to be a hub for the local community, with plans for a sunrise yoga club, a run club, and even a swim club. For the couple, ’94 is about creating connections and fostering a sense of belonging – a place where neighbours can gather, relax and enjoy a good cup of matcha or coffee.
Head to The Directory for opening times.