Osoi

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Shop 3
219 Albion Street
Brunswick, 3056 Victoria
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The Details

Cuisine
  • Japanese

The Verdict

In a “love letter” to the two places that Duy and Shy cherish most, the quaint Japanese cafe Osoi, is a celebration of Melbourne’s specialty coffee scene and Japan’s rich tea culture.

Despite its name translating to ‘slow’ or ‘late,’ owners Duy, Shy and Winston (their fury sidekick), have been speedily whisking away since the cafe, tucked away on a bike lane off Albion Street, became the talk of the town.

With personal touches like family photos dotted around, stepping inside feels like entering your aunt and uncle's kitchen, while the anime figurines and Sonny Angels that adorn the space speak to Osoi’s playful character. “It’s a collection of moments, memories, people and pop culture,” Duy and Shy said.

Osoi explores different matcha cultivars, with their standard matcha latte featuring a premium saemidori blend, honoring each unique variety in their creative adaptations. The ichigo (strawberry) matcha, mango genmaicha—reminiscent of mango sticky rice—and matcha cloud—a pandan- infused matcha cream levitating atop coconut water—are highly sought-after.

Words: Claudia Goundar
Images: Osoi