The matcha craze isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and Burnaby is about to get its very own matcha specialty café.
A Noms Mag community member (meh_itsfood) recently spotted signage for a new matcha cafe called Matcha Tea Lab at Crystal Mall.
And we poked at them to learn more about what locals can soon expect!
Co-founded by Burnaby local Cathy Lau and her childhood friend, the new café is set to bring something fresh to a city that hasn’t had much variety when it comes to matcha-focused spots.
Cathy’s background is in retail management, where she spent years running everything from single stores to big-box retailers.
But her inspiration for this new venture comes from a much more personal place.
“My love for tea — especially matcha — inspired me to start this café with my childhood friend,” she says.
“This café is a reflection of that passion: a space where tradition meets innovation, and every recipe tells a story.”
Matcha Tea Lab is all about tea, starting with ceremonial-grade matcha sourced directly from Uji, Kyoto.
The menu will highlight tea-based lattes with creative twists, alongside pastries infused with matcha, hojicha, and earl grey.
Expect to see mini mochi muffins, cookies, and a rotating lineup of seasonal blends each month.
And in a move that sets them apart, the café won’t be accepting tips and will not charge extra for milk alternatives — something sure to be appreciated by locals as everyone is feeling tip-fatigue.
Crystal Mall was a deliberate choice for the first location.
“As a Burnaby local, I’ve always enjoyed exploring cafés, especially those specializing in matcha. However, the lack of variety in Burnaby highlighted a clear market gap,” Cathy explains.
The café itself will be a cozy 400 sq. ft with a cool-toned, modern aesthetic designed by Cathy herself.
Guests can expect a few comfortable seats for those who want to stay, with quick service aimed at commuters on the go.
During warmer months, there are also plans to add outdoor seating pending strata approval.
More than just drinks, the vision for Matcha Tea Lab is about creating ritual and community.
“Our vision is for every guest to leave not only with a great cup of tea, but also with a sense of warmth and anticipation for what’s next,” Cathy says.
With their signature slogan — Whisk. Sip. Repeat. — and a menu that changes monthly, the team hopes to keep people excited to come back.
If all goes smoothly with permits, the café is expected to open in mid-November.
Matcha Tea Lab now joins other upcoming Burnaby food spots like XISHI, Mary Brown’s, and Vegas Donuts.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: Crystal Mall, Burnaby BC