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Hojicha your horses, matcha fans

Just try to steep us away from Odaya Tea.

Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Sipping on a fresh-brewed beverage as you go about your day is surely one of life’s sweetest pleasures. Whether you’re all about the Strawberry Matcha hype, or a oolong-time appreciator of tea-based treats and Japanese sweets – prepare to meet your matcha made in heaven. Because we’ve got an inkling Odaya Tea is about to unlock a new level of obsession.

It’s entirely possible you may have missed the memo of this matcha-slinging star in our midst. Tucked right outside Robina Town Centre’s designated foodie playground, The Kitchens, Odaya Tea has been delighting customers with a delectable dose of Japanese treats and traditional tea culture.

Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Whisking matcha fans into a frenzy with an assortment of show-stopping drinks and desserts, sweet-seeking punters can tuck into towering Waffle Baskets stuffed with sesame gelato and all the sundae trimmings; along with hand-made Cookies, Matcha Tiramisu or Strawberries Daifuku, the traditional Japanese confection made with authentic mochi and hand-crafted red bean paste.

Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Thirsty? Set your sights on the drinks menu, where you’ll be greeted by freshly-brewed libations in almost every colour of the rainbow. Dominated of course, by the telltale sea of goodness-packed green, Odaya Tea’s extensive selection of matcha-based beverages are created using ceremonial grade power. Keep it classic, opt for thirst-quenching Yuzu Matcha Iced Soda’s or underrated sensations like the Genmai matcha coffee latte, topped with lush and creamy milk foam. Of course, it’s never too late to get on board the iced Strawberry Matcha bandwagon, either!

Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

For those opting to take on one of the fully-loaded dessert creations (and really, how can you resist), Odaya offers limited indoor and outdoor seating at which to perch up and savour your selection. Along with the stacked selection of house-made desserts and ready-made libations, the cozy tea shop style cafe offers a highly hoardable curation of cute tea paraphernalia and premium take-home powders. Keeping us plied with our matcha fix between visits, tea lovers can stock up on a largely organic selection of Sencha, Gyokuro, Genmaicha, and Hojicha, available in various grades from essential to ceremonial.

For true tea enthusiasts, the latest addition to the menu, Uji matcha will be a must-try. Coveted for its highly sippable, mellow profile and unique aroma; Uji leaves are painstakingly hand-picked from Kyoto’s revered tea plantations and stone-ground using traditional methods. For those trying to keep an eye on their caffeine intake (commiserations) a Hojicha latte, touted for its toasty, caramelly notes, comes through on big roasted flavour sans jitters.

Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

If you’re gaga for frozen confections, Odaya Tea also delivers your Japanese flavour fix in gelato–and gelatinous–form. With 16 options gracing the cabinet, get around flavours like Fuji apple sorbet, Hojicha, Peach oolong tea, and of course, several types of Matcha, which, you can opt to take in bowl, parfait, waffle basket, or mocha-wrapped Daifuku form.

Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

As you’d expect, the Odaya crew are deeply passionate about the tea life and by extension, the many health benefits of matcha consumption. They’re sticklers about sourcing the ‘world’s most outstanding teas every season to ensure our products consistently uphold the highest standards of quality’. So, indulge freely, y’all! Better make it two scoops…

Where: Ground Floor, Shop 4285, Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina (Behind the Body Shop).
When: 10am – 5:00pm Monday – Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
10am – 5:00pm Thursday
10am – 4:00pm Sunday.

Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby

Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Odaya Tea, Robina (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

14 reasons locals love Robina

The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre (image supplied)
The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre (image supplied)

If there’s one place on the Gold Coast where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, do some srsly cool stuff, and wander amongst stunning natural parklands, it’s Robina.  There’s also a hospital, a train station and a sports stadium, one of which is exciting enough to make our list (hint; it’s not the hospital or the train station).

In honour of this central GC gem, we’ve compiled a list of 14 reasons why Robina peeps love their ‘burb, and why wider GC locals travel en masse to experience all it has to offer.

Michele hands rolls gnocchi, The Pasta Emporium (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Michele hands rolls gnocchi, The Pasta Emporium (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

Pasta Emporium
With their Euro background and extensive experience in the food industry, mum and daughter duo Natalie and Sonia have created an artisan pasta boutique store like no other. Made with a high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B and also digestion friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of nasty-free slow cooked sauces. The.Best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina

Palmer Golf Course
Carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands with fairways lined by towering gum trees, this uniquely designed course is in the top 30 resort courses in the country #noice. A 6078-meter, 18-hole, Par 71 championship golf course (Aust Course Rating 72) designed by the Marsh / Watson team, its rolling fairways, manicured greens, towering eucalyptus and natural water course make it a local and visitor fave.
Where: Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

My French Pastries (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)
My French Pastries (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)

Zone Bowling / Timezone
This dual-branded entertainment venue is an uber-exciting entertainment experience, combining Zone Bowling and Timezone in one renovated super space. Perfect for a birthday of any vintage and for corporate functions, you’ll find ten pin bowling, the latest arcade games, a laser tag arena with a ‘futurism/apocalyptic robots’ theme, and super fun spin zone bumper cars (coming later this year). Just yay!!!
Where: Robina Town Centre, 1 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

My French Pastries
A venue called My French Pastries needs no introduction but since it’s amongst the cream of the crop here on the GC, we’ll give them one anyway. Jen and Antonio Marchesi have created something really spesh with French pastries made from scratch. Think key lime Chantilly, lemon meringue, blueberry and chocolate tarts, and if you’re not salivating, you must be unwell. A special shout-out must go to the scrumptious savoury goodies, providing a well-rounded experience for your tastebuds.
Where: Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Eddy + Wolff (Image: © 2019 Inside Gold Coast)
Eddy + Wolff (Image: © 2019 Inside Gold Coast)

Eddy + Wolff
The trendiest of the Robina bunch, Eddy + Wolff opened in early 2019 bringing exceptional, modern Asian eats to the people. It’s a sleek, 22-seat venue serving up ten-outta-ten eats, just like it’s northern brother from the same mother, Can Tho Kitchen at Runaway Bay. The menu features BBQ-style dishes, snacks, larger plates and sides, all of which are designed to share and hail from Thao and Vien’s home country of Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea to name a few. The drinks list is tight and perfectly curated to match the food with an unmissable lemon sake. An absolute fave.
Where: 44 Commerce Drive, Robina 

The Kitchens
Fact; foodie marketplace-style situations are one of life’s greatest gifts. The Kitchens is precisely that, with an array of exceptional venues all in the one beautifully appointed area. Think tasty teppanyaki, big ‘ole burgers, a vegan foodie venue and even a craft beer bar offering delicious eats to name a few. There is more choice here than you can poke a stick at and bonus; it’s attached to one of the region’s best shopping centres #UnicornsDoExist.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina 

El Camino Cantina (image supplied)
El Camino Cantina (image supplied)

El Camino Cantina
A good time Mexi-joint at Robina Town Centre, what’s not to love? Rocking one of the most colour-filled interiors you ever did see, a menu packed with family-friendly Mex-cellent eats, and frozen margaritas, it’s love at first sight/bite/sip. The legendary venue is one of seven Queensland restaurants, synonymous with funky neon signage, sweet sombreros, and an all-round winning ambience. Gather the crew and get on it.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

CBUS Super Stadium
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina

Robina Pavilion exterior (image supplied)
Robina Pavilion exterior (image supplied)

Robina Pavilion
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Robina Parkway Dog Park
Obviously one for the locals with hairy mates but if you live further afield and have a furry friend in tow, we highly recommend. There are all kinds of fun things for your doggo to explore including tunnels and hurdles, and they’re bound to make a new buddy or two in the process. If you don’t have a pooch, get down there anyway and score free pats a-plenty #GoodForTheSoul.
Where: Lot 21, Robina Parkway, Robina

Parkway Coffee (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)
Parkway Coffee (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)

Parkway Coffee
Ahh Parkway Coffee how we love thee and your equally irresistible sibling Third Base in Palmy. Like its southern sister, this Robina crowd pleaser offers similar laidback community vibes, and also serves up the same level of tasty brunch eats. Their Reuban Toastie with beef pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins, and thousand island dressing on golden toasted sourdough is the perf example of Parkway’s culinary prowess. Pair your feed with some quality time in the garden…and day made.
Where: Robina Quays, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Cheltenham Park
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina 

The Sporting Globe (Image: © 2019 Inside Gold Coast)
The Sporting Globe (Image: © 2019 Inside Gold Coast)

The Sporting Globe
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Alpine Indoor Climbing
Robina’s state-of-the-art climbing centre is positively R.A.D if you’re somewhat of an adrenalin junkie, or someone looking for a new sporty-spice-esk challenge. Alpine Indoor Climbing is a favourite amongst both professional and beginner climbers (including those lacking in coordination, AKA us). There are varying levels of challenges and you can go across, straight up, or anyway you like really, and there are cushioned pads underneath should you lose your grip. Good times.
Where: 86 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Alpine Indoor Climbing Centre (Image: © 2019 Inside Gold Coast)

There’s so matcha to love about this new snack spot

Onigiri, Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Onigiri, Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

Shiro Gelato & Snack is Southport’s new HQ of sweet and savoury Japanese small bites (and licks) you Japaneed to be acquainted with, like now, arigatou gozaimasu.

Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

Perched just a hop skip and a yum from the G’s Southport tram stop, the conveniently positioned new venue is a #snaccident waiting to happen for lucky passersby. For owner Kei Okamoto, a well-placed location was the main priority when selecting the new spot for Shiro Gelato & Snack. His former experience dishing up street food style Japanese eats at markets, combined with head chef Shodai Kawakami’s ten-year culinary expertise is the ultimate matcha made in heaven.

Gelato at Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Gelato at Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

The two-legged fuzzy ball mascot featured throughout the shop’s signage is your subliminal sign to leg it on in to discover the array of treats that await. The interior fit out was handled by the Shiro crew (what can’t they do), with a simply-appointed and welcoming space framed by classic crisp-white subway tiles – while the seductive glow of those house-made gelatos glisten from the cabinet beyond. The intimate, corridor style space offers limited casual seating to lick, sip and savour until the #hanger safely subsides.

For those not familiar with Japanese fare, you might be wondering just want you can expect from the Shiro Gelato & Snack menu. Think authentic light Japanese bites worthy of quashing the most serious of snack attacks (though,  with a couple of Onirigi’s under the belt, you may still feel a lot like rolling on out of there).

Onigiri, Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Onigiri, Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

The aforementioned savoury specialty Onigiri, is a popular Japanese rice ball lunch and snack dish, as tasty as it is convenient to nom on-the-go. The Shiro offering includes six signature flavours such as a classic salmon and takana, made with Japanese leafy green mustard pickles and spices promising a slightly spicy and tangy flavour. Though we also like the sound of the Negi Miso – Shallots, miso, citrus chilli paste a shallot.

Gelato at Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Gelato at Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

For sweet tooths, curb your cravings by sinking your teeth into the beloved jelly-like, traditional Japanese sweet treat that is Warabi Mochi.

Though we’ll never miss an opportunity to gush about gelato (umm hello, we live for this), and the Shiro Gelato & Snack selection of Japanese flavours does not disappoint. Japanese eats enthusiasts will be soy into the Kinako – a roasted soybean flour flavour most commonly compared to peanut butter. Joined by yet more mouth watering contenders such as Black sesame, Matcha white chocolate, miso caramel, and the vegan friendly Yuzu and lemon flavour.

Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

Can’t decide which sweet treat you’re in the mood for? Same. Might we suggest a thinly Mochi-wrapped (and/or topped!) gelato scoop for the ultimate best of both worlds action.

There’s no doubt lucky northern locals will bento-ver backwards to get their Shiro Gelato & Snack fix, while for everyone else this little Southport side quest is a tasty snackrifice well worth taking.

Where: 50 Nerang St, Southport
When: 11:30am–10pm daily

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Shiro Gelato & Snack, Southport (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

The new Japanese cafe you’ll love so matcha

Goya Cafe exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Goya Cafe exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

For ardent lovers of Japanese food, we have ourselves plenty of choices here on the Gold Coast. Sushi is perfect for when you’ve just stepped off the beach, Teppanyaki is an occasion best shared with friends, and ramen is like a warm hug for the soul after a testing day — or week. One newly opened venue hopes to chime in on the well-received Japanese cuisine scene here on the Coast and even bolster it with what they deem missing: Japanese comfort food!

If you’ve marvelled at the Izakayas of Osaka and/or been blown away by the first-rate food scene of Tokyo, you’ll know that Japanese food is, in fact, like an iceberg, and here in Australia, we have merely seen the surface!

Goya Café takes over the once-popular space occupied by Sens Café on the Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach opposite The Star Gold Coast’s The Darling and offers a diverse menu of Japanese treats which you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

The menu hinges on the creatively delicious sandwich goodness of Sandos and the steamy eggy delectableness of Omurice. These two subsections have a plethora of different flavours and cater for vegetarians and vegans.

Tamago Sando & Iced Matcha Jelly, Goya Cafe (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Tamago Sando & Iced Matcha Jelly, Goya Cafe (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

Sandos, in a nutshell, are an elevated toasted sandwich of the highest order. You’ll also experience rice flour baked bread which brings a unique softness and an ever so slight sweetness, almost like a brioche, only without the gluten! With multiple fillings such as Angus Beef Tenderloin and Eggplant Tempura & Dashi, you’ll have enough replay value to keep coming back.

The Omurice dishes (translating to egg on rice) provide you with some luscious and gooey egg action, and if you’re quick about it once you get your plate, if you create the right incision, your eggs should fold in on themselves and reveal a soft centre which can almost appear to be moving — delish.

Should you feel the need to wash these tasty treats down — you ought to — there’s a wide range of drinks on offer, including nitro brew coffee, matcha, a black sesame seed protein smoothie and more. For those who feel like something a little stronger, you’ll come across a selection of boutique Japanese whiskies, gins, beers and a small choice of signature cocktails like the Gin-Gum, a white tea and eucalyptus-infused gin all-day sipper!

Tamago Sando, Big Kani Salad, Omurice and Iced Matcha Jelly, Goya Cafe (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Tamago Sando, Big Kani Salad, Omurice and Iced Matcha Jelly, Goya Cafe (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

The venue itself is a breath of fresh air as you step in off the highway; the space oozes Japanese sophistication and simplicity with exposed wood and clean neutral tones throughout. Sit street side or get yourself a booth or table inside and let the space add some zen to your day.

At the moment, Goya is open for breakfast and lunch, but with firm plans on the horizon for dinner services, it shouldn’t be long before Osaka’s swagger, and Tokyo’s charisma will be coming to a dinner booking near you.

Where: 9/2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
When: 7am – 2pm Weekdays and
7.30am – 2.30pm Weekends

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Goya Cafe interior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Goya Cafe interior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
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