The Finest Iced Mango Matcha Latte at Stae Café in Markham

I’ve been itching to get back into café-hopping for a while now. Ever since the pandemic hit, I’ve scaled back on my visits to cafés. A ritual that used to be a weekly affair for me. There’s something about the vibe of a cozy café. Sipping on a unique drink, and soaking in the ambiance just speaks to my soul. With so many new cafés like Stae Café popping up in the Greater Toronto Area over the past few years, I decided it was time to indulge myself again.

First Impressions: Aesthetic Appeal

One of the cafés that had been on my radar for a while is Stae Café, nestled in Markham, Ontario. Their Mango Matcha piqued my interest, a drink that has been making waves on Instagram. The combination of mango and matcha sounded intriguing, and I just had to see what the buzz was about. Let me tell you, it was surprisingly delicious—a perfect balance of sweet and earthy flavours.

Parking was hassle-free, with street parking nearby, and best of all, it was free.

As I stepped inside, the first thing that caught my eye were the marble tables. For me, marble tables are always a good sign—they signal a café with a refined, and elegant aesthetic.

Stae Café certainly lived up to that expectation. The interior is chic and modern, with an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

However, one minor drawback was the seating arrangement. The tables were quite close to one another, which made it easy to overhear other people’s conversations. Though this is common in many cafés, consider bringing a pair of headphones if you plan to work or need some personal space.

Menu Highlights: Beyond the Basics

Stae Café’s menu is a delightful mix of classic and creative offerings. In addition to the famous Mango Matcha, which I highly recommend, they have a range of other drinks that cater to both traditional coffee lovers and those looking for something a little different. Like their seasonal Coconut Espresso and Spanish latte.

Stae Café also offers a selection of pastries and light bites. I enjoyed their classic Butter Croissant but their Ube French Toast is a must-try, combining custard flavours with pistachio, coconut and french mint. They also serve Poké Toast with toasted sourdough, avocado, salmon poke, spicy mayo, pickled ginger, green onion, cucumbe,r radish, furikake and soy marinaged egg—a combination that looks as tasty as it is Instagram-worthy.

The Work-Friendly Factor

If you’re thinking of using Stae Café as a workspace, here are a few things to keep in mind. While the café provides free Wi-Fi, I didn’t find any easily accessible electrical outlets, so be sure to come with fully charged devices. The space is cozy, but the close seating might be a bit distracting if you need to concentrate. Nevertheless, the relaxed ambiance makes it a great spot for light work, reading, or simply enjoying a leisurely coffee break.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Visit

Stae Café is definitely worth a visit, whether you’re a local or just passing through Markham. It’s a place that balances aesthetic charm with a menu that offers something for everyone. While it’s not the ideal spot if you’re looking for complete solitude or need to charge your laptop, the delicious drinks and beautiful setting make up for it.

If you’re in the area and looking for a new café to explore, Stae Café should be on your list. Whether you’re there for the Instagrammable Mango Matcha or just need a cozy place to unwind, you’re in for a treat.