Café 2nd Gen offers a distinct menu centered on high-quality matcha and bold Vietnamese coffee. The drinks highlight complex flavor profiles, ranging from earthy ube and rich sticky date to decadent tiramisu. Alongside these signature beverages, the menu includes fresh sandwiches prepared with care. The physical space creates a vibrant atmosphere, complemented by available outdoor seating and a selection of games for a relaxed environment. While certain flavor profiles lean toward sweetness, the emphasis remains on the distinct quality of the ingredients used in every cup. Each element within the space contributes to a warm, cozy setting that remains true to its core identity.
Café 2nd Gen is widely celebrated as a cozy, welcoming destination in Montreal, frequently praised for its high-quality Vietnamese coffee, authentic matcha, and unique seasonal drink combinations like ube, tiramisu, and jasmine. Visitors consistently highlight the friendly and attentive nature of the staff and ownership, noting that the atmosphere is generally great for chatting or relaxing. While the majority of patrons have exceptional experiences with the food and beverages, including favorites like the breakfast and kofta sandwiches, some note that the café can become quite crowded due to its limited seating capacity. A few reviews mention minor inconsistencies regarding service speed or ice-to-drink ratios, yet the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many customers expressing enthusiasm for the creative menu and the shop's contribution to the neighborhood.
Matcha with ube topping & Viet coffee with tiramisu topping were both so well done. In both drinks, the toppings did not overpower the drinks. The matcha was so good, not diluted, very rich & when mixed with the ube, you could still taste the matcha & the ube complimented it well. I do not like when toppings overpower the drink, so I was very happy with these drinks! Vibes were great too :)
I went to Matcha 2nd Gen Café on March 1st with friends… one of those freezing winter evenings where you just want something soft & comforting after being slapped by the wind.
The first thing I noticed was how kind the staff were. It immediately set the tone. I was served by the owner, Sarah, who answered all my questions & gave thoughtful recommendations based on my mood. I'm very indecisive when I go somewhere new because I want to try everything… which is exactly why I bring friends. More options, more tasting… don't tell them I said that. Love you girls !!
We ended up trying a few drinks:
• Matcha 2nd Gen with coconut milk (my pick)
• Iced matcha with ube topping (Farzy's pick)
• Iced salted tiramisu matcha (Jules's pick)
My favorite flavor was the ube… but I'd ask for a little less ube topping & more matcha next time since it leans a bit sweet. Still really good, just depends on your preference.
One thing I appreciated is that the matcha base actually tastes like matcha. Not overly milky, not hidden under sugar. This is not a spot for fake matcha lovers… & I mean that in the best way.
We also tried their cinnamon brioche, & that surprised me. I'm usually more of a donut person & don't go for cinnamon rolls often , but the texture was soft, balanced, & not too sweet. It was done really well.
The space itself feels thoughtful… from the drinks to the little details like games you can grab & play at your table. They were playing'With You' by Chris Breezy along with other early 2000s R&B, which added to that cozy, nostalgic feeling I love.
The café is still very new, opened about 6 months ago by Sara, her husband, & a friend, & you can feel the care in everything. They also rotate seasonal drinks, so the menu we tried was their March selection.
It ended up being one of those simple outings that just felt good. Cozy time escaping the brutal winter winds… good matcha, good energy, & a place I'd come back to when I want a emotional support matcha or Vietnamese coffee .
I'm just a foodie & travel lover who enjoys trying new places & experiences & sharing them along the way. If you like scrapbook-style posts & discovering spots like this, come hang out with me on TikTok @foxy.appetite & IG @foxyappetite 🫶
I visited Matcha 2nd Gen Café on March 1st with friends, on one of those freezing winter days where you just want something warm & comforting.
The service stood out right away. The staff were genuinely kind, & I was served by the owner, Sarah, who took the time to answer my questions & guide me through the menu based on what I felt like having. It made the whole experience feel more personal.
We tried a few drinks:
• Matcha 2nd Gen with coconut milk
• Iced matcha with ube topping
• Iced salted tiramisu matcha
The ube was my favorite flavor, but I'd recommend asking for a lighter amount of topping if you prefer something less sweet & more matcha-forward.
One thing I really appreciated is that the matcha actually tastes like matcha. It's not overly milky or sugary, which makes this a great spot for people who enjoy a more authentic flavor.
We also had the cinnamon brioche, which was soft, well-balanced, & not too sweet. I'm usually not a big cinnamon roll person, but this one was definitely worth trying.
The space is simple but thoughtful, with small details like board games available & a cozy playlist (early 2000s R&B when we visited) that adds to the overall atmosphere.
The café is still relatively new, opened about 6 months ago, & you can feel the care behind it. They also offer seasonal drinks, so the menu changes regularly.
Overall, a cozy & well-executed spot for quality matcha & a relaxed visit. I'd definitely come back.
Mar 22, 2026
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Finally had the opportunity to try this new café in downtown, & it did not disappoint. The interior is industrial-inspired, with a few seats & charging spots available. We ordered the classic Vietnamese iced coffee & the hot Matcha 2nd Gen (matcha latte with condensed milk). Both were excellent. The matcha was rich & well-whisked - perfect for those who enjoy a classic matcha taste.
If you want to try their specialty & more trendy combinations (matcha/Vietnamese coffee with foam toppings like ube or tiramisu), you will need to order the iced version instead.
Visited this cafe a few weeks ago with a friend & the girl at the counter was lovely, she offered us a sample of the toppings before we ordered. The matcha was delicious & the place was very nice. Will revisit again soon!
J'ai pris le ube matcha & mon copain a pris le café vietnamien avec un topping de crème brulé. Les deux boissons étaient excellentes! Le service était aussi 10/10 & super rapide.
