Tucked away in the heart of Newmarket in Auckland, Blackdrop Eatery is one of those cafés that feels instantly comforting the moment you walk through the door. Known for its matcha, homemade flavours, thoughtful atmosphere, and kind-hearted hospitality, Blackdrop has become a place where calm, creativity, and community meet.

We sat down with the founder, Ana, to learn more about the story behind Blackdrop, the inspiration that fuels their daily rhythm, and how matcha has become the highlight of the menu, surpassing coffee sales at times.

About You & Blackdrop

What inspired you to start Blackdrop, and what do you hope people feel when they visit?
I’ve always loved cafés. The smell, the vibe, everything. But I wanted to create one that felt a little different smaller, more personal, and full of homemade goodness. When people walk into Blackdrop, I just want them to feel calm, welcome, and happy to be there.

What’s your go-to dish or drink at Blackdrop?
Right now, I’m loving our rolls and buns. Me and my team are always tasting and creating new flavours together. It’s the best part of what we do.

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
I love quiet moments, visiting new local cafés, taking a short drive somewhere full of plants, or just spending time in nature. Those moments always help me recharge and find new inspiration.

Has your background shaped how you run Blackdrop?
Yes, a lot. I really value honesty. I don’t like when things happen behind my back. So at Blackdrop, we treat each other like friends more than employer and employee. I’ve built everything on trust, kindness, and honesty. I give that to people every day, and I hope to receive it back the same way.

Any cafés or places that inspire you?
Raven & Cook was one of my all-time favourites. I worked there a long time ago before it closed, and the owners really inspired me with the way they treated people. I still carry that same spirit into Blackdrop, and even today, she continues to support me in my journey.

What do you love most about running Blackdrop?
Baking new things and sharing them with our regulars. I love hearing their feedback and seeing familiar faces come back that’s the best feeling.

Matcha & The Menu

When you’re choosing new ingredients for the café, what matters most to you?
Taste and quality always come first. I want every flavour to feel genuine, not just trendy.

Have you noticed your customers leaning more towards the classics like matcha lattes, or are they into trying creative twists?
Most people still love the classics. Our matcha latte is definitely a favourite, but recently more customers are getting curious and open to new ideas. At the café we make matcha more than a coffee alternative, so we get a lot of questions about the matcha menu.

Are there any kinds of matcha drinks or desserts you’ve been curious to try at Blackdrop but haven’t had the chance yet?
I’d love to experiment more with matcha sweets things like cakes or brownies. But I’ve noticed many of our customers get a bit shy when they see something so green! Maybe I’ll start adding them slowly to the menu. My next challenge is to bring more hojicha options too. It’s such a beautiful flavour that deserves more love.

Looking ahead, are there new things you’d love to bring into Blackdrop’s menu or atmosphere where matcha might play a role?
Definitely. I’d love to explore more seasonal drinks and desserts with matcha, and maybe host small tasting events, workshops, or even pop-ups so people can experience it in new ways. There are so many creative things we can make from it to suit everyone’s tastes. I have lots of ideas and can’t wait to share them with everyone soon.

A Shared Taste for Care

At Thea Matcha, we believe cafés like Blackdrop represent the heart of what makes Auckland's scene so special thoughtful spaces, honest ingredients, and genuine connection.

Blackdrop Eatery’s love for craft and community mirrors the way we see matcha not just as a drink, but as a moment of calm and creativity. Whether you’re stopping by for your favourite homemade sweet or savoury roll, a cup of specialty matcha, or simply to pause for a moment, Blackdrop has got you sorted.