Instea Melbourne

210 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
+61 402 428 743
$$$ Cafe
(232 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Welcome to Instea Melbourne, a delightful café located at 210 Swanston St, Melbourne, where modern flair meets traditional indulgence! This charming spot is not just a haven for bubble tea lovers but a celebration of Malaysian flavors that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Instea Melbourne specializes in an array of delectable offerings that range from their signature milk teas to innovative dessert treats. Among the must-tries is the Durian Coconut Ice Cream, a creamy, tropical concoction that elegantly balances the rich, bold flavor of durian with the refreshing taste of coconut—perfect for adventurous eaters! For those looking for something different, the Durian Caramel Ice offers a scrumptious twist on classic flavors, ensuring a taste experience you won't forget.

The Cheese Fruit Tea takes beverage innovation to another level, with options like the delightful Zhizhi Red Pomelo Tea and Zhizhi Watermelon Tea, each brimming with fruit goodness. If you're a milk tea enthusiast, the café’s acclaimed INS Cheese Milk Covered Tea is a creamy masterpiece, while the Creme Brulee Milk Tea captivates with its crispy, golden top that crackles delightfully upon sipping.

The ambiance at Instea Melbourne enhances this delightful experience. With ample seating available both downstairs and in a quieter, cozy upstairs area, you can enjoy your drinks while savoring the charming atmosphere. Customer feedback highlights a friendly and helpful staff that make beverage recommendations tailored to guests' preferences, adding a personal touch that makes you feel at home.

Regular patrons rave about the café's attention to cleanliness and the vibrant, inviting decor that beckons you to relax and enjoy. Instea Melbourne isn't just about drinks; it also offers delicious Malaysian waffles that many consider a treat worth coming back for. Whether dipped in chocolate or topped with kaya, each bite is crispy and filled with flavor—a true taste of Malaysia!

While some reviews mention the speed of service can fluctuate during busy periods, the overall experience at Instea Melbourne is one that celebrates flavor and community—a perfect combination that keeps guests returning. So come on in, bring your friends, and experience the diverse brew of flavors waiting for you at Instea Melbourne!

Contact them today at +61 402 428 743 to learn more about their latest menu offers and grab a spot for your next favorite drink!

Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Dining options
Serves dessert
Amenities
No toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

12:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

12:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

12:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 AM - 11:00 PM

232 Reviews
Saif Islam

28 Sep 2025

The bottle looks fancy, but the taste is pretty average. Good customer service was received during our visit. Upstairs seats were available and not too busy upstairs for seating. Customer loyalty cards were available for regular shoppers.

Santos Shrestha

01 Sep 2025

I recently visited a popular bubble tea shop and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their drinks. The menu had a wide range of flavours. The staff was friendly and helpful, making recommendations based on my preferences. The bubble tea itself was fantastic. I also appreciated the cleanliness and attention to detail in the shop, which made for a pleasant and comfortable experience. Overall, I would highly recommend this bubble tea shop to anyone looking for a refreshing and delicious beverage.

TeckRong Sim

16 Jul 2025

Tried the kaya butter waffle and it’s totally tastes like Malaysia one!! The kaya for me can be more coconut flavour… Will come back this spot again for other topping waffle.

Nat

12 Jul 2025

My favourite place to get good drinks and delicious Malaysian waffles!! As a Malaysian, I can confidently say that the waffles are very well made. They’re crispy and flavourful, with my favourite filling being the Nutella. Their current $10 promotion (waffle + drink) is also such a steal! I also ordered the Instea Milk Tea (as part of the set) with pearls, and it’s become one of my favourite drinks. It has the perfect sweetness, and the pearls are so chewy and delicious. Definitely worth a try! (Note: the waffles are best enjoyed hot!)

Aden18 Nguyen

08 Jul 2025

The workers were very nice but the speed of service was pretty average as the store was a little busy and there were only two workers. The drinks I ordered were good but nothing special in my opinion. The upstairs seating area was very nice and sets the store apart from other stores. One con I would say about the store is the cleanliness and organisation, I mean there was a good amount of boxes just laying around which isn’t the best for the appearance of the store.

Massimiliano Trenti

06 Jul 2025

Got a waffle at this place and it was nice. I was expecting it to be smaller and the size was definitely enough. Regarding the photo: it’s a chocolate waffle with matcha paste and fresh bananas.

Donald Lui

29 Jun 2025

Being across from the hotel I'm staying in, I just had to try them out. The store is decked out with glass flasks filled with coloured liquids. Found that really interesting, and definitely added to their attraction. Bought a Matcha Latte, and a Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea, in glass flasks. The flasks are heavier than I expected. I really like the cork and flask design though, so I'll be buying another drink tomorrow, and taking it back home to Sydney with me. The drink flavours are also pretty tasty. Definitely worth a try.

Join the Instea Melbourne Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.