Nestled in the heart of Footscray, 1997 Milktea and Dessert is a charming Vietnamese-inspired coffee shop that offers a uniquely indulgent experience for tea and dessert enthusiasts alike. Located at 28 Irving St, this delightful hidden gem beckons locals and visitors with its thoughtfully crafted menu centered around rich, creamy milkteas and expertly prepared teas topped with luscious cream cheese foam.
The moment you step inside, the warm, inviting ambiance instantly transports you to an authentic Vietnamese locale, reflecting genuine local charm through both decor and service. With limited seating, the space feels intimate and cozy—a perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon treat or a casual catch-up over a comforting beverage.
The true highlight, however, lies in their exquisite menu. Tea lovers will be captivated by the variety of Tea With Cream Cheese options such as the fragrant Oolong Tea Cream Cheese, the delicately floral Jasmine Tea Cream Cheese, and the distinctive Golden Lotus Tea (Trà Sen Vàng), each priced at A$10.50. The smooth, velvety cream cheese topping perfectly balances the subtle aromas and nuanced flavors of the brew beneath, creating a harmonious dance of textures and tastes.
For those craving the classic comfort of flavored milktea, the Milktea Cream Cheese selection is equally impressive. Standout choices include the robust Ceylon Milktea Cream Cheese, the elegantly fragrant Oolong Milktea Cream Cheese, and the unique 1997 Milktea Cream Cheese signature blend, all serving up a luxurious fusion of bold tea flavors with the creamy-rich topping, delivering a sublime indulgence in every sip.
Deserving special mention are the Brulee drinks—the Brulee Milktea and the Brulee Cream Fresh Milk (both A$12.00)—which elevate traditional milktea to a decadent new level. The caramelized sugar topping adds a delicate crisp contrast to the creamy, smooth layers beneath, making for a treat that’s irresistible to both the eyes and the palate.
Customers sing praises of the authentic homemade taro creations, as noted by Mel K, who especially cherishes the matcha taro milk tea’s perfect balance of sweetness and texture, with generous mini taro balls enhancing every mouthful. This attention to detail and quality is echoed throughout the menu, ensuring that every drink shines with freshness and rich flavors.
Beyond the exceptional beverages, the attentive and friendly staff stand out as a key part of the 1997 Milktea experience. Guests frequently highlight the warm, patient service that makes choosing from the extensive menu a pleasure rather than a rush—an experience that adds a heartfelt human touch to every visit. The genuine kindness and dedication of the team, as described by several patrons, makes the café feel like a welcoming local haven where you’re more than just a customer.
Whether you’re in need of a refreshing pick-me-up with the vibrant Golden Lotus Tea, a strong and creamy Vietnamese coffee to jumpstart your day, or a decadent brulee milktea to unwind, 1997 Milktea and Dessert offers an authentic taste journey infused with passion, quality, and the comforting spirit of community. For anyone seeking a distinctive and satisfying tea experience in Footscray, this cozy café is an absolute must-visit.
Contact them at +61 422 989 888 and discover why many are already making 1997 Milktea and Dessert their weekend go-to for flavors that linger long after the last sip.
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Mel K
10/12/2025
Such a hidden gem for taro lover in the bubble tea store. Taro made in house and taste so good. The match taro milk tea is really good. Not too sweet and had strong matcha flavour with many taro paste and mini taro balls. Very nice in taste and texture. Will come back on weekends to try other dessert. This store had limited table seats. Staff is very nice. The whole store is very local Vietnamese flavors. They also have native Vietnamese milk option to bubble tea too. Very interesting. Very convenient with public transport. It is just next to train station and tram stop. Parking also available nearby
A Akai
28/11/2025
My husband and I visited this café today during afternoon and were truly impressed by the lovely service we received from the girl who served us. She was incredibly kind, patient, and helpful. We took quite a bit of time deciding on our drinks, but she was so polite and never made us feel rushed. Instead, she helped us choose with a warm smile and genuine care. She was also suggesting us, giving many options. I wish I knew her name she truly made our visit special. It was clear she had been working hard all day, yet her attitude remained so positive and kind. Great service like this is rare and deserves to be recognised. Thank you for such a lovely experience
Jyoti Chhantyal
26/10/2025
The guy who served me today was super nice and friendly. The place was super cute, and the drinks were delicious. Highly recommended!
Adam Creyton
25/10/2025
Was craving bingsu, and this hidden gem conveniently located opposite the station didn't disappoint! You can taste the premium ingredients with a rich, creamy, soft shaved ice, that's perfectly sweet. The matcha is also high quality and super flavourful. The value and portion size is amazing for the price! And the cosy little interior makes the wait well worth it. Definitely be back to try the rest of the flavours
Tuyền Huỳnh
27/08/2025
- Their golden lotus tea is refreshing, not too sweet - Their 1997 bubble tea has a rich tea tase with a creamy flavor, but still not too sweet - Vietnamese coffee with fresh milk is so good and strong, it might help if you need a drink to wake you up. - Staff is friendly and nice
Felishious “Felishious”
26/08/2025
Love this place! Multiple times come here for their bubble tea. The service is just as good as the drinks! I was served by Mei (don’t know how to spell it) and she was honestly so nice. Even though they close at 8:30 PM, I showed up at 9:05 while she was cleaning, and she still took the time to make my order. Super friendly and hardworking—I really appreciate that kind of service. Definitely coming back!