Overseas – Melbourne – DanielFoodDiary.com

[Melbourne, Australia] Cupcake Central is Melbourne’s better known cupcake shop. Located just outside the dining hall at Melbourne Central, I felt like Alice lost in Cupcakewonderland just looking at the pretty little pinky things.

You would wish you had that extra tummy to stuff in the black velvet, vanilla vanilla, devil’s food chocolate, raspberry white chocolate, citrus lemon and cherry pistachio cupcakes.

And if you think only clothes have seasonal styles, Cupcake Central always offers new creations to go with the holidays and times (like an Autumn collection). Are you salivating already?

With a slogan like “Hatch that dream”, this café and bakery is the story of an IT consultant Sheryl Thai who was inspired by the infamous Magnolia Bakery at New York, set up an online business, and eventually achieved that dream. A constant reminder that we should always pursue our dreams, and nothing should stop us.

The Salted Caramel Cupcake (AUD$4.00) was all fluffy-sweet-delicious. The light cream cheese frosting makes it one of the best ever tasted. If only the cake was more luxurious.

Perhaps the luxurious component went to the Hot Chocolate (AUD$3.30). With melted chocolate shavings on top, this is easily the most satisfying chocolate drink I had in a long time. Okay, make that the best ever.

Learn from my mistakes. Leave more room for more of their delectable cupcakes. Don’t just have one.

Cupcake Central Workshop
Level 2, Dining Hall, Melbourne Central, City VIC 3000, Australia Tel: +61 03 9077 4542
Another Café at Shop 7, 672 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn VIC 3122
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs 10:00am – 7pm, Fri 10:00am – 9:00pm, Sat & Sun 10:00am – 6:00pm

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[Melbourne, Australia] You can almost walk past and miss Journal, but thanks to 4Squares, I found one of the most excellent cafes at Flinders. I would call this the ‘Library Cafe’ as it is housed within the City Library and Council of Education building.

There is no obvious sign that there is a vibrant café right behind these dark yellow walls, but yellow words spelling “Journal” on its glass windows. Go in through the sliding door at the side.

The dark interior looks like it can be a club at night. Yet there is a strong feeling of reading room charm here. And its crowd – tertiary students reading their texts, executives grabbing a cuppa, and business people having quick meetings – makes this the place to people watch. Or you can choose a seat by the window looking out Flinders Street.

The Journal Café downstairs serves great coffee and simple fare which you can check on its blackboard; while the Canteen upstairs offer simple Italian style cuisines and New York Delis.

Amidst the great breakfasts, salads, bruschetta, and specials, I had an egg and ham roll which was more than what I expected. This tastes better than it looks – fluffy bun which is a delight and goes easy on the teeth.

The ham and cheese croissant with its buttery fragrance, is an example of how you can make simple things taste delicious and right.

And its coffee is better than good. This café has all the right energy. Journal is an absolute charmer.

Journal
253 Flinders Lane (Near Degraves Street) Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (Nearby Stations: Flinders St),Tel: +61 3 9650 4399
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri (7am – 9pm), Sat-Sun (7am-6pm)

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[Melbourne, Australia] Spanish food was never really in my food radar, perhaps because I never tried anything exceptional here, until MoVida.

Winning awards like Two Chef’s Hat in The Age Good Food Guide Awards and the Dish of the Year for its Cecina, you need to book extremely early (say a month) for MoVida.

Fortunately, my friend Stragen residing in Melbourne booked MoVida Aqui. He is a lawyer, who probably tried everything good in Melbourne, and was also looking forward to its virgin visit to the famed restaurant.

This 3rd installment of the MoVida family occupies a much bigger space by the dome of the Melbourne Supreme Court. And the ambience is exhilarating.

Not trying to exaggerate too much, the inside is what I imagined a real Spanish restaurant to look like – fire pit in the middle, chefs cooking right before you, and personalities of every sort having a drink. It is an energetic happy place. Or a freaking awesome place!

The menu which has words like “Para Empezar”, “A La Parrilla”, “Verduras” and “Arroces” did not make much sense to me. But the bubbly waitress was sprouting out every recommendation and must-haves as though she is my much-needed friend.

I did not know what made me order my most expensive prawns ever. The Gamba Con Sobrasada (AUD$8.50) was so ridiculously delicious that I felt good parting SGD$11.05 for ONE smoked prawn.

Another must-have is the Arroz Ahumado (AUD$29.50) – smoked wet rice with duck shanks and duck ragu. The duck meat was tender delicious, and you could actually taste the quality of the rice. It was Paella in its very delicious form. My friend subsequently spent his next 5 meals in Melbourne eating rice hoping to find that same taste. He didn’t.

Every dish from the Cured Pork Loin Truffle Salami (AUD$28.50), Fig Salad (AUD$17.00) and Calamari Sandwich ($7.00) was nothing short of brilliant.

The recommended desserts are the Flan ($14.50) crème caramel served with pestinos and Spanish Churros ($12.50) with rich chocolate you can dip into. Or drink the whole cup like I did.

A wonderful Spanish meal. “Muchas gracias” to my friend Stragen and the team at MoVida!

MoVida Aqui
Level 1, 500 Bourke Street, city (access via Little Bourke Street), Melbourne Australia Tel:+61 3 9663 3038
Reserve Online
Opening Hours: 12pm – Late (Mon-Fri), 5pm – Late (Sat)

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[Melbourne, Australia] Fitzroy is one of the inner city suburbs of Melbourne you should visit if the arts, galleries, live performances, pubs, indie shops and cafes call out to your name.

God must have planned me to eat at Birdman Eating because I was looking on the map for this shop ranked #50 out of 2416 restaurants in TripAdvisor, only to realize the car was parked right in front.

Birdman Eating (nevermind the shop name sounds offensive in Hokkien) is quite a breakfast and brunch place, somewhat like a hole in the wall café with an ambience which makes you feel like you are a time traveler back to the 90s.

You won’t miss the blackboard which jots down some of their specialties, such as Birdman’s Baked Eggs (AUD$14) with choices such as pork, lemongrass & ginger, and chilli beef & beans. Their coffee is excellent stuff too.

The chicken, mushroom & tarragon Baked Eggs comes served in a hot iron plate, with a toast and slab of butter. This is one of those things I would say is “Super crazy good” .

It IS super crazy good – warm creamy sauce flowing on soft rice with chunks of chicken. Definitely a sight when you poke into the egg yolk and it overflows all over, coating the mushrooms and rice. Yummy decadence.

The honey roasted root vegies & fetta did not impress my friend though – too healthy tasting perhaps. I enjoyed it too! If sweet carrots and soft potatoes in egg are your kind of stuff too – go for it.

Birdman Eating
238 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia Tel: +61 3 9416 4747
Opening Hours: 7am – 10:30pm (Mon-Fri), Sat-Sun (8am – 10:30pm)

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[Melbourne, Australia] Some say a visit to Melbourne is not complete without a trip to Brunetti – the Italian café famed for its cakes, gelatos, chocolates, crepes and coffees.

You may say there is already a Brunetti at Singapore’s Tanglin Mall, but trust me, they are really quite different.

While there are branches in Melbourne’s City Square, Camberwell, Fitzroy and Myer, the one to visit is at the iconic Carlton near Lygon Street, one of its most original locations.

The moment I stepped in, I went “wah-wah-mamma-mia”, and was immediately greeted by the high and mighty Profiterole right at the display, along with other mouth-watering desirable cakes that makes you go “Dear Profiterole, I want to savour you!”

The café is spacious and grand, like a supermarket, just that all your products are uncountable desserts and gelatos. I went up and down, not knowing even where to start. It was buzzing with energy and crowds – and spotted nuns lost in their desserts.

On one side is the Paninoteca savoury selection selling Italian savouries including panini, focaccia, bruschetta, fresh salads, savoury croissants and crepes, flat savouries, and pizza a taglio.

The food, such as my Lasagna and Insalata Di Proscuitto (AUD$13.90) wild rocket salad is decent, but I think you would have much wider and authentic options at “The Italian” Lygon Street just steps away.

Just how much better are the cakes at Melbourne’s Brunetti compared to Singapore’s?

On the left is Singapore’s version at Tanglin Mall (for real), and on the right is Carlton’s with chouz pastries filled zabaglione cream coated with overflowing generous dark chocolate ganache (AUD$7.90). Same same but different. Do you feel slightly… ‘cheated’ now?

The Lemon Brulee Tart ($6.50) – a shortbread base filled with a tangy lemon custard and topped with a fired sugar crust, is part sweet part sour that would give you a dessert awakening.

Brunetti Cakes began trading at the Faraday street location in 1985. The Angelé family acquired the business in 1991 and transformed the lovely café that it was into a truly authentic roman Pasticceria.

They are also delighted to announce that the Brunetti café is moving back to its original home and will be located at 380 Lygon Street, Carlton from mid 2012.

Brunetti Carlton
194 – 204 Faraday Street, Carlton Vic 3053, Melbourne Australia, Tel: +61 03 9347 2801
Opening Hours: 6am–11pm (Sun-Thurs), 6am-12am (Fri-Sat)

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[Victoria, Australia] For any of my friends traveling to Melbourne, I would tell them to leave at least a day or two aside for the Great Ocean Road. A magnificent sight and a must-visit.

One of the highlights is the iconic Twelve Apostles, which well, may (just saying “may”) be renamed to “Seventeen Apostles” after the discovery of five extra limestone columns hidden deep beneath the ocean.

The five newly-found “Apostles” which is around 6km offshore from the current twelve, have an average height of almost 5m compared with the average 45m.

A self-drive or day trip from Melbourne city to the Great Ocean Road will promise you a scenic drive of gorgeous coastal scenery and beautiful landscapes of the legendary formations of the Twelve Apostles.

Let’s not forget about the food and wine – from the freshest seafood, award winning ice creams, cheese, chocolates and pastries, all found in the different restaurants and cafes you will drive past. If you are looking for a gourmet trail.

A possible one-day drive itinerary can include
– A leisure drive of about an hour from Melbourne to Torquay, known for its surf beaches.
– May stop at nearby Anglesea and take a detour to the golf course, famous for kangaroos roaming around.
– Or stop at Bells Beach, which is home to the world’s longest running surfing competition.
– Coastal town of Apollo Bay (or Lorne) for a delicious lunch of fresh Fish and Chips (Melbourne to Apollo Bay takes about 3 hours).
– Visit iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse.
– Upon reaching the 12 Apostles, explore the Port Campbell National Park to view the famous rock stacks.
– Loch Ard Gorge for a stroll along this historic beach known as the ‘Shipwreck Coast’.
– Seaside village of Port Campbell to stop for an afternoon coffee.

Offshore Café – Anglesea Shopping Village
Shop 16, 87-89 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, Victoria Australia , Tel: +61 3 5263 3644

The seaside town of Anglesea is between the coastal towns of Torquay and Aireys Inlet. This was a short stop at the Anglesea Shopping Village where there were about 7 to 8 shops, some selling surf wear and souvenirs. Had a chicken pie at Offshore Café. Never really had a bad pie in Australia, really.

Apollo Bay Seafood Café
119 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria Australia, Tel: +61 3 5237 6008

Apollo Bay is a major stop for many on a Great Ocean Road Tour, renowned for beaches and water adventure activities. Many of the restaurants such as The Vista Seafood Restaurant, The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op, Sandy Feet Cafe, Chill @ the Bay, are known for their fish and crustaceans caught by area fisherman.

I chose to dine at Apollo Bay Seafood Café, a no-fuss no-frills restaurant famous for their fish and chips.

Price is inexpensive (at least to me) and portions are big, with varieties such as Butterfish (AUD$6.00), Barramundi (AUD $8.00), Prawns (AUD $2.00) and Scallops (AUD $1.80). A Fish and Chip Pack with 2 Blue Grenadier, potato cakes and crab sticks is quite a value at AUD $18.00.

You can have your seafood grilled (all fish is dusted in rice flour only) or batter-fried on the spot. Loved the Fish and Chips and Scallops, lightly battered, crispy yet non-greasy, all fresh and tasty.

Dooleys Ice Cream – The Ice Cream Tub
89 Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay Australia Victoria 3233 Tel: +61 3 5237 7581

The weather was cold and I was craving for ice cream. (Ice cream during autumns and winters are fab.) When I walked into this Ice Cream Tub shop, I was astonished to see the number of awards framed up and hanging on the wall.

Turned out that this Dooley’s Licorice Ice Cream was named Champion Ice Cream at Dairy Australia’s 2013 Australian Grand Dairy Awards (AGDA), and also received the inaugural Premier’s Trophy at the 2010 Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards.

This ice cream is made daily on the premises by Dooley Milner and his daughter, churning out 300 litres of ice cream every 24 hours. It was one of the best ice cream I ever had in my life! Get the Premium Honey Malt Ice Cream, rich in flavours, smooth in texture, with creaminess that would leave you lingering for more.

If you are up for some vineyard life, two wine regions are situated at either end of the Great Ocean Road – the Geelong and the Henty wine regions.

The Great Ocean Road self-drive is indeed one of world’s great coastal road trips, with breath-taking views and mouth-watering local delicacies.

*This entry is brought to you by Tourism Australia. Celebrating Australian Food with Tourism Australia. To find out more, check out the best of Australian road trips.

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[Melbourne] From the folks behind the one of Melbourne’s top cafes Top Paddock is The Kettle Black – yet another café which has entered that list.

With beach-like umbrellas and green plants against a white terrace house on the outside, the lush setting already sets the mood: I want to enter this café.

But hold up and join the queue first.

Good thing is the wait was considerably fast since the café had a huge space. The three of us went at 10am and waited for about 40 minutes before getting a table indoors. The advice is to head down as early as possible to beat the line.

Interior-wise, this café was a dream, not just for those lovers of anything white but also for all café goers.

It was hard not to fall in love at first sight with the gold accented furniture, hipster tiled floor, marble bar, floor-to-ceiling windows… everything in general.

For coffee, you can expect either filter coffee made using Small Batch beans, or espresso made using Five Senses’ house blend.

And then there is the Hotcake with Ricotta, Blueberries, Pure Maple, Double Cream & Seeds (AUD18, SGD$17.85), rumoured to possibly be the best ricotta hotcake amongst cafés round the globe.
If you ask me if it is true, as of now.

It boasted the right amount of fluffiness and airiness and moisture especially since the bottom is drenched with the right amount of maple syrup.

With their pronounced crunch, the seeds and nuts were an added dimension to the hotcake. You could also find blueberries infused within.

Unfortunately the cured wallaby for our Chili Scrambled Eggs with Cured Flinders Island Wallaby, Feta & Leaves (AUD18, SGD$17.85) was sold out (at 10am!) and we had to settle for chorizo as replacement instead.

The scrambled eggs were not exactly spicy, but the chili flakes did give the scrambled eggs an added seasoning. And the best part of the eggs is definitely the creaminess.

After all the meh plates of scrambled eggs in Singapore, this felt like bliss.

A safe option we had was the Benedict Style Eggs with Braised Pork Shoulder & Aerated Hollandaise (AUD17, SGD$16.85).

We had nothing to complain about the poached eggs which had firm whites yet flowy, orangey yolks.
The aerated hollandaise was light and had good balance of sweet and salty. If only the tender braised pork could be a tad juicier.

Despite the horde of people we saw queuing outside, there was no pressure to leave at all from both staff and diners.

So go ahead, indulge guiltlessly in a leisurely breakfast/brunch/lunch. Just do not be the pot that calls the kettle black.

The Kettle Black
50 Albert Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Tel: +61 03 9088 0721
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7am – 4pm, Sat – Sun 8am – 4pm
http://www.thekettleblack.com.au/
Google Maps – The Kettle Black

* Written by Crystal Wee. Check out her gorgeous instagram feed at @crystal_wee. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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[Melbourne] Possibly the most raved about bakery in Melbourne, Lune Croissanterie has humble beginnings as a “tiny, nondescript, hole-in-the-wall” pastry shop.

It has moved to a huge warehouse space in Fitzroy, a well-known café district in the city.

Pretty impressive is the industrial space itself. It holds a temperature-controlled glass cube where pastries are prepared, a coffee bar, benches for you to dine in-house and lots of free space still.

Here, you start to truly appreciate capaciousness.

If you’ve heard of Lune, you would’ve heard of their long queues, even ahead of the store’s opening at 7.30am (on weekdays) and 8am (on weekends).

They were slated to close at 3pm but fact is that most items get sold out by 10am each day. When I finally reached the counter at 9.30am on my day of visit, I said straightaway “One of each of everything remaining.”

Needless to say, the original Croissant (AUD5.5) sells out the fastest. The croissant here is buttery with a touch of savoury, which is a good thing.

My favourite part of it is the crisp, flakey layers of pastry which flaked endlessly. It stayed true to the traditional French flavour.

Sadly the Almond Croissant (AUD8.5) was sold out by the time I got there, so I tried the two remaining flavoured croissants instead.

Both the Macadamia & Salted Caramel Croissant (Macca Sacca) and Mocha Croissant I had were seasonal so you would expect different flavours regularly. Think Coconut Pandan, Sticky Date Pudding, Shaker Lemon Pie…

I thoroughly enjoyed the Mocha Croissant though it turned out sweeter than expected.

The croissant is filled with a luscious dark chocolate ganache and espresso and hazelnut frangipane that may be overbearing after several bites for some. For the sweet tooth in me, the thick and smooth filling was sinfully good.

Apart from croissants, the other must-try is their Kouign Amann (AUD6). There is a distinct crunch as you bite into the layers of laminated dough, and the interior is sweet but not overly caramelized.

This is on par with their croissants I felt.

Fun fact: Did you know that the cruffin is first known to be created by owner Kate Reid of Lune?

The cruffin trend has yet to take the Singapore food scene by storm, but at Lune, the croissant-muffin hybrid has been highly experimented with. I got all three flavours on sale – the Lemon Curd Cruffin (AUD7), Peanut Butter & Jam Cruffin (AUD7) and Kaya Cruffin (AUD7).

Our favourite was the Lemon Curd that is made with house made lemon curd, citrus sugar and candied lemon zest. Compared to the croissant, the cruffin is more densely layered.

The tartness of the lemon curd core is refreshing after all that butter and sugar.

For savoury pastries, you might want to try the Ham & Gruyere (AUD8.5) – a croissant baked fresh with a filling of shaved ham, Swiss gruyere and seeded mustard.

Otherwise, the Reuben (AUD9) which consists of pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and topped with a pickled cornichon is also a good option.

This is as close you can get to traditional pastries in France. While the pastries are not that cheap, we no longer have to fly to Europe for those goodies.

Lune Croissanterie
119 Rose Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9419 2320
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 3:00pm (Mon, Thu, Fri), 8:00am – 3:00pm (Sun, Sat), Closed Tues, Wed
http://www.lunecroissanterie.com
Google Maps – Lune Croissanterie

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* Written by Crystal Wee. More of her gallery on Instagram @Crystal_wee. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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[Melbourne] The café scene has been evolving in Melbourne. Known to be the city which serve one of the best (sorry, the best) 3rd wave coffee in the world, there has been shift in some cafes from coffee-centric, to emphasis in brunch and trendy food items.

One of the most visits, especially if you are tight for time, is Higher Ground.

Once you enter Higher Ground at 650 Little Bourke Street, you would realise this is a different ballgame all together.

Literally another level of café, or “high level” – as how my hipster foodie friends would term.

Higher Ground is brought to you by the same team (Nathan Toleman and Sarah Foletta husband and wife team) behind Top Paddock and The Kettle Black, known for their avocado on toast and gorgeous Ricotta Hotcakes.

Melbourne’s coolest café in the CBD is converted from a heritage-listed 19th-century power station.

When I walked in, even though I have seen Instagram pictures, there was literally a “wow” moment.

Open space and a 15 metre high ceiling, exposed brickwall, abundant planting, natural sunlight, and a semi-open kitchen sits behind.

The staff members are stylish, the energy is upbeat, and tables are frequently full.

This can be a place to date, hang out with friends, to have casual meetings. Upstairs is where you want to be if you want to be more cosy, and people-watch below.

During day time, you get photogenic pieces (ie good for Instagram) from Mango and Coconut Chia, Buffalo Yoghurt, Mint and Lemon Balm ($17.50) to that famed Ricotta Hotcake ($21.00).

Savoury brunch items included Spiced Cauliflower, Scrambled Eggs on Housemade Flat Bread ($19.50), Benedict Eggs, Dry Cured Ham, Emmental Bearnaise on Sourdough ($20.50) to Steamed Market Fish ($26.00) and other small plate items.

Coffee’s roasted by Square One Coffee Roasters, and you get Lune Croissanterie’spastries as well.

In Australia where many shops close relatively early, Higher Ground is opened till about 11pm during the Thursday to Saturday weekends.

As for the signature Ricotta Hotcakes ($21.00) in which some cafes in Singapore have also got their inspiration from (em, or copied?), it deserves its fame.

Sprinkled with seeds and grains for that crunch, flowers for aesthetic purposes, the texture was fluffy like a soft cake, drizzled with a touch of maple syrup for that distinct sweetness.

It was so pretty I felt happy eating it.

Portion could be big. I finished about a quarter and was fully satisfied.

I liked it, but do I want to have it again? This, I am not too sure. (By the way, I had another at Top Paddock, and happened to like it more at Higher Ground.)

A cafe of another level all together. Located within a power station, sorry for the pun, vibes are truly energetic.

Higher Ground Melbourne
650 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Tel: 03 8899 6219
Opening Hours: 7am–4pm (Mon – Wed), 7am–late (Thu – Fri), 8am–late (Sat), 8am–4pm (Sun)
Google Maps – Higher Ground Melbourne

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[Melbourne] If you need a good cup of coffee within Melbourne’s CBD, make your way to Brother Baba Budan. The other favourite is Patricia’s Brew.

It was not only the name that attracted me (one of my nickname is actually BBB in short), but that several of my coffee devotee friends have recommended this coffee shop.

The café is part of the Seven Seeds, which is a micro roaster, retailer with other cafes, including Seven Seeds Café at Carlton and Traveller.

Brother Baba Budan took its name from the Sufi who smuggled seven seeds of fertile coffee from Yemen to India during the 17th century.

This was to pay tribute to the guy who took coffee to other parts of the world.

Finding the café wasn’t hard, conveniently located on Little Bourke Street. (If it helps, Melbourne Central and Emporium are a 7-10 minutes short walk away.) This is a coffee focused place, though there are some pastries offered at the counter.

There will always be a good of people getting their takeaways, though it is not uncommon to find others crowding around the single communal table or at the tiny bar behind.

It is really a take and go place.

The house coffee is from the Seven Seeds blend, and they offer the usual range of Espresso, Shorty, Long Black (all $4), and cold brews of Iced Latte ($4.30), Affogato ($6) and Iced Mocha ($6.50).

Even though I had a number of cafés to cover under my ‘bucket list’, I actually came here twice.

I thought the coffee was strong yet smooth in a non-threatening way.

Easy to consume without any sharp bitterness, balanced without any ‘weird’ notes that you might get from coffee back home.

A friend commented that some cafes in Melbourne might be overly hipster just for the sake of Instagram, but lost some of its character at the same time. Brother Baba Budan on the other hand, still retains its personality.

Brother Baba Budan
359 Little Bourke Street Melbourne 3000
Tel: +61 03 9347 8664
Opening Hours: 7:00am – 5:00pm (Mon – Sat), 9:00am – 5:00pm (Sun)
Google Maps – Brother Baba Budan

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[Melbourne] Melbourne a years ago and now, is considerably different in terms of café culture.

The good coffee is still a given. Though the infiltration of ‘hipster cafes’ and brunch places, along with social media creating the demand of Instagrammable-food, are fuels of these changes.

Top Paddock must be one of the frontrunners of this trend, with the team subsequently bringing us the popular The Kettle Black and Higher Ground.

So I went full of expectations, having heard so much about their Top Paddock poached eggs, chorizo, bacon and relish on toast ($22.00), Avocado on sourdough toast ($15.50), and Blueberry and Ricotta Hotcakes ($21.00).

You can also get some of Lune Croissanterie’s pastries here, with their croissant sandwich with Qld King Prawns with iceberg Lettuce ($24.00).

What I noticed about the interior was that there were varying spaces, yet all with the consistent natural sunlight meets greenery concept.

Alert: Great place for those instagram shots and #OOTD.

You can sit by the long bench by the coffee station, on the round marble tables at the side, choose an outdoor area for a more garden feel, or the front section to people-watch.

The advantage is, they do have quite a bit of space to play with.

The Blueberry and Ricotta Hotcake ($21.00) with berries, maple syrup, seeds and cream is a must-have for a maiden trip – just for token sake.

However, you can probably choose to focus on other all-day items if you do come subsequently.

It deserves its fame, based on the presentation. People do get happy just looking at the hotcake, added with the dozens of photos.

Perhaps due to the over-drenching of maple syrup, some parts of the sponge got rather sweet, and might be hard to go beyond a quarter. No problems if you come with a group of friends to share this.

My Chilli Scrambled Eggs with Otway Shittake Mushrooms and Goat’s Curd on Toast ($19.50, add bacon $4.00) wasn’t particularly impressive though.

The addition of chilli gave that subtle punch, the goat’s curd gave a varying texture, though the egg itself could have been creamier and fluffier. Slightly disappointing.

Since its opening, Top Paddock has sealed its fate to be one of Melbourne’s to-visit hipster café. Perhaps I came with higher and high expectations, and also expected more.

However, the cool vibes, chill-out environment and personable service continue to make this tick.

Top Paddock
658 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia
Tel: +61 03 9429 4332
Opening Hours: 7am – 4pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 4pm (Sat – Sun)
Google Maps – Top Paddock

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[Melbourne] In the middle of Melbourne city perpendicular to Lonsdale Street (and Little Lonsdale Street) is Hardware Lane which is flourishing with cafes.

If you intend to do some café-hopping, this could be the place.

One café however, seemed to have pulled in more of the crowd than others.

The Hardware Société is never short of travellers visiting, that it could take anything from 20 minutes to half an hour to get some seats. Especially if you arrive in the large group.

Yet, its exterior didn’t seem far from ordinary.

Its interior was brightly donned with colourful butterfly wallpapers and light wooden furniture.

However, the hardcore instagrammers would take the seats outside where natural sunlight would shine under good weather conditions, you could people watch (or be watched), and brunch items placed on marble tables.

Donald Trump alert. Look up and you would spot a graffiti that could make your day or conversations.

Food is considered French meets Spanish, given the Australian twist, with Head Chef Jean Paul Dargan dedicated to using seasonal produce.

Favourites include Baked Eggs (AUD$19), Fried Brioche (AUD$18), Lobster Benedict (AUD$26), Pork Belly and Fried Eggs (AUD$25), and Duck Confit (AUD$25).

People do come for their Baked Eggs (AUD$19), available in either a vegetarian roasted pumpkn or chorizo sausage version, and I can understand why.

The ingredients just blend together in balanced harmony, and I particularly liked the contrast of soft potatoes and toasted almonds.

I did expect a bigger portion though.

Somehow the pork in Australia just tasted softer without that strange aftertaste that I do get elsewhere. The Pork Belly with bacon and parsnip potato cakes on rye bread was a good-enough order, though I would have preferred the crackling to be softer.

That one dish that stroke a chord with me was surprisingly the Fried Brioche (AUD$18), as I am generally more a savoury than sweets person.

The texture of that brioche was just so fluffy like a soft pillow, and the varying ingredients of passionfruit curd, raspberry gel, lavender syrup and fresh raspberries would just pleasurably play with your taste buds with tangy-fruitiness, sweetness intertwining.

Queues aside, the personable service, chill-relaxing vibes, and a few standout brunch items make this Hardware Société quite a visit in Melbourne.

The Hardware Société Melbourne
120 Hardware Street Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 03 9078 5992
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 3:00pm (Mon – Fri), 8:00am – 3:00pm (Thurs – Fri), Last Order 2:30pm
Google Maps – The Hardware Société

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[Melbourne] ”Chin Chin, Chin Chin!” The number of people telling me to visit Chin Chin. But I can imagine why.

Chin Chin, not be confused with Singapore’s Hainanese Chicken Rice shop, is a Thai restaurant in Melbourne’s Flinders Lane with a stellar reputation for serving modern Thai food.

It has also recently opened at Sydney’s Surry Hills.

It opened in 2011 with great interest, with lines out the door from the very first day.

Since then it has appeared on major food blogs and television shows such as MasterChef. You WILL have to queue up and wait around to enter this restaurant, but many say the experience is worth it.

It is considered by many to be one of the most successful restaurants in Melbourne. They have an excellent chef (Benjamin Cooper) who has great knowledge and skill at cooking Thai cuisine.

I think what is equally important are the vibes. Super lively ambience, with almost a party-like atmosphere.

Upbeat tunes by a local Australian DJ over their Urban Intelligence sound system, quirky local art around the restaurant, with welcoming staff members.

Basically it is a sensory overload, and people love it.

One thing I must highlight… the toilet. It is unisex (with separate cubicles though), with Thai language classes playing over its audio. I was reminded of my Thai teacher while I was doing my business. 55555.

If you come in a group, you can get a selection of Chin Chin’s favourite dishes called Feed Me #1 The Classics for AUD$69.50 (SGD$74.18), or Feed Me #2 AUD$88 (SGD$93.92) Duck & Crab Feast.

A couple of Chin Chin’s highlight starters include Kingfish Sashimi with lime, chilli, coconut and Thai basil (AUD$25.50); Miang of Scallops (AUD$17.50), and Chicken and Shiitake Spring Rolls (AUD$18.50). with green chilli and mushroom soy

For rice and noodles, there are Pineapple and Egg Fried Rice with spice shredded chicken, cashew, mint and chilli (AUD$21.50), Pad Thai Noodles (AUD$26.50) and Crispy Soft Shell Crab Green Curry Fried Rice (AUD$27.50).

If you are craving for curries, choices include Rendang Curry of Wagyu Beef with cumin, coriander and toasted coconut (AUD$25.50); Butter Chicken Curry with yoghurt and green chilli (AUD$27.50); Dry Red Curry of roast pumpkin with tofu, baby corn and Thai basil (AUD$36.50) and Massaman Curry of coconut braised beef with kipfler potatoes, nuts, fried shallots (AUD$29.50).

An extensive menu, but prices are not cheap, easily AUD$21.50 (SGD $22.50) for a dish of Fried Rice.

There is also a selection of about 20 gluten free dishes.

I was recommended the Pad Seuw of Braised Wagyu Beef with Rice Noodles (AUD$26.50, SGD$27.70), possibly one of the most expensive Thai noodles I ever had.

BUT the beef was of good quality and tender with bite, well coated in dark sauce with wok-hei – The Chinese use this to describe dishes with good wok-heat, indicating a skilful chef behind the cooking.

Dessert wise, I had an Apple Jelly with Coconut Sago and Pandan Meringue (AUD$14.50, SGD$15.15) which was unfortunately too sweet for my liking.

I will probably recommend Chin Chin to friends because you cannot find Thai restaurants like this anywhere else.

You will probably have to wait in a queue for a while, so it is best to go before lunch time around 11am when they open to avoid crowds.

Chin Chin
Address: 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 8663 2000
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 11:00pm (Sun – Thu), 11:00am – 11:30pm (Fri – Sat)
http://www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au
Google Maps – Chin Chin

Chin Chin – Sydney
69 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9281 3322
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11:00pm (Mon – Sat), 11:30am – 9:00pm (Sun)

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[Melbourne] Hipsters tend to associate the word “Kinfolk” with the independent slow lifestyle magazine from Copenhagen Denmark.

However, Kinfolk Café located at Bourke Street Melbourne, is not related to the magazine.

The social enterprise café has an important cause – proceeds go to charity, and ALL the staff members are volunteers.

The baristas, kitchen staff and servers do not receive a pay, and a percentage of the profits are directed to various charitable projects. They also help with employment opportunities.

As customers, you can put a coffee bean into one of the project jars, which will help determine how the profits are distributed.

Very worthy project.

The interior has a light, artistic vibe – polished wooden floorboards and matching wooden tables, sprawling bird mural by Datsun Tran, ladder bookshelves, big windows with nice recycled wood benches and hanging lamps.

As the staff are constantly changing and come from many different backgrounds, there are always some new ideas and inspirations for the menu.

There are also night yoga and meditation classes offered during the week.

The menus for both breakfast and lunch are extensive. Good to know that everything is locally produced, including the roasting of the coffee beans.

For breakfast, some of the items include the Avocado smashed with dukkah, lime and broccolini on toasted sourdough with scammorza and poached eggs (AUD$16, SGD$16.78); Bircher which includes pina colada bircher with passionfruit and lemon balm (AUD$12, SGD$12.58); Smashing Pumpkins Toastie with pumpkin, zucchini, leek, sundried tomato, squacquerone cheese, pepitas and marjoram (AUD$13.50, SGD$14.16)

When it comes to lunch, you can look forward to the Ora King Salmon with parsnip and wasabi puree, mushroom, asparagus and kale (AUD$23, SGD$24.12); Pasta with pumpkin, sage, chili and pecorino (AUD$16, SGD$16.78); Pork Belly Baguette with cucumber, pickled jalapeno and carrot, coriander and hoisin mayo (AUD$12.50, SGD$13.11).

I will recommend the Mat-Chia (AUD$14, SGD$14.60) which will satisfy the superfood lover who adore both matcha and chia seeds.

It is a sweet dessert-like health food of cold green tea chia pudding, topped with freeze dried coconut, mango puree and fresh fruits. Very refreshing, and filling.

Otherwise, you can have your fill with other sweets such as Coconut Caramel Slice with Chocolate Ganache (AUD$6.50, SGD$6.82), or Blondie which is white chocolate brownie with free range eggs (AUD$4.50, SGD$4.72).

Have your brunch and support a worthy cause. Kinfolk Café is of short walking distance from Southern Cross Railway Station.

Kinfolk Café
673 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 0412 711 381
Opening Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun
info@kinfolk.org.au
http://kinfolk.org.au/
Google Maps – Kinfolk Café

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[Melbourne] In a country known for its exceptional coffee, Patricia Coffee Brewers was named as “The best coffee in Australia” in a Yelp survey.

Located at the corner of Little Bourke Street and Little William Street, the café may need some googling to find, but it is a gem worth the search for coffee aficionados.

The coffee shop is known to roasts its own beans and serves a very high quality, consistent cup of coffee.

However, this may not be the type of space you would sit down to enjoy a cup of cuppa, as the place is small and consistently draws crowds and queues.

You will find office workers, tourists and others crowding around the space talking to each other, leaning on the walls and sitting on the crates.

This is what happened to us, as I found myself squeezed in a corner with friends, but still found pleasure in their coffee.

The baristas and service crew were all friendly, and appeared to have a deep passion for producing the perfect cup of coffee.

It was not uncommon for customers to have conversations with the baristas.

Vibes were fun, had a bit of an Italian espresso bar influence, but it was also very laid back which is typical of the Australian lifestyle.

A menu hung in the middle and it displayed the three different types of coffee – White, Black, and Filter.

The Black Coffee went for AUD$4 (SGD$4.18), White Coffee at AUD$4.30 (SGD$4.49) and Filter Coffee at AUD$4.00 (SGD$4.18).

I ordered a White, and relished that the coffee was both smooth and moderately strong.

To me, the coffee experience is always a whole package. Perhaps I wished for more space and less chatter to enjoy it better, therefore I was more in-tuned to say Brother Baba Budan and Dukes Coffee Roasters which also serve outstanding coffee.

The Filter had brilliant depth and complex flavour. Sip it slowly and let your tongue take pleasure.

The only thing is, after drinking this, you may start missing having good coffee when you get back home.

Patricia Coffee Brewers
Corner of Little Bourke St and Little William St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 03 9642 2237
Opening Hours: 7:00am – 4:00pm (Mon – Fri)
http://www.patriciacoffee.com.au
Google Maps – Patricia Coffee Brewers

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[Melbourne] It was this cup of coffee that made me go “Man, I am going to miss Melbourne’s coffee so much.”

Australians love their coffee, and Dukes Coffee Flinders Lane makes a great (perhaps more than great) cup. I was first recommended here by a barista in Singapore.

This is the flagship store, opened by Peter Frangoulis, and this is his second café venture.

The coffee shop is known for high quality, locally roasted coffee beans to provide visitors with a superior coffee experience.

All the beans come from ethical sources and small farms/cooperatives. They can trace each batch of coffee, and also try to purchase organic grown coffee when possible.

This is in keeping with the spirit of the community owned Ross House, where this café is located.

You can probably get a taste of exotic coffee that you wouldn’t find in many other cafes, when they get special beans down.

The other special thing is that they use innovative roasting practices using the “Loring Smart Roasters” which is one of the most sophisticated and technically advanced roaster on the market. It is also very energy efficient.

The team roasts the beans locally in Melbourne daily, meant for all types of brew (espresso/filter etc). They always make sure to test each batch, adding any tweaks if necessary, before supplying the café.

This ensures a consistent cup and high quality every time. Blends are constantly changed to match the season,

Offerings include the Kono AUD$10 (SGD$10.39), Iced AUD$3.50 (SGD$3.64), Aeropress AUD$8 (SGD$8.31), and Filter AUD$3 (SGD$3.12).

For non-coffee drinks, there is the Cocoa AUD$3.50 (SGD$3.64) – mass organic chocolate Dominican Republic; variety of Teas all at $4AUD (SGD$4.16) = Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Green, Lemongrass and ginger, Peppermint,; and Genmaicha (AUD$5, SGD$5.20).

The Dukes Espresso Blend AUD$4 (SGD$4.16) is very popular.

I bought a takeaway iced to drink on the go as a quencher. This was one cup that made me stop my tracks and go, “Wow, even the iced can taste so good.”

Complex yet balanced, smooth, medium-strong. So beautiful.

At least to me, this is one of Melbourne’s best. I will book-mark Dukes as one of the first stops the next time I return to the city.

Dukes Coffee Roasters is extremely busy though due to its proximity to the CBD.

Do not be put off by the line, it moves quickly though the space can be narrow and cramped when crowded.

Do note that the signage is not that obvious, and easy to miss. A must visit for coffee lovers.

Dukes Coffee Roasters – Ross House
247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
Tel: +61 03 9417 5578
Opening Hours: 7:00am – 4:30pm (Mon – Fri), 9:00am – 5:00pm (SAT), Closed Sunday
info@dukescoffee.com.au
https://www.dukescoffee.com.au/ross-house/
Google Maps – Dukes Coffee Roasters

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[Melbourne] Many café hoppers venture to Hardware Street to The Hardware Société for its French toast and Baked Eggs, though one shouldn’t miss Hash Specialty Coffee a stone’s throw away.

The queue’s must longer at the former, but I think Hash Specialty Coffee is worth a try.

There is always that one other reason – their highly instagrammable Hot Chocolate with Fairy Floss.

Owned by Syed Mirraney and Ben Lou, the team aimed for a comfortable space, with private dining pods, a shared table, and mezzanine level.

Décor can be considered a little bit industrial and very hip, with white and black bricks at the counter, rustic style lights hanging from the ceiling, wooden tables with high chairs, hashtag light on the wall as well as some colourful artworks.

They have both indoor and outdoor seating.

So well, the crowd favourite is the Hot Chocolate (AUD7.00 SGD7.45) which is 85% Mork chocolate served with a cloud of fairy floss.

The chocolate is poured over the fairy floss, and you can watch it melt away.

To be honest, I think there is a bit of gimmicky element there, and the drink did get messy to consume when the sugary parts get all over the cup.

Hash also serves up a number of specialty dishes that use fresh local produce and toast from the Zeally Bay Organic Bakers.

Recommended items include Bircher Muesli with gluten free, dried fruit, paleo seeds, cranberries, almond milk and coconut yoghurt (AUD16.50, SGD17.57); Build Your Own Eggs served on sourdough or multigrain (AUD10.50, SGD11.18); Chorizo and Scallops (AUD20.50, SGD21.82) which has chorizo, seared scallops, white bean puree, fried egg, chilli and toasted sourdough; and Pork Benedict (AUD21.20).

For Lunch (since it is not far from the business area), there is the Beef Short Ribs (AUD23.50, SGD25.01) with house made bourbon barbeque sauce, grilled corn on the cob and onion rings; Pork and Mushroom Money Bag (AUD24 SGD, SGD24.84).

I had the Baked Eggs (AUD20, SGD20.70). While the portion seemed smaller than the average, I find that the Melbourne cafés get their brunch items right.

It came piping hot, and there were many elements within which excited the taste-buds from the peppery heat of the smoked jalapeno, pickled jalapenos which gave more depth of flavours, and chorizo for that cured saltiness.

They get their own blend of coffee specially roasted by Reverence Coffee Roasters, and the single origin range is changed every two weeks to keep things fresh.

Their Cold Brew (AUD5, SGD5.18) was excellent.

Customers in Melbourne love to try different coffees, so this is a big drawcard. And oh, they offer free sparkling water.

Hash Specialty Coffee and Roaster
113 Hardware Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 03 8529 0284
Opening Hours: 7:00am – 4:00pm (Mon – Fri), 8:00am – 4:00pm (Sat – Sun)
info@hashspecialtycoffee.com
Google Maps – Hash Specialty Coffee & Roaster

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[Melbourne] The number of cafes and bakeries in Melbourne is on a different scale compared to Singapore.

Everywhere you go, there is bound to be something in the area that stands out, from All Day Donuts, Shortstop Coffee & Donuts, Daniel’s Donuts, The Oakleigh Doughnut Company, American Doughnut Kitchen, Candied Bakery, to Bistro Morgan.

The Doughboys Doughnuts happens to stand out – in visual attraction and size, and all the inventive flavours made from scratch.

Even if you are not a sweets person, one look at these doughnuts and you may instantly feel drawn towards them.

Located in Melbourne’s Central Business District, Doughboys Doughnuts was one of the first few doughnut places to come up with inventive flavour combinations.

Some interesting flavours they offered in the past included the Apple Cider, French Toast and even a Lamington Doughnut.

Like most cafes in Melbourne, the interior is simple and classy.

You will be greeted by displays of doughnuts upon entering. Even on a weekday, there many locals buying the doughnuts to-go.

There is no specific menu for their doughnuts, but there is a display section near the cashier for you to see the available flavours for the day.

The doughnuts are carefully arranged and placed on a marble top which I found very chio – in today’s terms, instagrammable.

The flavours of the doughnuts rotate occasionally, so you will only know what flavours are available upon reaching.

The size of some doughnuts are really unbelievable. My first thought was how to fit that into my mouth?

One of the biggest struggles here is picking which flavour to try. I really wanted to try every single one because of how pretty they looked. Be prepared to say goodbye to your diet.

The cheapest doughnut costs AUD4.50 (SGD4.20) and can go up to AUD7.50 (SGD7) a piece, depending on which flavour you decide on.

Here are the flavours we tried out. From Top Left (Clockwise direction): Maple Glazed (AUD5, SGD 4.65), Banoffee Pie (AUD7, SGD6.50), Cookies and Crème (AUD6, SGD5.60), Lemon Cheesecake Meringue (AUD7.50, SGD7), PLB (AUD5.50, SGD5.10) and Sticky Caramel (AUD5.50, SGD5.10).

The most expensive doughnut was the Lemon Cheesecake Meringue (AUD7.50, SGD7) and was the biggest doughnut I have ever seen in my life. Almost like a cheeseburger.

It was a cream cheese stuffed doughnut, topped with lemon curd and toasted meringue. Visually, it looked like a cheesecake sitting on top a doughnut.

Visually, the doughnuts here all scream diabetes.

But, to my surprise, they weren’t overly sweet (compared to how they look). They were just perfect in terms of sweetness

The sourness of the lemon curd balanced the flavours nicely, hence you won’t get the ‘jelat’ (rich) feel from eating this. It was very refreshing actually.

The doughnut itself was slightly dense compared to other doughnuts. A bit more and it could pass off as bread.

Some doughnuts are too oily after frying, but the doughnuts here at Doughboys don’t leave an oily sensation in your mouth after eating.

The PLB Doughnut (AUD5.50, SGD5.10) was another one of my favourites. PLB is a lemon curd stuffed doughnut with a blueberry glaze dusted with pistachio.

I really enjoyed the blueberry glaze for this one, bursting with berry flavours and I love how the glaze cracks when biting into the doughnut.

Coupled with the fragrant pistachio, the combination of flavours was amazing.

Indoor seating is limited in this place, which is probably why most locals grab their doughnuts and go.

If you are not in a hurry, I would suggest grabbing a coffee and a doughnut while you’re here. The outdoor seating is a perfect place to do some people-watching or to take in some fresh Melbourne air.

Doughboys Doughnuts
535 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: 7am – 4:30pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 4pm (Sat), Closed Sun
Google Maps – Doughboys Doughnuts

* Written by DFD’s Café Correspondent @__sy_g. Songyu is a food and travel blogger whose hobby is uncovering hidden hipster cafes. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.