The Hidden Gems of Melbourne’s Japanese Culinary Scene: A Personal Exploration
Melbourne’s love affair with Japanese cuisine is no secret, but what’s truly fascinating is how the city mirrors Japan’s knack for tucking away its best culinary treasures in the most unexpected places. From grungy carparks to backstreets, these hidden gems aren’t just about food—they’re about discovery, authenticity, and the thrill of finding something extraordinary where you least expect it. Personally, I think this trend speaks to a deeper cultural exchange: Melbourne’s embrace of Japanese dining isn’t just about sushi or ramen; it’s about adopting the Japanese ethos of craftsmanship, subtlety, and surprise.
The Return of a Sushi Legend: Tochi Deli’s Second Act
One thing that immediately stands out is the reopening of Tochi Deli, a sushi shop that’s become something of a local legend. After closing its Brunswick Mall kiosk, it’s resurfaced in Coburg, tucked into a mall facing a carpark. What many people don’t realize is that this move isn’t just a relocation—it’s a strategic choice. The carpark setting might seem odd, but it’s a nod to Japan’s own tradition of finding culinary brilliance in unassuming spots.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Tochi Deli maintains its essence while expanding. The menu still features grab-and-go onigiri and handrolls, but the larger kitchen allows for rotating specials like soy-simmered kingfish collar. In my opinion, this blend of consistency and innovation is what keeps loyal customers coming back while attracting new ones. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a microcosm of Melbourne’s dining scene: always evolving, yet rooted in quality.
Sake’s Moment in the Spotlight: Bar Kaeru’s Ambitious Vision
Sean Then’s Bar Kaeru is a love letter to sake, and it’s about time Melbourne had a spot like this. With over 100 sake varieties and personalized service, Then is on a mission to convert skeptics one glass at a time. What this really suggests is that sake is no longer just a niche drink—it’s becoming a centerpiece of Melbourne’s beverage culture.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the snacky menu by chef Jayden Chiang, which blends Japanese and Chinese flavors. The toasted rice panna cotta with sake foam is a standout, but it’s the upcoming bakery and tea house upstairs that has me intrigued. This raises a deeper question: Can Bar Kaeru redefine how we experience sake, pairing it with food in ways that feel both innovative and authentic?
Fusion with a Japanese Twist: Furaibou’s Bold Experiment
Furaibou is a masterclass in yoshoku—Western dishes reimagined through a Japanese lens. Owner Kenji Higuchi’s menu is a delightful mashup of Chinese, Korean, and European flavors, but the execution feels distinctly Japanese. Hamburg steak, mentaiko pasta, and pork-stuffed chicken wings? Yes, please.
What makes this particularly fascinating is Higuchi’s solo act in the kitchen. Watching him work from one of the three bar seats is like witnessing a culinary performance. In my opinion, Furaibou is more than a restaurant—it’s a statement about the fluidity of cuisine. It challenges the notion that fusion is always chaotic, proving that when done right, it can be harmonious and deeply satisfying.
Tea as the Star: Towa’s Coffee-Free Revolution
Towa is a bold departure from Melbourne’s coffee-centric culture. Co-owner Mo Zhou’s vision is simple yet revolutionary: everything, from drinks to desserts, revolves around tea. This isn’t just a cafe—it’s a manifesto. What many people don’t realize is that tea, with its complexity and versatility, can be just as captivating as coffee, if not more so.
The drinks are ambitious, pairing China’s prized miaojian green tea with sh
