Melbourne has abundances of restaurants, cafes, and bars, but what’s missing is something in between. Yugen Tea Bar (TYB) is a myriad of concepts morphed into one to create something unique and exceptional.
The Interior
Walking in is a little bit like going into an AESOP shop. It has a clinical, refined finish, a few little cave like nooks, and still retains some gorgeous sunshine natural light. The counter and tables have slick black interior, pristine cut corners and altogether very polished.
Yet as sterile as the place may sound, it’s really the opposite. As I’m seated, a tall proud bonsai tree stares me in the face, providing an ambience that is calm and grounding. There’s an array of different teas on display for sale, gorgeous green foliage and a large sign ‘to wander on in a huge forest without the thought of return’. It’s and not what we expect from a cafe, restaurant or tea bar, yet so profound and thought-provoking,
An inspiring food offering
A succinct yet outstanding menu is unique and deliberate. Several lunch salad items include a crispy Somen noodle salad. Salted Cucumber shavings, purple rare beef strips and a fresh zesty and cleansing aromatic with Thai basil, coriander and crunch. For under 20 bucks, it’s steal as an all-round excellent dish that has acid, balance and a flavour.
Their daily sashimi plate has an array of vibrant raw kingfish tuna and salmon. quality a grade and such notable freshness, it tastes like it has been swimming in the ocean that very morning. (and PSA drinking it with a glass of elite Yarra Valley Chardonnay, or a sake, this becomes a memorable midday treat)
Their buttery toasties are made with Shokupan, a Japanese milk bread. It’s a tough choice between the Ramen egg, or a hot cooked prawn and scallop with a citrus Yuzu mayo shiso and sesame. We went the latter, and this decadently rich oozy Sanga is as mind blowing as it sounds. And seriously, there ain’t nothing like this in Melbourne or potentially the world.
The sweet affair
Despite not a crumb left behind of everything in front of us, it would be criminal not to leave without desert. A highlight at YTB, all their pastries are made inhouse and an array to choose from. Sweet but earthy the matcha cookie has bites of white chocolate chip, and a delicate green crumble, matched perfectly with a karigane green tea. Keeping it light and refined, is the calamansi cake. The unknown and underrated Asian citrus fruit has a tarty zest, and made with olive oil, to give a balanced richness. Its topped with a zigzag of mascarpone cheese for some wanted creaminess.
YTB isn’t a cafe, it isn’t a restaurant, and it isn’t a bar. It’s everything and more. If you’re looking for a daytime fix of something unique and memorable with creativity, inventiveness, and bang for your buck, this is a Melbourne must.
What we’re addicted to: A new Melbourne experience with affordable quality food and drinks.
What we need to be more addicted: Probably not recommended for our friends with dietaries (like my coeliac partner), as they’d miss out on too much of the good stuff.
Yugen Tea Bar Shop 10, 605 Chapel Street, South Yarra, Vic 3141
Mon-Fri : 7.30AM-4PM,Sat – Sun : 8AM-4PM
Photo credit: Tim Harris
