Pastries from Mali founder Patti Chimkire caught Melbourne’s attention when she began delivering cookies during the 2020 lockdowns. She is now known for her vintage-style party cakes, richly decorated with brightly colored buttercream. The pastry chef, originally from Thailand, shares her must-haves for North Vietnamese-style pho, egg salad bagels and more.

Where is your favorite place for breakfast?
Thin pho! For me, there’s nothing better than starting the day with a bowl of warm, comforting soup. They serve North Vietnamese-style pho with a much lighter broth, loaded with fresh spring onions.

How about a drink and some snacks?
Sleepy. We don’t go out for drinks often, but if we do, Sleepy’s is definitely the place we’ll go. I love their friendly atmosphere, fun wine list, and delicious snacks.

If you recommend a place for a first date, what do you say?
wax flower. This is a wonderful wine and listening bar in Brunswick with a warm and lively atmosphere. The menu changes with the seasons and everything is always impeccable. They also have an incredible wine list. I particularly like their octopus skewers and mussels, and the fish from the market is always there.

What if you had lunch on the go?
Certainly Mile End Bagels. I LOVE their egg salad and green tomatoes – on an everything bagel, of course. It never disappoints, and when we are busy delivering cakes, it is very convenient to order online and collect them.

What is your favorite ice cream parlor or ice cream parlor?
I’m obsessed with everything Luther’s scoops. I love trying different flavors every time I’m there, but Earl Gray milk chocolate and banoffee are some of my favorites. Their seasonal sorbets are also always divine.

Favorite bakery?
Rue des Fours is a true gem in Brunswick. Despite their small space, they create some of Melbourne’s best breads and pastries, all packed with flavor. My favorite is breakfast pizza, especially when it comes out of the oven!

Favorite Thai restaurant?
There have been so many amazing Thai restaurants opening in Melbourne over the last couple of years.
years, but my choice is definitely Oudom House north of Melbourne. This is such comfort food for me, especially their egg noodles. Some of their dishes are Nordic style Thai, which I love! They also serve fantastic coffee and the nostalgic ambiance reminds me so much of Chiang Mai.

Best wine bar in Melbourne??
Certainly Liberty Bar. Their wine list is probably the most interesting in Melbourne and I love that they also offer sake.

Where did you go for your last birthday?
We went to Alt Pasta Bar in the CBD this year. They serve superb Korean-inspired dishes, perfectly balanced and without excess. The oyster with herb granita was outstanding, and the Wagyu tartare with duck fat brioche is a must. The service was wonderful and they even surprised me with a tiramisu for my birthday.

The foreign restaurant you wish was in Melbourne?
It’s nothing fancy, but I still want Maisena Japanese tonkatsu restaurant. They have branches all over Asia and I really wish there was one in Melbourne. I would kill for their Kurobuta tonkatsu any day.