Where Chefs Eat: Time & Temp’s Manning Young and Palita Cai Say This Fish’n’Chip Spot Is Dangerous

While it might not have been the best timing, Manning Young and Palita Cai left Brisbane and moved to Melbourne in the middle of Victoria’s lockdown. Young initially moved for work and pursued a PhD, but eventually pivoted after landing a job at Proud Mary, working his way up to become a roaster. Cai, a chef by trade, found work at Falco – and fell in love with baking.

After several years the couple moved back to Brisbane, where Cai worked at Riser Bread before the pair opened their first bakery, Time & Temp, last month.

They spoke to Broadsheet about their favourite spots to eat and drink around Brisbane.

What makes the Brisbane food and drink scene unique?
Manning Young & Palita Cai: Brisbane hospitality is full of super friendly and welcoming people, but at the same time, they’re extremely passionate and good at what they do. It’s definitely more collaborative than competitive. There’s room for everyone to find their niche, even if it’s just a small selection of pastries and a batch brew. That’s a big part of the reason we ended up here.

What’s your favourite dish on your menu and why?
PC: The street corn danish. I love corn and had to find a way to get it on the menu. It’s my go-to breakfast.
MY: Our chocolate and wattleseed tart. I eat all the offcuts.

What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway?
MY & PC: Christies Too Fish & Chips. It’s a classic – and dangerously situated on our drive home from the shop.

If it’s a special occasion, where are you headed?
MY & PC: Rogue Bistro. The menu is constantly changing and we’ve never been disappointed. Easy pick!

Is there a hidden gem you think deserves more hype?
PC: West End Coffee House for authentic Thai street food and drinks. My favourite is kao tom talay, seafood rice porridge with a poached egg.

MY: General Coffee, which is a little shop just off Brunswick Street with rotating guest single [origins] and friendly owner-operators!

If you had a chef friend visiting from out of town, where would you tell them to go and why?
MY & PC: Wineism because they’ve probably got enough food recs and we want to go for a drink.

What’s your favourite kitchen appliance at home and why?
PC: Our Panasonic rice cooker. It’s always on.

MY: My modded Gaggia Classic coffee machine (when it’s not leaking). Yes, I do drink milk coffee.

@timeandtemp
@manning.young
@palita.cai