PawPaw Cafe

In the resort towns of Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam, extravagant restaurant and hotel fit-outs are par for the course.

At Pawpaw Cafe Giorgina Venzin (of the Venzin Group) has brought the same opulence into play. High ceilings, a wide open floor plan, walls bedecked with painted palm fronds and floods of natural light make the interior seem a million miles away from the surrounding hub of traffic.

The eggplant and sweet potato curry scrambled eggs is a clever variation on a local staple, while the German breakfast throws together pork belly, bratwurst and garlic naan for one of the more indulgent morning meals in town. The evening menu is a mix of creative pan-Asian dishes and traditional Thai classics.

The other ace up Pawpaw’s sleeve is CocoWhip – A low fat, vegan, organic, gluten-, dairy- and refined-sugar-free dessert that is actually kind of delicious (a bit like a light and refreshing soft serve for grown-ups). Head to the window and order from the street, or grab a cup to-go after brunch. Either way, be sure to major on the toppings.