Where Chefs Eat: The Yuzu Almond Croissant Omnia’s KyongHo Daniel Choi Loves

Omnia sous chef KyongHo “Daniel” Choi was recently crowned the Pacific’s top young chef by a judging panel featuring Josh Niland, Rosheen Kaul, Brigitte Hafner, Jake Kellie and Brent Savage. Later this month, he’ll travel to Milan to compete against 14 rising-star chefs from around the world for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award.

Choi’s dish nods to both his South Korean heritage and Irish upbringing. “I’ve always had to balance and adapt to two distinct cultures,” he tells Broadsheet. His entry reimagines the traditional Irish staple of bacon and cabbage with Korean elements including gochujang and blood sausage pudding. “It reflects both where I come from and the culinary identity I’ve developed.”

We caught up with Choi ahead of the competition to hear where (and what) he’s been eating in Melbourne lately. Plus, where he’ll celebrate if he takes out the title.

What’s your favourite bakery?
Probably Lune. Mainly for the remarkable consistency. It’s something I, like many chefs, deeply appreciate. My go-to order includes the pain au chocolat, kouign-amann and cruffin. Lune was the first place I visited after landing in Melbourne. It absolutely lived up to the hype.

I also enjoy Bakemono in the CBD. The shio pan, blueberry danish and almond croissant are all excellent. If you’re a yuzu fan, Bakemono is definitely worth a visit. The almond croissant has a subtle touch of yuzu, which I really enjoyed.

Lastly, though it hasn’t opened yet, I’m excited about Butter Days Bakery by chef John Demetrios. As a recent Dessert Masters winner and someone I’ve had the privilege of working with at Omnia, I have no doubt that his bakery will be outstanding.

What’s your go-to breakfast spot?
I’m not usually a breakfast person, but when I do go out, I enjoy Clementine in South Melbourne. The breakfast soufflé strikes the perfect balance – light, sweet, and paired with fresh berries. The coffee is excellent, and the selection of pastries is impressive.

I also like Higher Ground , which is conveniently close to where I live. My usual orders there are the hotcakes or the spanner crab Benedict; both are consistently delicious.

What’s the best place for a drink and snacks?
I have a few favourites, but I often find myself at Katuk on Chapel Street. They offer half-price cocktails on Wednesdays, which is a great midweek treat. The toasted jaffles paired with a classic cocktail like a Margarita or the Silver Fox are simple but satisfying. The bar staff are knowledgeable and friendly, which adds to the atmosphere.

Where do you go for Korean food?
That really depends on my mood. For modern Korean, I enjoy Doju. The interior is beautiful, the service is attentive, and the cocktail list is creatively inspired by Korean flavours.

A few of my must-haves at Doju include the gochujang sourdough focaccia, a beautifully textured bread that’s evolved since the restaurant’s opening; the yukhoe on bugak featuring retired dairy cow from Lakey Farm in Sunbury, showcasing local and sustainable produce; and a rotating beef main, always complemented by exceptional house-made banchan such as macadamia ssamjang, kimchi and pickled roots. The chef Mika [Chae] has even incorporated seasonal vegetables like cime di rapa to highlight the menu’s connection to produce.

For gimbap , I head to Dong Dae Moon , especially for their crispy pork or shrimp options. When I’m craving a comforting broth, Surasang is my go-to for galbi tang, a beef rib soup that’s perfect for winter and full of deep flavour and warmth.

For a more casual all-round Korean experience, Jang Gun is my pick. The sweet and spicy fried chicken, corn cheese and bibimbap never disappoint.

Where do you recommend for a date night?
Cutler. The food is consistently excellent, the service is professional yet warm and, on Sundays, they offer a candlelit dinner, which adds a lovely romantic touch. The style is elegant and restrained, well-executed proteins, paired with simple but beautifully seasoned garnishes.

What’s the best place to eat when you’re with a big group?
For larger groups, I always recommend Korean barbeque. My favourite spot is Hwaro in the CBD. It’s reasonably priced and offers high-quality, well-marbled beef – [it’s] perfect for a relaxed but interactive dining experience.

Where can you find your favourite dessert in Melbourne?
I’ve always been drawn to puff pastry desserts — there’s something incredibly satisfying about that delicate, flaky texture. My favourite desserts in Melbourne would have to be the apple tarte tatin at Omnia, created by head chef Evin [Doherty]. In my opinion, it could easily be served in a three-star Michelin restaurant in France. And the mille-feuille at Aru , which features caramelised cheesecake, jasmine milk tea and yuzu. The acidity of the yuzu cuts through the richness beautifully.

What’s the best place to eat as a solo diner?
When I’m dining solo, I love a good bowl of ramen. My favourite spot is Hakata Gensuke , where I usually order the black garlic tonkotsu ramen. It’s quick, flavourful, and fuss-free. I’m in and out in 30 minutes with a very happy stomach.

What’s the best place for a late-night feed?
My go-to late-night spot is Fatboy’s Philly’s in the CBD. The Philly cheesesteaks are unbeatable. I always order the Rocky Balboa, which is filled with steak, onions, mushrooms, peppers and provolone cheese. I also enjoy the Biscoff milkshake and mango habanero chicken wings.

Where can you find the best bread in Melbourne?
I’m a big fan of the baguette from Cobb Lane. I usually pick one up from South Melbourne Market, along with some cheese: comté, Swiss cheese or, my personal favourite, Délice de Bourgogne. If the baguette and cheese are still left by evening, my partner is always pleasantly surprised.

Where’s the first place you’ll eat if you win the Young Chef Academy Award?
I haven’t really thought that far ahead yet, but I’d love to celebrate somewhere new and special. I’m considering Cherrywood at Residence by Robbie Noble. Robbie is an exceptional chef who’s worked in Paris and at renowned places like Vue de Monde. I haven’t had the pleasure of dining there yet, as I usually like to give new venues time to settle and find their rhythm. But after the competition, it’s high on my list.

What’s your bucket list restaurant?
I actually keep a list on my phone of all the three-Michelin-star restaurants I want to visit before I turn 40. I’m gradually making my way through it. The next three on my list are Odette in Singapore, Sezanne in Japan and Addison in the United States.